Friends who are family ...

We have dear friends who live down in Raleigh-wood.  We used to live across the street from each other right after Rick and I married, when Kotch and Brickhead were in grade school as were our neighbor's older boys ... we had boy-babies within 6-weeks of each other, when I was in Austria having BamBam, she was in the States having her first girl ...

Well a few babies since (three more girls for her) and we're all still very close.  In September, we were privileged to be able to stay with them and last night I received a couple of pictures from that wonderful weekend (John, I guess you finally cleared the camera queue, huh?) ...

 My BamBam is in the orange shirt, his brother Lego Maniac just behind and StringBean is the big girl with the baby laying all over her. 

 This is how the girls ended up sleeping each night!

It's particularly wonderful that I had a reason to post about this dear family today ... since the Mama Bear is celebrating her birthday today!  Happiest of Birthdays to our dear friend -- that family of yours better treat you right ... we love you and pray for y'all daily.

The best laid plans of mice and men ...

Well, the plan WAS to leave Friday morning ... heading south to Raleigh ... to surprise big sister Sarah and watch her play volleyball in the NCState Tournament.  As we were heading out, we decided to call said sister and let her know our plans. 

We then found out that our 6-0 senior at Georgia Southern had dislocated her shoulder and wouldn't be playing ... but she would be in Raleigh with the team ... she just wouldn't be playing.  Which actually worked out better (isn't God good?) as we were able to see her and visit with her a bit (we probably would have only seen her playing and then a quick hug after the matches if she had played!).

We also had the wonderful chance to spend time with our old friends in Raleigh (who so generously allowed us to spend the weekend with them!) .... they knew Sarah when she was just a little kid when we all lived in the same neighborhood over 10 years ago. 

... and I got to a knitting shop in Raleigh that wasn't there when we lived in the City of Oaks ...

a wonderful trip all 'round (except GSU didn't win any of their matches except for the one we DIDN'T see!)

Sarah is great seeing you ... and spending time with you ... we'll see you at the SoCon in Boone in November!

Prayers, please for a dear priest ....

Here's the final update ...

Dear Friends in Christ:


It is my sad duty to announce that my close, personal friend of 44 years, Rev. James G. Dull, passed to his eternal reward on Friday, December 11, 2009 at 4:10 p.m. in Rex Hospital, Raleigh, NC following a ten day coma from which he never awakened. His passing was preceded by a prayer vigil during which his life sustaining systems were removed. Bishop Burbidge, Monsignor David Brockman, Vicar General, and four other brother priests, along with his brother and sister participated. He looked serene and happy, and was beloved by everyone who knew him. Please remember him in your prayers. God bless you.


Sincerely yours in Christ,


Father Sal Busichio

This is such a sad thing ... Fr. Jim was a wonderful man, dedicated to being a good priest.  Prayers for all his family and friends.

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I got this email today ....

It is with sadness of heart that I inform you that my loyal, devoted friend of 44 years, Father James G. Dull, is very close to death. He is resting comfortably at Rex Hospital, Raleith, NC, where he has been in a coma since Sunday, November 28, 2009, resulting from a rare bacterial infection which caused bacterial meningitis that spread swiftly to his brain and spinal cords. Father Jim has been given the best of care by the excellent staff at Rex, and everything which could have been done to cure his infection was done. Unfortunately, the brain was damaged to the extent that he is on the verge of brain death. Bishop Burbidge, Monsignor David Brockman (the Vicar General) and the entire medical staff will arrange that his passing is done in the presence of his family members (two brothers and one sister), the Bishop and Vicar General, and me. Please keep him--and us--in your prayers.

Please pray for this wonderful priest ... that his death be a holy one ... and for those who love him!