… about Friends and Family

This past Christmas, I mailed A LOT of Christmas cards via the United States Postal Service.  Since the onset of the internet, there are several ways I could have send my greetings electronically; but I decided to go the old fashion way - how nice to open our mail boxes and find something besides bills or junk mail!  I was amazed at the number of cards I mailed; but I wanted everyone on my mailing list to get a card from me.  At least one person in the household receiving the card has had an impact on my life.  I would not be the person I am today had our  paths not crossed in our journey through life.

My father’s ministry and my career took me to different places within the United States, outside the United Sates and within Pennsylvania.  Having lived and worked in so many different places I have met a lot of wonderful people whom I would have never met otherwise.  Others I became acquainted with at the churches I have attended.  Some I have known for a long, long time and others for a very short time.  Never-the-less, I am glad I have known each one!  It’s interesting though, some on my mailing list I have never met.  Their names were added to a prayer list that I received; so I prayed for them, sent a note to them letting them know I was praying for them, and added their names to my mailing list.   

Others are on my mailing list because they are family and I love them dearly.  Some family members were added to our family at birth and others were added through marriage.  As our family has grown over the years, it’s been harder and harder for all of us to get together at one time.  My oldest daughter Melissa was so excited when she and all her cousins on the Walker side of the family were at her aunt Lena’s wedding last May and she was able to get a picture of all of them together.  When my aunt Doris passed away in November of 2014, I got to see my two cousins that I hadn’t seen in some time. 

How awesome it is that so many people have been a part of my life - to have gotten a hug, a smile, a word of encouragement or instruction, a note in the mail, an email, a greeting on Facebook (sorry, I’m not on much) a Christmas card, a thank you, a comment: you’re in my thoughts and/or prayers.  The list could go on and on.  I am truly blessed and thank God for everyone who has been a part of my life in both small and big ways!

Hartranft Family 2015 Christmas Picture