Written from Kirkridge Retreat Center

From Jeri Written from Kirkridge Retreat Center

Bangor, Pennsylvania

January 8, 2008

To Family and Friends,

Happy New Year!  It was fitting that we attended the Circus toward the end of 2007 as 2007 was like a circus—unreal, yet a lot of laughs, reaching high and low points.  It was the year of transition—Mike’s retirement, my change of status at work from full time to part time, moving, grieving, changes in every aspect of our lives. But we got through it together making adjustments in downsizing, helping each other, with a few disagreements on my space/your space.  

We would love to have you visit our Spanish Harlem apartment in upper Manhattan.  It is small but can sleep up to 6 people including us (4 comfortably—only 1 bathroom).  Our very first sleepover visitor was our granddaughter, Cameron (8).  We are fond of our neighbors in this 4 story row house next to the 23rd Precinct Police Dept., New York’s finest. We feel safe here!

In 2007 we traveled to PR, NH (3), GA, TX (2), CA (3).  Early March, I was in CA visiting my Mom & Fam and then Mike and I saw Mikey and Stacie in their lovely 20-acre home in GA.  We were treated royally.  Suzy and Larry moved into their newly built home in July and we were their first guests after they had just been in a few days—they were good sports.  Jim lives in NH too.  My niece Joy got married in August (Mike officiated) and that was a sensational family reunion in West Hollywood, CA.

Mike broke his big toe the end of Nov after I got back from helping my Mother in CA as she broke her ankle.  They both are mending well.   

Mike’s sister Carol and aunt Ruthie welcomed us with open arms and food galore for Christmas week—the first Christmas for me and Mike in Austin, TX.  Scott & Estelle & teenage grandchildren J.R. & Jessica came to celebrate and stayed a few days.  Cousins Mark, Linda, Beth & Jamie, nephews & nieces Pat, Paige & Elizabeth came on different days mostly from the Ft. Worth area.  Cousins Joe and Maggie and friends of Carol all surrounded us with laughter and good will.

Mike and I feel so blessed for family and friends.  We think of each one of you and how you have touched our lives.  It brings a smile to my face of memories of happiness brought to us by knowing you.  

We have grieved, you have grieved, we each have experienced losses in some way—in personal relationships, in health, and in death.  Yet, we are still here, thank God, for each other.  There are serious health issues that are being faced by family and friends.  You are in our hearts and prayers.

May our hearts continue beating with hope for a better future and more understanding

  with love for each other

  with kindness in our every day life

  with compassion for those unable to maintain themselves

  with gratitude for all that we have

God Bless Your and Keep You…

Jeri & Mike Easterling

162East 102nd Street, Apt. 2

New York, NY  10029

212-876-0537 

do1936@aol.com (Mike) 

jeasterling@bennettlawrence.com (Jeri)