Monday, April 28, 2008

Happy Birthday

Happy Birthday, John!!!!
And Katie, too!
(This post, appropriately, is centered around Hurricane Memories)
John is the most knowlegable and prepared person I know when it comes to Hurricane Preparations.
Below, September 2004, Palm Beach International Airport
Welcoming Jeffrey home from his 2 year Mission to Colorado.
This was in between Hurricanes Frances and Jeanne.
Both Hurricanes hit Palm Beach County--with only 11 days in between.
Our electricity had just come on the night before after 7 days without! John and Katie made Welcome Home posters for Jeffrey and met us at the airport. Most of the stores near us were still closed and I did not have anything to make a poster with, plus, quite honestly, I was worn out and not thinking clearly.
Jeffrey had to stay in the Mission Home until flights to Palm Beach resumed.
We had planned to go to Colorado to pick him up, but Hurricane Frances made sure we could not leave. Jeffrey was home 24 hours and got put to work cleaning up after Frances and then preparing for Hurricane Jeanne. A memorable time, but one I don't care to live again.
This is a "Double-Dip" Birthday Wish. John's Birthday is today and Katie, his wife, celebrates her Birthday this Saturday, May 3. I will not be near my computer all weekend, so this early wish for Katie is as sincere and from my heart as ever!
John and Katie stepped in when their electricity was restored
(within 24 hours..I still think they paid off Florida Power and Light-Ha!)
and came by my house, picked up all of our stinky laundry. They washed, dried, folded and delivered it back to us.
With Jeffrey's return, I was so concerned about not having electricity, him returning to this hot humidity and not having the house clean and orderly, not being able to cook/bake anything decent for him,along with all the piles of laundry that were mounting.
I am so grateful for this act of service. Most of all, I am grateful for the friendship, love, and support of these incredible people.
I love you, John and Katie!
John and Katie thought to take this photo of when I first saw Jeffrey.
They also took this shot of us all together (minus Curt) for the first time in 2 years.
The top of Megan's head is there near the bottom.

2 comments:

love.boxes said...

What a fun memory! (not the hurricanes.. yipes!)

Family and Football said...

I love the picture of me hugging Bro. Klemas and hugging you. Good pictures! Great blog material...notice the "gold" back pack!!!!