HAPPY THANKSGIVING !

We have so much to be thankful for. May God bless each one of you this holiday. I received the following today in an email from a friend. It is worth sharing with you.

Ah! on Thanksgiving day....
When the care-wearied man seeks his mother once more,
And the worn matron smiles where the girl smiled before.
What moistens the lips and what brightens the eye?
What calls back the past, like the rich pumpkin pie?
~John Greenleaf Whittier



May your stuffing be tasty
May your turkey plump,
May your potatoes and gravy
Have nary a lump.
May your yams be delicious
And your pies take the prize,
And may your Thanksgiving dinner
Stay off your thighs!
~Author Unknown

VETERANS DAY, THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 11

In honor of Veterans Day, I want to post a poem that someone gave me a few months ago. It was written by a Self cousin to his mother while he was serving in Viet Nam. I received it from a lady who's brother was a friend of this Self cousin and who served alongside him in Viet Nam. I will not disclose who wrote the poem, because I was not able to reach him to ask for his permission to publish the poem and reveal his name.

Thank you veterans for serving our country. Let's not forget those who gave their lives in defense of our freedom.


Mom, Don’t Be Blue

Mom, why are you so blue?
I’m here fighting for you,
I’ll return home someday soon
I hope and I pray.

I hope you’re proud of me.
I’ll make you, wait and see!
So dry your eyes and smile,
It’s only for a little while.

Should I never return,
please don’t be too concerned.
I’ll be waiting for you up there.
For you, mom, with a prayer.

Your loved one
…

COUSIN J.R. SELF HAS DIED

Self, J.R., age 85, of Vonore, went to be with the Lord 8:05 A.M. Saturday, November 7, 2010 at U.T. Medical Center surrounded by his family. Faithful member of Citico Missionary Baptist Church for 68 years. He loved his church and his true love of singing lead to serving as the song leader/choir director for over 30 years. His father, Wash Self, was pastor at Citico many years ago and his brother, Gus, was a deacon there when he died. Volunteering for service in the U.S. Navy, he was a veteran of World War II. Worked for the Monroe Co. Hwy. Dept and T.V.A. before he retired. Survivors, wife of 59 years, Armenda King Self, Sons & daughters-in-law, Donnie & Marcia Self, Gordon & Penny Self, all of Vonore, Grandchildren, Ben, Sarah & Dustin Self, Several nieces & nephews. Preceded in death by parents, Rev. George Washington Self & Vandoria Allen Roberts Self, sisters, Gracie Emma Self, Creed Earl Kirkland, Bessie Kirkland, Easter Dupes, Darcus Roselee Self, brothers, Gus H., Roy Lee & John Reece Self. Funeral 8 P.M. Monday, Biereley-Hale Chapel, Rev. David Lane & Rev. Marvin (Bud) Millsaps officiating. Interment 11 A.M. Tuesday, Citico Cemetery,with military honors provided by V.F.W. Post #5156 & D.A.V. #93. Family will receive friends 6-8 P.M. Monday at Biereley-Hale Funeral Home, Madisonville.