Train of Life reflection

It was not a good year for many of our family and friends, so as we began 2023, here is a poem we all need to reflect on about the “Train of Life.”

“At birth, we boarded the train of life and met our parents, and we believed that they would always travel by our side. However, at some station, our parents would step down from the train, leaving us on life’s journey alone. As time goes by, some significant people will board the train: siblings, other children, friends, and even the love of our life. Many will step down and leave a permanent vacuum. Others will go so unnoticed that we won’t realize that they vacated their seats! This train ride has been a mixture of joy, sorrow, fantasy, expectations, hellos, goodbyes, and farewells. A successful journey consists of having a good relationship with all passengers, requiring that we give the best of ourselves. The mystery that prevails is that we do not know at which station we ourselves will step down. Thus, we must try to travel along the track of life in the best possible way . . . loving, forgiving, giving, and sharing. When the time comes for us to step down and leave our seat empty, we should leave behind beautiful memories for those who continue to travel on the train of life. Let’s remember to thank our Creator for giving us life to participate in this journey. I close by thanking you for being one of the passengers on my train!”

Continued prayers for Chance Grissett

Area residents, friends and family members of Dorothy Dottie Ann Beene of Oakhurst were sorry to learn of her death Dec. 7. She was born March 3, 1940 to Lewis and Elizabeth Talbot in Mt. Vernon, VA. She married Gary Beene in Virginia July 3, 1971. They were married for 51 years and were members of Family Faith Church. Through her service, numerous souls were led to Christ. She is survived by her husband, several children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. She was buried in Martins Prairie Cemetery where her husband’s parents, Tucker and Faye Beene, are buried. Do remember her husband and family members in your prayers.

Christmas gatherings

We have to turn in our items for the news columns early because of the holidays. Of course, at this point there is not much going on for me except last minute Christmas shopping and preparing for the Hoffart family to gather here for our holiday get-together, which was held on Friday, Dec. 23 – the coldest day of the year so far. Brrrr!