Christmas 1997
by Lee Clark
Can you believe 1997 is almost over? We are working our way to the year 2000. Exciting to think about – wonder how the computer world will handle that changeover.
Since this is our way of catching up with those of you who’ve be a part of our lives, it’s time to let you know how things are in Great Falls, Montana. 1997 has been a bittersweet year for us and a challenge as well. Not all has been fun, but not all has been bitter either.
In March we attended my brother’s 80th birthday party in Washington. It was a surprise party that everyone enjoyed. Terry & Debbie drove us out. There isn’t anybody easier to travel with than those two. The trip was a real pleasure.
Early in May, somber news entered the picture. Len was diagnosed with congestive heart failure and a few weeks later with sleep apnea. It was all so intimidating for awhile. Fortunately both conditions are treatable and at present he has lost some weight and is doing well – still planning fishing excursions whenever possible.
In June our oldest grandson married and we gained another granddaughter. A sweet your woman named Rachel. They are now living in Portland, Oregon. Noel has a good job with Intel which he likes and they seem to be doing well also.
July found us traveling to Washington again to celebrate a 50th anniversary with some old friends and another good visit with the family in Othello. At home, more fishing for Len and early in August I spent a week in Los Angeles on another Elder hostel. Wonderful classes, lots of sightseeing and I came home delighted with my 8th adventure.
More somber news arrived the first part of September. I was diagnosed with cancer – what a shock… they found it in my lungs and liver. Since that time, I’ve been having Chemo treatments. My last one was on December 1. They were not easy but I’m grateful for them. My doctor says I’m doing well, so hopefully in another month or so our life can become reasonably normal again. Both of us know how blessed we are to have our children – the four of them, plus the grandchildren have been wellsprings of comfort and support.
There is no way for us to express our gratitude to all of you out there who a already aware of our situation. The cards and letters we’ve received and the prayers being offered in our behalf have been unbelievable. We are so grateful and thank God for our family and friends.
On a brighter note, hunting season arrived and Len got a deer shortly after cataract surgery the last part of October. He thought that was plenty okay. We had our usual Thanksgiving and everyone will be home for Christmas, including our newlyweds. 1997 has been a challenge, but fortunately for us, God chose to sprinkle some sunshine through it all.
As always, we wish each and everyone of you beautiful holidays. May the peace and warmth of this season remain I your hearts through the New Year.
As Ever,
This is the last Christmas letter Mom would ever write. She died in August of 1998 and Dad died just before Christmas of that same year. These Christmas letters have been a wonderful review and I have felt a great blessing of peace and love as I have read through and transcribed them for use in our family history Blog.