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Archive Number 2838 | ||
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Date: Sun, 30 Mar 2003 18:18:58 EST
Dear friends, I just received this from Connie. Passing the blessings along. Karen Hi Karen, This day marks fifty-five years of marriage for Ray and Rosa Hicks. The love, devotion and humor between them is still strong; and Rosa is holding true to her promise to cherish in sickness and health. Ray has been in the Rehab/Nursing Home for over two months now and before that, 3 weeks in the hospital and before that, coming on two years since he has been able to do for himself. And Rosa almost never leaves his side. I was up in Boone two days ago and Ray had a strength about him that surprised me. He greeted me with a big smile and said, "Caw-nie, how are you a'doin'?" And we started in talking. On some visits he sleeps most of the time, but on Thursday he was awake and alert for most of the day. I brought flowers to celebrate their anniversary , and Ray started talking about "Bee bread" - a term I had never heard. He said this was the time of the year when bees are busy making 'bread' from all the new pollen to feed the baby bees. Said he used to keep bees but never got too much honey. Just enough to have a little for sweetening for his family, and they gave the rest away. I asked him what was the hardest work he ever did, and without hesitating he said, 'sawmill.' Said it was so loud with the machines whirring; and then Ray made a high pitched, squealing sound so I'd know how it was to be standing next to the blades. And that it was dangerous work for so many men in the mountains. We talked about 'blackberry winter' and having faith in healing and how a snake had bitten him on his right foot a long time ago and maybe that was why it was swelling up so much these days. This had been a good day for Ray, but he has plenty when he is just struggling to get through the hours. And sometimes he gets disoriented and Rosa says it "feels like we've lost him." But then he rallies a bit. I know he is grateful to Rosa and the kids who help in every way. Ray and Rosa send their love to all of you and hope you'll keep them in your prayers. When I reluctantly said goodbye, Ray reached up with his long arm to give me a hug. And as I was driving back down the mountain, I felt as if I were riding in a sea of blessings. These last two weeks of spring in the mountains have been glorious with flowering trees and blossoms in every direction. Then this morning we awoke to 4" of snow! I hope the sun is warming you. Please keep inviting peace into your heart and sending it back into this dear world. Love, Connie P.S. In case you want to contribute to the fund, make checks payable to the Ray and Rosa Hicks Fund, % Internat'l Storytelling Center, 116 West Main Street, Jonesborough, TN 37659 or if you want to write to the Hicks, Glenbridge Rehab Center, PO Box 2150, Boone, NC 28607 and % Ted Hicks 218 Old Mountain Road, Banner Elk, NC 28604. Connie Regan-Blake POB 2898 Asheville, NC 28802 E-mail: storyplace@charter.net | ||