Fae Perkins

Heaven gained an angel a couple of weeks ago.  Fae Perkins got her heavenly wings and was greeted by Jesus as she entered into heaven.  She made such an impact on so many lives during her tenure here on earth.  She was an avid church worker in so many areas. 

She touched my life when she was a GA leader so many years ago.  I will never forget the many lessons on missions she shared with so many young women through the Girls in Action program.

The other great skill that was often shared was the preparation of meals at the church for a family having a funeral.  During my time as a stay at home Mom, I was blessed to be placed on a “cooking" committee with Miss Fae, Miss Evelyn, and Miss Margie.  I was taught the art of cooking not only for the masses but making sure food was delicious.  I give Miss Fae credit for teaching me to make the best green beans ever from a can.  She could take anything in the cabinet and make it “homemade”.  What a joy and delight to have spent time with these amazing Christian cooks in the church kitchen.

I learned a lot more than just cooking from those wonderful women.  I learned about a servant’s heart. Fae Perkins had a true servant’s heart.  She was always willing to give of herself, her time and her talents to show Christ’s love through her loving spirit.  In teaching me literally how to make green beans to feed 25 people, she also taught me to how important it is to be an example of compassion, kindness, and generosity. 

I will be forever grateful for the time I spent with Fae Perkins.   

The Bonds of Friendship

Every year in January, five beautiful young ladies gather for the Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo.  Each may or may not bring her "feller".  A companion can be a daughter, son, or sister.  But it happens every year like clockwork.

As the group makes their way to the rodeo, many great memories are rehashed, new ones made and stories of the past revisited.  It has been over 46 years since these bonds of friendship formed.  There are many memories of childhood, dating, marriage, babies, grand babies, death, and disaster.  But whether the memories are good  or bad, happy or sad, old or new, the bond among these five remains strong.  

This group together can withstand anything. It doesn't matter what the tragedy, the celebration or the incidental action, the five stand undivided.  Their bond is beyond strong, woven together with the toughest of fibers, and yet at times stretched to the thinnest of thin with the demands that are put forth on them.  No matter the test, the bond holds true.

You may not like one of them, two of them or all of them, but they are a package deal.  If you make an enemy of one, you make an enemy of all.  Their loyalty is fierce, their love for each other surpasses the tallest building, and their zaniness hits an all time high when in the same vicinity.  

They may go days or weeks without seeing or speaking to each one individually or as a group.  They may play phone tag at all hours.  They may drive within 5 miles of each other with no time permitted for a meeting.  Regardless of the space or distance, this group is tight.

They are my sweet dear friends.   They are Ya Ya's, Yum Yum's, and the Cashmere Mafia.  They have seen me at my best, and supported me at my worst.  They are frightfully honest, unwaveringly open, and not afraid to tackle any conversation.   I am blessed to have them in my life.  Thanks for the memories.  Looking forward to many more!

In honor of Amy, Carla, Dana and Gayla!  

Anniversary

Nine years ago today, Amy and I were getting up and getting ready to head to the hair stylist to get some pretty flowers in my hair.  Gayla and Dana were on their way to "make me up".  Mom was fussing about making sure everyone had everything they needed.  Daddy and Jake had gone off with Ray to a pawn shop and then to lunch.  That's right.......that's how my wedding day started.

As the day progressed, various little issues arose.  Jake had to sew me into my wedding dress. The girls fixed me a great garter with something old, something new, something borrowed and something blue.  Carla was checking in from D.C. all day.  The reception area was made ready at the Country Club.  I was still not sure that marriage was the right path, but I knew Ray Crass was the right man.

So, I did it.  I married Ray Crass.  It was one of the best decisions I've ever made in my life.  He is the rock that keeps me steady.  He is the calm in the storm.  He makes me laugh and makes me feel like I am truly a queen.  The last nine years have been quite a ride.  We've traveled the world, but love our home most of all.  We've enjoyed some of the finest dining around, but still love a hot dog or Frito chili pie.  We've weathered illness, death, and tragedy.  We've celebrated births, birthdays, and weddings.  But no matter what, we will stay together until death parts us.  

Blessed today is all I can say!