Fred & Jan - #45

Happy Valentine’s Day 2020 - #45

Dear Friends and Family,

It seems impossible that we are writing our annual missive so soon.  It is truly axiomatic that “time does fly” the older we are!

We continue to greatly enjoy our children and grandchildren, along with watching their activities when possible.  Christmas is especially our favorite time to be with them. How grateful we are for the many “tender mercies” of family, friends and unexpected blessings we have received this year and throughout our lives.

In July Fred and I went to McKinney, Texas to meet with my Gesas cousins for a family reunion graciously hosted by Esther and Alan Denniston.  What a joy it was to see cousins whom I hadn’t seen for many years and to meet several of their families.  

In August we sold our home of 42 years, which was bittersweet.  After extensive remodeling for far longer than we ever imagined, we were grateful to sell it within hours of putting it on the market.  We unloaded all our accumulated goods into four storage units, which we have narrowed to two units and are working on eliminating one of those.  Truly, “less is more”. Our children are relieved they won’t have so much to go through in the future!

As we were rearranging items in storage on September 25th, Fred tried twice to shove a box up onto an 8’ shelf.  The first two times he failed. The third time he pushed with all his might and tore his right shoulder severely...pop, pop, pop!  A month later to the day, he had total shoulder replacement where they reversed the ball and socket and put artificial parts in...the bionic shoulder!  He is still engaged in intense rehabilitation with four to five times weekly physical therapy. I, in empathy, learned I have arthritis in both shoulders, so I am also seeing physical therapists, which has helped me greatly.

We hope this finds you in good health and enjoying your activities, family and friends.

Love,

Fred and Jan