Wakulla Station News
By VERNA BROCK
Christmas is quickly approaching, with all of its traditions and joy. Hanukkah is in full swing, and Kwanzaa will begin on December 26th. This is such a happy season, filled with introspection and celebration. I hope each and every reader has a time to reflect on the passing year, while looking forward to the promise of the new one.
There are so many hymns, old and new, that move our spirits, but a favorite of mine is “It Came Upon A Midnight Clear” with its message of peace and hope. One of the last verses says,” When peace shall o’er all the earth, its ancient splendors fling, and the whole world give back the song, which now the angels sing” conjures a worthy vision of what and who we as people can become. May our coming year be filled with peace for people everywhere.
We at the Wakulla United Methodist church will be having a Christmas Eve service this coming Saturday, at 6 p.m. Everyone is welcome to join us for this celebration of the birth of Jesus. Please keep our dear friend Sheryl Grimes in your prayers, as well as her family, as she is transitioning from this realm to the next. Also in need of our prayers are the families of Mike Carter, R.H. Carter, and Lucy West as they face their first Christmas without their beloved family members. Linda Dunwoody and Sue Austin continue to need prayer as they deal with serious and chronic conditions.
On a sad note, my Mamacita left this earthly plane late last Saturday evening, after a long, and characteristically fierce, battle with Parkinson’s disease. Alice Swanson was the feistiest, bravest person I have ever known, and I have always done my best to be as fearless as the example she set. The stories I could share!
Despite barely weighing 85 pounds, standing all of 4 feet, 81/2 inches tall in her bare feet (Heaven forbid you leave off that half inch!) she would rush in where angels feared to trod. No one ever intimidated her, or backed her down. Shakespeare has a line in A Midsummer Night’s Dream, “And though she be but little, she is fierce...” which describes Alice perfectly.
Because of her diminutive size, medical diagnoses often came back “borderline this” or “borderline that”. She finally said we should put “Here lies Alice, she is only borderline dead.” on her tombstone. I swear, I am tempted to do it. May she rise in Glory.
My family and I appreciate your prayers during this time, as we adjust to life without Alice in it.
Should you wish to have your special holiday events, family gatherings or prayer requests in this article, you can call 850-421-3730 or email vernalsbrock@gmail.com.