May 2000 Update

May 17, 2000

Dear Family & Friends:

The first order of business is to express our love and appreciation to all of you for your thoughtful remembrances of us over the Christmas holiday. We so very much enjoyed hearing from each of you and learning of the challenges and choices that are bringing growth through their joys and sorrows. Obviously, the sorrows are not received with excitement or anticipation, but the potential for individual and collective growth is certainly there. It is, however, difficult during the trial to identify that potential.

As we began to receive your correspondence, it dawned on Torianne and me that it would be great to somehow spread the blessings of that “Christmas cheer” throughout the year. It was with that in mind (plus we were really, really busy chasing our own potential for growth), that we decided to delay our annual letter to perhaps a “needier” time of the year. It seems hard to take the excess goodwill expressed in December and hang on to a measure of it for a dry spell later in the year. It is our hope that this letter arrives at your homes at just the right time to bring a little relief on “life’s highway”.

Last Thursday, May 11, 2000 was a day that will live forever in the hearts and minds of the Rawlins family. Not only was it Torianne’s and my 21st anniversary (thank-you, thank-you) but also, and perhaps for this year at least, more importantly, Torianne graduated from college with a degree in nursing. That’s a big YEEEEEEEHAAAAA!!!!!, partner. What a wonderful event. She has worked hard and long and suffered and endured much. She will be taking a 4-day review course next week and then it’s the state boards in June. Maybe by August (she’s going to Utah for the month of July) she’ll have a job and start paying for my golf club membership. All right, now, just lighten up. I’m only kidding about the golf club membership. At least I think I’m only kidding.

We talked with Chase on Mother’s day. He sounded great. He’ll be home in just nine short months, but who’s counting? He had just returned from Finland where he renewed his visa. On his way to Finland, he was able to spend some time in Moscow. He said it was a wonderful experience. He told us that Finland was a beautiful country and all the people looked like models. He is doing well and seems to be enjoying this time of service for the Lord.

Brian graduated in December of 1999 and will receive his diploma the end of May. He has been working in the sewers of Myrtle Beach, SC and Pittsburgh, PA since January. He also spent a little time in Monroe, LA. He’s trying to save some money for his mission and for college when he gets home. His plan is to be in the mission home on his birthday in December. You all know what happens while we are making plans don’t you? LIFE! Over the last few months, Brian has experienced some of that, especially, the financial aspects of life. The short list is transmission, water pump and belts, tires and front-end work. Cars can teach a multitude of lessons can't they?

Eric is now a freshman in High School. Number 3, in addition to Chase and Brian, has surpassed his dad in height, too. Let me tell you he loves to stand next to me and remind me that he is taller. He will be 16 in January and is already talking about a car. That’s the topic, at least at this point, that helps me bring him down a couple of inches. He’s a fine young man and as Brian says, “he’s almost too pretty to be a Rawlins”. Even though he is “pretty” we still let him hang out with us. He loves to play tennis and is doing well in school. Since we last wrote, no more mailboxes have lost their lives to his anxiousness to drive.

Garrett will turn 11 in September. He’s growing up so quickly. He loves baseball and plays catcher for the Cardinals. His team is doing well. Here comes a small dose of parental pride so please forgive me. The game before last he hit a grand slam. This was no cheap, three error through the legs, throw the ball around the field and keep running kind of grand slam. This was a legitimate bases loaded and yank it over the left field fence and watch the “Bambino”, the “Sultan of Swat” tip the cap and touch ‘em all GRAND slam! Sorry about the puffed out chest. I hope that didn’t hurt anybody.

To say we feel blessed would be an understatement. Challenges with joys and sorrows, you bet. Unwanted growth and more on the horizon, yep. I guess, like most of you, my family, and I too, are experiencing the highs and lows, the ups and downs and the ebbs and the flows of mortality. We love you. We value your examples of strength and diligent perseverance. Much of our ability to meet life head on comes from you and from our knowledge and understanding of who we are, where we came from, why we are here and where we are going after this mortal life is over.

May God’s richest blessings be upon you and yours. May He comfort you in times of trial and tribulation. May we recognize His hand in all that is good.

All our love

The Rawlins Family
Tony, Tori, Chase, Brian, Eric & Garrett