Christmas Blessings from
Mike and Linda Riggins
Each year our aging hulls accumulate a
few more barnacles. We no longer sail as smoothly, but we are still
passing through the water. Thankfully, 2019 contained few storms and
many pleasant passages. Linda and I each have completed sixty laps
around the sun. We are filled with gratitude.
Theo
at nineteen months, Thanksgiving 2019
(Click on each picture to see an enlargement.)
We came back to Indiana in 2018 in
large part to return closer to family. We did not, however,
appreciate just how right the move would be. Linda drives to see
Laura, Sam and grandson Theo at least once a week. I have found time
to do the same a little less often. More than once Dan and Lauren
have left early on Sunday mornings to retrieve my mom in Bloomington,
then attended worship with us in Terre Haute. After a well-earned
nap they go back to Indianapolis and we return mom to her apartment.
Dan
and Lauren bought an historic house on the Upper Canal in
Indianapolis
We joined in the celebration of Linda's
father's ninetieth birthday in October. Dozens of relatives from
literally coast to coast attended. Betty and Jerry remain active.
The are an example and a blessing to many. I feel lucky to have had
two outstanding father figures to follow.
Jerry,
born at the start of the Great Depression, with the riches of his
life
Linda started cleaning a few houses
again in order to buy some nice furniture. The house—a major
project when we took possession—has come around nicely. We have
begun entertaining rather more than ever before, with most of my
family (including the English Division) celebrating Thanksgiving
here.
The
role of Linda's lifetime
We also came back to Indiana so I might
serve the Central Presbyterian Church in Terre Haute. I have sat
here for a few minutes trying to think of words sufficient to
describe how grateful I am that the Lord sent us here. I can say
only that I almost cannot believe how blessed I am to enter this
chapter in my career. Linda and I have been drawn into a healthy,
warm, mission-oriented family. I suppose most of us write these
Christmas letters wearing rose-colored glasses. But I do not
exaggerate when I say that I have not felt more useful in years.
Baseball
Hall of Fame plaque for 3-Finger Mordecai Brown,
with
Central Presbyterian in the background
We hope that your lives are going well,
too. May this season of waiting for Jesus's birth—in both senses
of that expectation—find you healthy, happy and optimistic. Yes,
our nation suffers through a nasty, divisive time. But we can, if
not completely avoid the circus, at least keep it at bay through the
care of our families and friends. As grandson Theo and I said to
each other just a couple of weeks ago: “Happy!” “Happy?”
“Happy!” “Happy?” “HAPPY!!”
Grandparenting
is the best gig on the planet.
