December 2009

Frost covered the grass and my car this morning. After yesterday’s rain the mountains surrounding our valley were a glorious snowy white against the deep blue of a Santa Clarita winter day. But the golden sun did not warm the air, reminding me that winter is truly here. The red, yellow and golden leaves tell of the end of a season and a year, and remind us of the loss of three beloved family members – Jenk’s younger brother Tom, the passing of my mother in her 90 th year, and the passing of Jenk’s Aunt Roe. We are thankful for the legacy that they leave in this world and in our lives.

And yet in spite of these losses 2009 brought many wonderful experiences. In the spring the MacKellar clan gathered at my brother’s home to celebrated Mother’s Day. After school got out in June I accompanied a small group of my students to France for one month, then was able to spend the last month of my mom’s life with her. In mid-August we had a wonderful celebration of her life with many family and friends in attendance.

Beth spent one month in Atlanta this summer for work, and was in Switzerland last August for work. In early September Beth and I met in Paris to travel to the south of France for the wedding of our French “daughter”. It was a quick but wonderful trip and a spectacular celebration overlooking the Mediterranean. Beth also spent another month in Miami, returning just in time to celebrate Thanksgiving. (In 2009 she also traveled to Iceland, Costa Rica and New York!)

Marc is beginning his 6 th year teaching at Saugus High School. He is once again teaching all honors level classes and coaching basketball. During spring break he traveled to the east coast where he visited Washington D.C. and Gettysburg with college friends. He bought a road bike this year and participated in a half iron-man triathlon as part of a team. He has even gotten his dad on the bike trails with him!

Jenk continues to enjoy retirement. He spends his time working on genealogical research, reading and church work. He spent a week in Oklahoma following his brother’s death (where we all joined him for the funeral). A few weeks later he headed to Texas, New Mexico and Arkansas to see family and was gone for one month. He also spends any time he can at the beach condo where he is a member of the board.

It was a year to say good-bye, but also a time to appreciate all those we love. You are part of our extended “family” and you all have enriched our lives in many ways. We wish you great joy during this most blessed season and wish you a healthy and happy new year. May we have the chance to be together in 2010.

Love Jenk and Patty