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Hi Everyone, Mission accomplished. The estate sale is over. A lot sold and a lot didn’t sell. There are no words to describe how much stuff was in my parents house. In a single-word: titanic. Mom and Dad’s house had a titanic amount of stuff in it. Mom never threw anything away. The amount of stuff that had to get out by the closing date (which sprung up suddenly) was incomprehensible. I had three days to empty the home that held childhood memories and my parent’s possessions. Weeks before the estate sale, I’d moved a lot out of the house and into storage. I’d also disposed of riff raff, gave things away and of course the estate sale thinned the contents down. Yet, still, there was something in every room, closet, drawer, cubby, corner, crevice, you name it. A dent was in the mass…but only a dent. The hard/perplexing part was that the majority of what was left wasn’t junk. But because of the rushed timeframe it was destined to be treated as such, sadly. A charity was scheduled to come on Wednesday (the estate sale ended on Sunday). How lovely. All that is left will go to charity. It will all get a forever home. Not. I didn’t realize that everything had to be packed. Charity wouldn’t come in and “clear the contents out.” There was no way I could purchase packing supplies and pack the amount of stuff that was left in less than 48 hours. On Tuesday, because it was raining, I was able to get my yard man (Cornelio) to haul away as much as he could cram in his truck and trailer. Thank you, God, for making it rain Tuesday! And, thank you for Cornelio too. But even though Cornelio had a big truck with a big trailer attached, a lot of the things just wouldn’t fit. No way Jose. On Wednesday nothing happened. I had a blessed day off. On Thursday (inspection day!), Dirty Deeds Junk Removal showed up and hauled away two truck loads to the dump. They had to come back the next day because there was more that wouldn’t fit in the second load. Various other people stopped by to browse what remained and take what suited them, too. Mom’s beloved car was given away as well. Thursday was an especially sad day because what was being hauled away wasn’t “junk” (well, some was) but it was on its way to the dump, regardless. The walk-thru inspection was at 6 p.m. The stuff, junk, items, things, whatever you want to call them had to go…or risk buyer pushback. I asked the junk removal workers to please take home whatever they could or give things to someone that could use them. I also put as much of the dump bound things into the back of my car and took them to Good Will myself so that they wouldn’t meet a dump demise (lamps, pictures, kitchenware, tools, etc.). All of my dad’s mounted antlers and an antelope head sold in the estate sale. They were hot items. Many people admired Papa’s hunting trophies. Diana gave a huge mounted skull a forever home. We’re not sure what the skull is from. Something big is all we know. I also have a few of his antlers. In a final junk heap on the front lawn there was a big box of more antlers. The crew had pulled them out of a deep, back closet. A pair with a skull and teeth all intact was quite impressive. One of the guys was smitten with it. He gave it a good home. I couldn’t believe my mom saved this record player all these years. I also found her old typewriter, another record player, an old slide projector, thousands of photos, old letters, newspaper articles, keepsakes of my grandmother and so much more. I found a forever home for the record player circled today! The amount was vast and the meaning immense. If you don’t believe that mom never threw anything away…check these shoes out. Granted they were in the garage but still… As the junk removal men were cramming their truck with the last of my childhood memories, a cleaning crew swept in around 2 p.m. At 6:10 p.m. they were still there when the buyer’s agent showed up to do the inspection. I thank God for the people that came through and helped get this enormous job done in a short amount of time. Atlanta Home Movers was also on site that day. They are a great team! The massive job got done with a lot of amazing people who came together and helped. My dear husband was also on deck and I couldn’t have done it without him. I made a lot of new friends and recommend all of them (check out the shared links). At the end of the day (literally) the house was emptied and passed the white glove test (literally). Thank you for reading! Love, Shelley May the God of hope fill you iwth all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that ytou may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit:Romans 15:13

Have you ever cleaned out childhood memories from your deceased parent’s home? Did you struggle knowing what to save and what to leave behind? Was it a titanic task (large furniture pieces) or a small, albeit, meaningful chore? Were there aches and pain regrets of abandoned items that you just had to leave behind? Hi Everyone: I’m in the process of cleaning out my parent’s home. There are years and years of stuff. Good stuff, not junk. Death of friends and family is no fun. Cleaning up and out of mom and dad’s possessions has been a giant journey. Our estate sale ended yesterday. It lasted for three days. I didn’t swing by the sale a single time. I go over today to see what is left to mull over. I’m sad and scared thinking about what I will (or won’t!) find. There were so many photos you wouldn’t believe it. I know I’ve said that before but, seriously, ask my family how many snapshots and slides I inspected. Without question mom was a zealous photographer. The strange thing is, her nickname could easily have been Frugal Fran. Mom did not spend money frivolously. But boy she didn’t hesitate to part with pennies on photo processing. I’m so glad that was the case because memory after memory is brought to life by the amount of photos she snapped over 92+ year’s time. When estate sale stagers discovered yet more photographs that I had missed, I told them that I didn’t want to take any more cards, letters or photos. “Get rid of them,” I said. But when I arrived at the house the next day after they staged, guess what I found? They had put aside another [large] box of photos. And sure enough, I acquiesced and took yet another mass of memories home to sift through. Life is so very short. Jeff says we’re all basically “farts in the wind.” That’s about the best analogy I’ve ever heard. What do you think? Who among us regards themself as more than a fart in the wind? Cleaning out and going through Papa and Gam’s stuff has been a monumental task for my whole family. Thankfully, there’s light at the end of the tunnel. Glancing around my office, that statement is hard to believe. There is still a lot of sorting to accomplish. But, in a few short hours I will find out what was orphaned at their house and decide if I want to bring that home too, for memory's sake. Why write all this? Will anyone read it? Will anyone care? Jeff and I judged a homeschool speech/debate tournament last week. One of the speeches was about the benefits of journaling. The young girl who spoke gave a compelling speech of proven reasons how journaling helps relieve stress, fear and anxiety. Have you ever tried journaling for those reasons? Making friends on common ground, like journaling, is a favorite life-goal-forever aspiration of mine. I’d love to hear from you. Thank you for reading! Love, Shelley

Happy New Year Y'all! 2023 Resolutions anyone? Lose weight? “Losing weight” is my least favorite resolution of all time. I make a point to be extra calorie-conscious during Christmas. Packing on pounds is just too unappealing for moi. Saying no-no-no to sugary sweets avoids girth expansion. I have no desire to buy a new wardrobe and/or starve myself in 2023. Moderation is this girl’s mode of meal-maintenance. However, over the holidays Jeff and I packed on a lot of heavy stuff in our house due to acquiring some of mom’s things. Saying no to memories of mom was hard to do. As a result, our westside cottage-bungalow either needs to go on a purge diet or we need to buy our bungalow some new walls in 2023. Think: Tear this sucker down and make room for not only our stuff but mom’s [orphaned] things too or cease to fit inside. And that’s not our only residential adventure in 2023 so far. We faced a huge fear on vacation recently: We stayed somewhere other than a 5-star hotel We rented an AirBNB. Renting an AirBNB sounded like camping to me. I was scared. No concierge? No daily clean up? No direct line to the spa? No room switch if something wasn’t just so? Don’t laugh! Okay, maybe glamping is more accurate than camping. Granted, we did know prior to arrival that we’d have an ocean view and that was comforting. And boy did we have a view. The fifth floor that the unit was on provided a perfect perspective of the Atlantic ocean from two bedrooms, the living/dining area and even while cooking in the kitchen. We absolutely loved renting on the beach, at least in this place we did. Who knew? Expanding our residential girth to the east coast line has become a feasible reality since glamping in an air bnb. Funny thing is, we didn’t even miss the 5-star perks. Albeit a cleaning service would have been missed if we stayed much longer. But living in a rental vs. staying in a bubble appealed to us indeed. Moving is a big undertaking just like losing weight. But when your clothes no longer fit you really have no choice. We are bursting at the seams (walls and ceiling that is) and pretty much have no choice. I don’t have a problem giving up food calories but giving up mom-memorabilia excess is just too great a craving to sacrifice. If the Lord wills it, expanding our residential girth in ATL will materialize, like it or not, due to our growing goods. And hopefully the beach will become a regular, guilty pleasure too. We must have a party to celebrate when all comes to fruition? Celebrate extra space between walls not clothing with us in 2023… Thank you for reading! Love, Shelley

Dear God, It’s me again. Don’t worry, I’ll be brief. How’s mom doing? I received word in a dream that she arrived safely, but I haven’t heard a peep since. That was a long time ago. Five weeks to the day. I know, I know, be patient. I’m trying. The problem is I’m not doing a very good job with even the thought of patience. Of course, I’ve read and reread Colossians 1:10-11: "We're praying this so that you can live lives that are worthy of the Lord and pleasing to him in every way: by producing fruit in every good work and growing in the knowledge of God; by being strengthened through his glorious might so that you endure everything and have patience." I do love that verse and, yes, reading it over and over does help. Not that you want to know, but bewilderment of her absence is why waiting patiently is so difficult, so confusing. I remember reading somewhere in the bible to praise you for difficult times too, not just happy times. Well, another reason I’m writing is to tell you that I’m doing that. Have you received the gratitude that I sent up just a short while ago? I thanked you specifically for the sore void of her absence? I’m sure it takes a minute to reach you. All us sinners down here can barely imagine how busy you are these days. There’s a lot going on for sure. (Sorry about all that.) God, if you could just let me know that she is okay it would stop the faucet in both my eyeballs and I would be so, so grateful? Is she free from: Pain? Fear? Betrayal? Denial? Loneliness? Does she miss laughing and entertaining family and friends? Or is she carrying on with all that at heavenly parties? Gosh, God, I just miss her so much. Please do tell her that I and many others miss her dearly. I know there’s nothing I can do in return for you because He did everything for me/us. But be sure I’ll do my best to act justly, love mercy and walk humbly. I’m sorry that my best sucks a lot of the time. Oh, and thank you so very much for letting Jeff and I be the last to hug, kiss and say good-bye to mom. I thank and praise you for that beyond comprehension. Waiting patiently, Shelley Thank you for reading! Love, Shelley

Promoted to heaven forever and ever.

A worldwide beloved Queen passed in 2022, and so did the queen of my family's small world: mom, Diane. Pain and void run deep but there is so much to be thankful for I'm blown away. Let Thanksgiving begin today, tomorrow and forever more! The first person I would like to thank is: Ms. Barbara Karnes, RN. If you're not familiar with Ms. Karnes, she is an internationally respected author and educator on all things pertaining to end of life. She wrote the little blue book, Gone From My Sight. Hospice and caregivers often share it. We're all going to die one day. Ms. Karnes is a wealth of experience, knowledge and gentle understanding of the dying process. She teaches about the beauty and naturalness of dying. Like childbirth, there are many aspects that are routine for all of us. Her books, podcasts, videos, blogs, etc. are a soothing, honest, private route to learning about death. She helps make dying pleasant, natural --unscary-- by knowing what to look for and what to expect. The second person I am eternally grateful to is: Mom! For the past year mom was declining. There were so many things I hoped and prayed would or wouldn't happen but one thing lead the charge: More than anything else, I hoped and prayed to not get a call from a stranger in the night telling me that, they were very sorry, but Mrs. Corkill was no longer with us. Please God, anything but that. The last few days of mom's life were wonderful. We hugged, kissed and reminded each other how much we loved the other so much so that doubting it was spiritually impossible. I love(d) her and she love(d) me. End of story. I read psalms and bible verses to her from her bible. Calm music played by her bedside. Daystar was on the television, muted. I asked mom to visit me often when she got to heaven, to show me signs however she chose. I texted my dear cousins and told them their aunt was slipping from this world (I saw signs that I learned from Ms. Karnes). Then...I crawled into the tiny hospice bed (thank you Jinny) like a hand slips into a snug glove. How could I fit in that teensy bed? Powers that be stopped feeding mom just a few days prior. I stopped eating too. I held her lifeless hand under the covers and wept. Savanna stopped by that same afternoon, anguished. We left mom's side together. Later that evening Jeff and I returned as we always did. Her nighttime caregiver left us alone and I crawled back into bed with her. There was organic comfort in laying beside her. When it came time to leave I told her we'd be back tomorrow. Jeff held her hand, kissed her head, said I love you and told her good bye. She began to respond! Jeff went back to the other side and sat down. Her eyes opened, she leaned forward, then rested. I knew she was gone 100% from what I had learned from Ms. Karnes. But I was in disbelief. Part of me was so very happy. She had said goodbye to Jeff and me. There would be no call in the night. The Jewish Home was quiet, only a nurse distant in the hallway. I said to Jeff, "I think she just took her last breath." Jeff gently rested his big hand on her little chest and said, "I think you're right." It. Was. Beautiful. No more pain. Perfection. I was so happy. The third thank you goes to: Everyone who sent texts, cards, emails, phone calls, flowers, food, gifts, visited, attended, etc. Everyone at HM Patterson Funeral Home My Family for their help in planning the memorial and courageously speaking about their beloved mother-in-law and grandmother Those who travelled to honor their aunt, friend, sister-in-law Ernesto, Kym and Melissa for their kind, loving words honoring Diane Church of the Apostles (Jeremy, Lauren and Zack), and GOD! Thank you, thank you for the beautiful good-bye and memorial Jeff, Savanna, Diana and I had no idea what to expect from mom (and papa's) memorial. Both of their urns were displayed in a floral infinity ring. Unfortunately, there is no photo of the santuary during service. I wish there was and I also wish the music could be shared: It Is Well With My Soul, Abide With Me, and When The Saints Go Marching In (both papa and Gam wanted When The Saints song for their memorial and It Is Well was a favorite of Papa's). The presence of support and kind words from so many is and was humbling. Rev. Zack's beautiful sermon along with Jeremy and Lauren's heavenly voices leave me speechless. Both mom and dad would be humbled and thankful for the love and professionalism of all (HM Patterson included). Our queen has passed and been promoted with her husband of 68 years. Thanks be to God above all. May he bless all those that expressed condolences and either loved mom or expressed it through supporting my family. I send all the love and support back to each of you! When something went really, really well mom would often say: It was perfect! I can hear her saying that now. Perfection. Thank you for reading! Love, Shelley To see photos shared during the memorial click Here

This past weekend I/we celebrated a dear niece [in-law], Lyndsay’s, wedding event. What a welcome diversion from otherwise not-so-celebratory days. Jeff, Savanna, Diana and I are all over-the-moon with happiness for Lyndsay’s marriage to Eric! The weekend's cheerfulness began with a Friday night rehearsal dinner at Park Tavern on Piedmont (the same place where Sav and Joe’s wedding weekend launched). Coincidentally, Park Tavern is located yards from where I first met Lyndsay. Jeff lived on the park in the late ‘80s (he and his friends enjoyed the convenience of a vast field outside their front door for fun and games, i.e. aerobie-frisbee throwing). I’ve known Lyndsay since she was three-years-old and remember the first time I met her like it was yesterday. I’d barely known her five minutes before she walked over and hugged my leg. Her eyes were bright blue with thick, black eyelashes framing them. Her long, dark hair was sleek and silky. She embodied the little girl I always dreamed of having. Please Lord may I have one…or two…or three…just like her… After meeting Lyndsay at three-years-old, I watched her grow into a beautiful, smart young lady. Among many academic accolades, Lyndsay was cheerleading captain and homecoming queen in high school. Cheerleading captain and homecoming queen stood out for me as I remember how difficult it was to achieve those. [Note: I did not achieve them.] I’m disappointed that a photo of homecoming night where the whole family stood with Lyndsay on the football field can’t be located. In addition to looking gorgeous, I recall her being remarkably humble, void of arrogance. Students could be heard saying I voted for you. Many were staring at her in awe, like me. From a high school standout, Lyndsay went on to enter the “The Institute” (a/k/a Georgia Tech). She “got out” (as they say) with a degree in material science engineering. Flash forward a few years. Not long ago, at an anniversary party for Lyndsay’s parents we met Eric for the first time. I liked him from that first encounter. He was genuine, congenial, handsome, smart. But more importantly, there was an apparent aire that Eric was smitten with our Lyndsay. Could this be the one… Lyndsay, we are so very proud of you and so very happy for both you and Eric. Thank you for embodying strength, courage, intelligence and beauty over the years. You bring a lot of love and pride to the whole family! And thank you (and God!) for the perfect timing of joyful celebration. How nice it has been to cry for happiness vs. sadness. God Bless you and your future family! Thank you for reading. Love, Shelley “The kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who gave a wedding feast for his son” ~ Matthew: 22:2

Hi Friends, I hope you are all happy, healthy and pain-free. If you have a little pain here and there, I hope it’s not too dreadful. I hope it’s the kind of pain that you know deep down in your heart will turn into joy before long. Last Friday night, Jeff and I stopped by the Jewish Home to tuck mom in. Her dinner plate sat outside her room on the kitchen counter, 90% gone. Ninety percent! I was so happy. She had been eating well throughout the day but occasionally if she enjoyed a big breakfast (oatmeal, eggs), she’d likely not eat much lunch (which was the case on this day). Well, oh my, she was hungry when dinner arrived last Friday. **Warning** -- An abrupt, about face occurs -- Flash forward to Sunday afternoon, less than 48 hours later. Jeff and I enjoyed an afternoon at Ansley Golf Club. Pickleball, socializing, lunch, shower, the whole weekend drill. ---Suddenly, I received news that mom’s "medication would change, she’d stop receiving food and she’d cross in a day or two."-- Whoa? Hospice doesn’t help people live. They help people die. Some people get out of hospice. I hoped for that. Now I hope for mom to go home to eternal life, with Jesus. A couple days ago mom asked if I’d bring her something from the restaurant Jeff and I were going to. I’ve heard when people are dying they often ask for a favorite food. Restaurant food has been mom’s favorite for quite some time. Until her recent fall(s), she’d been making three meals a day, on her own, for five years. That’s a lot of cooking in your 30s…but late 80s - 90s!? I’m so unbelievably blessed to have these last days, weeks, hours with our Gam! The process is as incredible as giving birth. Some out of the ordinary things she has said lately are: I hope I fit in here I don’t know if I’ll be in the group I want to see my mother I miss Lesley, I feel badly I was asleep when she left, tell her that I want to watch you play pickleball Time spent together in October '22 surpasses all other. Mom's thin and frail but her fight is still fierce. She loves to hold hands. Another funny thing she said recently was, “I guess I can just sleep right here.” I’m sad because I don’t want to lose her. But at the same time I know how lucky Jeff, Savanna, Diana and I are to have had her near us for 20 years. The girls adore her and she adores them. But, for now, I look forward to giving her water, moisturizing her lips, wiping her feet with a cool cloth and putting lavender moisturizer on them, tomorrow. Tomorrow is a gift. Not a guarantee. I look forward to helping her ease her pain (mental, emotional and physical). And helping her hang on another day, before being promoted to eternal joy with Jesus. Thank you for reading! Love, Shelley “He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away." Romans 8:18

I want to curl up in bed beside mom holding her warm, weak hand in mine, feeling her bones hanging on for dear life. She wouldn’t mind me doing that. She’s happy when I visit her twice, maybe three, and even four times a day. “I’m glad you’re here.” “What are you doing today?” “What have you been doing today?” she asks. Diane is doing well, relatively speaking. She has a 12-hour personal aide by her side, every day now. The addition of daily aides has made a world of difference in her comfort care. You may recall that over the last couple weeks she was repeatedly undressing, needing to be redressed by myself and aides? She was always redressed in the same ‘ol hospital gown. Well, her very first 12-hour aide suggested I get her clothes to wear every day. What? Providing clothes for her sounded simple yet bewildering. Mom had been undressing simply because she wanted to get dressed in the morning like everyone else. She wanted to get out of the flimsy, open-backed hospital gown that she’d been wearing for weeks. She wasn’t undressing because she was disoriented or “out of it”. Diane wanted to be comfortable, and to “fit in” (her words). She wanted a warm soft top covering her back, neck and arms. Well, she now has a spiffy wardrobe hanging in her closet: flannels, plaids, pretty pinks, creams, denim, anything she wants. Every evening mom is changed into a night garment and in the morning she is dressed in a nice top. Her wardrobe is cozy and enviable. She has not attempted to undress herself a single time since couture enhancements arrived. I felt kind of silly and neglectful not realizing she may have a desire to dress daily. I figured the staff needed her to be in a hospital gown for medical-care reasons. Nope. They don’t. They can work around every day, regular clothing (she mostly only wears tops). The first time mom felt a warm, pink, flannel, button-up shirt around her shoulders, back and arms she looked relieved, comforted and plain happy. Ugh, thank you Margaret from Eckstein Home Care for suggesting (earnestly) that I provide Diane with a proper wardrobe. Who knew a private aide could/would add so much to the quality of Diane’s comfort on the very first visit. In addition to a wardrobe re-entering her life, mom received a shower for the first time in a long time a couple days ago. Of course she’s kept very clean, but a shower! Epic. That shower got her out of the room for the first time in three weeks. Journeying from her room to the shower room was the mother of all field trips. Relief and happiness spread across her face when I visited that evening. I asked her if she felt better after the shower. She stared at me and nodded yes. There’s more! A proper wheelchair was located recently which means if she’s up to it she’ll be getting out of the room again. Or at least positioned in something other than the bed. Of course, there’s good and bad to everything. Diane’s wounds are still present. The wound on the back of her head didn’t heal properly and has re-emerged. A team of medical professionals are tending to that wound as well as another one on her back. Mom’s body is terribly frail and fading. Please pray for strength for her to help fight the wounds. Mom has always liked to put off washing her hair. Please pray I can convince her to get her scalp properly cleansed and massaged during her next shower. As we gradually decline our personalities stay intact. Diane continues to exude her humorous, engaging, people-loving self. The staff at The Jewish Home adore her and she adores all of them. Albeit nobody enjoys time with mom more than myself and my immediate family. We are blessed to the nth degree to have the great fortune of touching her, talking to her, kissing her, hugging her…caring for her… (Photo: Mom is blessed to have a caring, generous, trustful, loving son-in-law who has done so much for her over the past 20 years of living in Atlanta. She loves him and he also loves her. Unfortunately, this photo was taken right before her wardrobe arrival.) Thank you for reading! Love, Shelley

Hi Everyone, I can’t believe this photo was taken just over a month ago. Triangle Park had our dear Gam out on the town enjoying fine Italian cuisine at Carbonar Tratorria. Our queen is not doing well. Shortly after this dinner, mom struggled to fight an infection that had been brewing and thriving, unbeknownst to her. The infection and subsequent weakening of her body contributed to three falls which resulted in more complications that subsequently cascaded into reasons why she remains in the hospital today*. Savanna and Diana have been blessed to grow up by their beloved grandmother. Gam helped raise them. She’s always been an important part of their lives, providing companionship, humor, and stories of her past. Years ago, Savanna wrote a book, My Gramma, for a challenge class. Savanna interviewed Gam with specific categories: Childhood - “Diane Corkill was born on December 27, 1929, in Holland, Michigan. Her father, Donald Dickinson, was born in Fennville, Michigan. Her mother, Thelma Cullum, was born in Nashville, Tennessee. Gramma’s parents raised two boys and one girl in Fennville, Michigan. Gramma was named after Diane from the movie 7th Heaven.” Toys and games - “One of her favorites was her baby doll. It wore a pink dress and white booties. Another one of her toys was her roller skates. She loved to roller skate on the sidewalk. Gramma and her friends would always play a game called bounce out. They would play it with a small rubber ball.” Food and Meal Time - “Gramma always had a large group of people come to her house for dinner. They would eat different kinds of casseroles and vegetables. She would drink milk with her meals. Gramma loved to make cakes from scratch. Her favorite was white cake with coconut frosting. She also made delicious fudge. Sometimes she would make it into hearts.” Greatest Accomplishment & Treasured Memory - “Gramma’s greatest accomplishment was raising three children: Brad, Lesley and Shelley. Her most treasured memory was having her children. The dates of her children’s births were June 7, 1951, September 3, 1954 and March 14, 1962, which is my mom’s birthday. Gramma loves her children very much.” There’s more: Mom and Dad Taught Me School Experiences - Chores and Home Remedies Entertainment and Dating - “My Gramma loved to read magazines. Her favorite was Life Magazine. She also loved to listen to the radio. Every Friday night and Sunday afternoon Gramma and her friends went to the ten-cent movie theatre. On dates, she would go to school dances. She would wear a skirt and a sweater to the dances. To school, she would wear dresses, skirts and sweaters.” Holidays and Vacations Marriage - Greatest Influence Humorous Incident Old Fashion Things She Still Likes I don't want your attention span to wane so I left out some descriptions. But if you're a big Queen Diane fan (she has a lot), shoutout and I'll fill you in on the deets. Praying we have more memories to add to the many good times over the past 20+ years of her living in the ATL. Thank you to those who have enjoyed reading about our queen in this blog. Diane loves people and has always loved entertaining. Thank you for reading! Love, Shelley Our earthly bodies become weary as we age, and you may also notice aches or pains. Take comfort in knowing the Lord shall renew your strength, according to Isaiah 40:31. "Then they'll soar on wings like eagles; they'll run and not grow weary; they'll walk and not grow tired *She was discharged from the hospital and is resting comfortably at the Bremen Jewish Home.

Hi Friends, Remember this pitiful guy, Finn: Finn was nursed back to health with love, compassion and medical care at Red Clay Ranch Equine Rescue and Sanctuary. He is now living his best life with his girlfriend, Meg: Maybe you remember the Mane Event in a blog a while back? The Mane Event is Red Clay Ranch’s primary fundraiser. If it wasn't for fellow horse lovers and those who appreciate what horses do on so many levels thousands of horses with a lot left to give humans would be disregarded, left for dead. The Mane Event 2022 took place last Friday, September 9 at Cherokee Town and Country Club. This year was extra special for Jeff and me because we had two tables which allowed us to invite friends. Like any event-planning we were hopeful and [a little anxious] for our invitees to be enthusiastic for the cause that we hold near and dear: saving horses. We also just wanted to see our long-time friends and introduce them to horse rescue -- while enjoying a swanky venue with yummy food and drink: Cherokee Town Club. The author of Joey, Jennifer Marshall Bleakley, was the guest speaker. Ms. Bleakley spoke of success stories about rescue horses helping children and adults with disabilities. The amount of disabilities that horses help with is mind-boggling: autism, substance abuse, multiple sclerosis, PTSD, amputation, developmental disorders, spinal cord injury, brain trauma and injury, visual and hearing impairment, emotional and learning disorders, anxiety…the list is vast. And all of that is before getting to how they help with muscle and physical therapy issues: balance, posture, motor coordination, self-confidence, self-esteem. And above all: unconditional LOVE! One of Ms. Bleakley’s stories was about a young Afghanistani girl who escaped human trafficking. While visiting a seemingly average, normal horse, the young girl said, “that horse is very tired.” Not long after, the horse laid down for no apparent reason and the girl laid down beside him. Spiritually connecting with a horse is profound and oftentimes inexplicable. This year, Red Clay Ranch had a large tractor on their wish list: KUBOTA MX5400DT #15: $50,000. More than enough was donated for one of these bad boys. Once the big tractor was secured the live auction took off with a bang. Three of the top items were: A week in beautiful Tuscany, Italy $3,000 Ascot Diamonds Gift Certificate Dinner for 12 - Proof of the Pudding FOUR trips to Tuscany were from our tables alone! Thank you! One of my friends is on her way to Ascot Diamonds, jealous, thank you! And Jeff and I will host 12 at Proof of the Pudding. And those were just the top items. Paddles were going up all over the place. The room pulsed with participation. We are so very humbled and thankful for all of our friends who came out to support Red Clay Ranch! There really aren’t words for how honored Jeff and I were to sit with you and how grateful we were/are for your generosity. The goal for the event was $150,000. That goal was “far exceeded.” Thank you! The horses thank you, most! --And thank you for reading!-- Love, Shelley More about Red Clay Ranch:

How was your Labor Day everyone? Catch any baseball? Who’s your favorite team? Fave players? GO BRAVES! Jeff and I have been Braves fans for years. Enthusiasm ramped up when they won the World Series in 1995 (Savanna was four years old): In 2021, when covid was peaking, the Braves added another world series to their record. The win put a major damper on covid blues. Check out Jorge Soler hit a homer way, way out of the park during that game: https://youtu.be/U5i4vE5kxXE If you watched the 2021 World Series you no doubt remember Soler's sky-rocketing home run. The link above is worth a watch even if you're not a baseball fan. Jeff and I received unexpected Truist Club tickets to the Braves vs. Marlins game over labor day weekend, September 2. Jeff and I don’t miss a Braves game on tv. When we found ourselves with last-minute second-row seats right behind home plate and access to the Truist Club, we were high as the sky. Food, drinks, lounging and private access to extra-comfy, large seats directly behind the batters was every sports fan’s dream. Even better, we had FOUR tickets. Savanna and Joey joined us! The Braves have won 86 games this season (losses = 51). They’re in second place in the National League east division, behind the New York Mets by ½ a game. My favorite player (at the moment) is Austin Riley. I snapped these pics of Austin preparing to bat -- couldn’t believe it was moments before he hit a homer. The Braves beat the Miami Marlins 8 - 1! The only downside to all the awesomeness of that particular game is that future games are likely to not measure up. Albet, wins are wins! Thank you for Reading! Love, Shelley Give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over ~ Luke 6:38