Seasons Greetings

Seasons Greetings

I don’t think I have ever written an annual newsletter before. However, I do enjoy receiving them from everyone else …and because the last year has been one of the most eventful (to put it mildly) years of my life, I decided that it would be the best way to touch base with all of my friends and relatives.

This year has made me more aware than I have ever been in my entire life, how important friends and family are. Without all of your prayers, faith, and love, I am sure you know that the picture of “Lil Jesse and I at the top of this page would have never been taken. While Jesse was so ill and not expected to live …when I was so devastated by his illness that I didn’t know how to pray …all of you prayed, asked your friends to pray …believed in miracles …encouraged me every day with loving words, hugs, and gifts that made it possible for me to maintain my vigilance by his bedside for the 45 longest days of my life. I just want you to know what an important part you played in his recovery. Even the doctors who did everything humanly possible and used every possible means of modern medicine understood that without a Higher Power and the prayers of all of you, and as one doctor remarked, “a mother’s love” Jesse would not be here today. That, my dear friends and family, is the greatest gift I have ever received – your gift of love.

Also I am sure most of you are aware that Jesse Sr. and I divorced after 35 years together. Again, your support and love have encouraged me, given me strength, and made it possible for me to make decisions that have helped me to arrive at a place of great joy, peace, and happiness. None of you told me what I should do, but all of you stood by me, held my hand, and loved me while I made life altering decisions.

In June, ‘Lil Jesse and I moved to North Carolina and although I miss my Oklahoma friends, I am very happy here. I have a wonderful little 2 bedroom garden home bordering on the woods. It is in a quiet neighborhood – I am probably the noisiest one here with my Karaoke machine going full blast. I live on the end of the cul-de-sac so only the people who live here journey down our street. I feel very safe and secure. I love the trees and the town. It is wonderful being near Amber, Raymond, and Jasmine. Being able to attend Jasmine’s school events and have her spend the night occasionally is a joy I haven’t experienced before. We shop, go out to eat, and talk big-girl talk, and she thinks I am the coolest Nana in the world. ‘Lil Jesse and I are good roommates – he cooks, cleans, and is good company – yet we respect each other’s privacy. Yvette and our sweet little Bella-Dawn (a year old already) live about 3-4 hours down the road in South Carolina so I get to see them also. Bella started walking when she was 9 months old – I can’t keep up with her – she is busy, busy, busy. So precious.

Mark is in Kansas City and hopefully will move out this direction one day soon. Unfortunately, Milinda and my other grandkids live in Washington State – so far away. But love reaches all around the world and hopefully one of these days, I can visit them and get to smother them in kisses and hugs.

I have been working as a temp for BB&T – bank since July as an Administrative Assistant. It was supposed to be a 3 week job and has lasted 5 months for which I am very thankful. I learned last week that a lot of changes are being made and a position is opening up, and it seems like they are going to offer me permanent employment. That was a good Christmas gift because the unemployment rate is very high in Wilson County and I was concerned -- unfortunately I need to work!

I do some Reiki work in the evenings at Amber’s office. Hopefully that will continue to develop and someday I will be able to practice Reiki full time.

If any of you ever journey to the East Coast, please come see me. I would love to see each and every one of you. You are always welcome.

Remember, my dear friends and family, although miles may separate us physically, you are always in my heart and in my thoughts. May you always know that God’s love is ever present in your lives – I know it’s true because I felt that love manifested in your care and concern this past year.

Blessings,

Ilene