John Steinbeck said in his book "Travels with Charley: In Search of America":

"I have said that Texas is a state of mind, but I think it is more than that. It is a mystique approximating a religion. And this is true to the extent that people either passionately love Texas or passionately hate it and, as in other religions, few people dare to inspect it for fear of losing their bearings on mystery or paradox. But I think there will be little quarrel with my feeling that Texas is one thing. For all its enormous range of space, climate, and physical appearance and for all the internal squabbles, contentions, and strivings, Texas has a tight cohesiveness perhaps stronger than any other section of America. Rich, poor, Panhandle, Gulf, city, country, Texas is the obsession, the proper study, and the passionate possession of all Texans."

My family settled in Bosque county in the 1860's. What foresight or design brought them from Norway to Texas I can't guess. But providence undeniably had a hand in this decision.

My great grandfather moved to Crosby county a little over 100 years ago. I thank God for his decision. I'm blessed to have been raised here and have the opportunity to raise my children Texas.

To be raised in Texas is to have instilled in you a pride in where you're from. It gives you a sense of independence and a "can do" attitude. Until early this past century most of this country was not yet fully settled. The self assurance, and the dependence on your own good judgements and hard work that marked the settlers as the pioneers they were has deeply etched itself on the Texas psyche. This work ethic and chance taking my grandparents embodied is my childrens heritage and I pray they embrace it.

Though John Steinbeck was said to not like Texas, I believe he respected it and it's people. You can't come away from this place or it's people unchanged.

the final frontier

Since I've made new friends, reconnected with old friends, and family is scattered all over this country I have decided to start a blog. I can't imagine who might read it, but if I'm the only one who does it's ok--I'll consider it therapy.

As most of you know we had a tragedy in the family last week. My brother-in-law died. Jamie's situation was often used to show the girls how circumstances can get out of hand if you aren't careful. Simple decisions sometimes have huge consequences. I know Jamie never intended his life to end the way it did. It would have been unconceivable to him when he was younger and sober.

Since his death, we haven't used it as a learning moment. We haven't had to. The girls will never forget. It's made a deep impression in their lives.

Jamie was a blessing to many people. He was very gifted musically. He was well educated and came from a home where Christ's love was taught. He had a great sense of humor-Jess said she'd miss his "dorky" laugh. Most importantly, he blessed us by bringing Amy and his daughter Mallory into our lives.

I also believe his death will be a blessing for someone. Maybe that is strange to say, but God never wastes an opportunity to bring someone closer to Him. We might not hear of how God has brought about something good in this tragedy, but I know it will happen. We will hear of it when we go home.

So, everyone be patient (even if I bore your pants off). I'll get this figured out and will strive to give more cheerful updates from West Texas.