Riggins Family Christmas 2023

 Probably the last picture of the four of us.  At mom's funeral visitation.

(Click on the images to enlarge them.)

For the second year in a row, we suffered two losses. My amazing, resilient mother, Dotti, died in August. My brother Dennis, the most talented musician I have ever known, died a few weeks later. Yet we do not feel overwhelmed with grief. Mom lived a long and vibrant life. Coming from a poor family, she married a guy who—with her staunch help—lifted her into an upper-middle-class life. They raised four boys and supported churches and community ministries to award-winning levels. She never met a stranger. Dennis had demons. Yet like our parents he was a friend to the world. Linda and I celebrate their memories. 

 

Dan, mom and Lauren in mom's apartment

 

Isiah doing what he does best.

Meanwhile, 2023 brought new life as well. In January our cat, Isiah, adopted us. (He's named for Isiah Thomas.) He and our pit bull Brianna get along. Most of the time. Of vastly greater importance, on June 7 Dan and Lauren presented the world with our 4^th grandchild, Ayla. She is a powerful answer to prayer. She thrives and even played the role of the baby Jesus in our church's Christmas pageant. Her waving pink socks have already become the stuff of legend. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3K6MltSFSg0 (Fast forward to 3:40 to see the pertinent part.) We believe her older sister, Saoirse, roots Ayla on from heaven.

 

Grandma Linda is overjoyed.  Papa Dan too

Ayla makes everybody happy, including herself

Laura and Sam also provided us with news of new life. She expects to deliver their third child in late spring. Older brother Theo has completed half of his kindergarten year. He loves to read. Sister Rory has spunk. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0cHSYhafCQM But we love Rory's strength and nurturing spirit.

 

The annual visit to the pumpkin patch

Linda's parents soldier on, partly due to her and her brother Paul's support. Linda spends a few days each week going to her parents' and our children's homes to tend to our grandchildren and to clean. This was our hope when we chose to come to Terre Haute. Pastoring the Central Presbyterian Church was also a powerful draw. It remains a joy and a privilege to serve beside its people. 

 

A fall visit to our old stomping grounds, Leland, Michigan.

We find ourselves a bit bewildered by the complicated and sometimes conflicting emotions life has handed us. But I remember my father's comment, “Well, if you live long enough it starts being an exercise in dealing with loss. Which is better, losing or being lost?” I don't think he had an answer. I know darned well I do not. Yet here we are. Another Christmas has come. Thank God. Be well and may you have peace in your hearts.