Standing on the Steps of Stokely

By Ralphine Major

It was a busy year, 1976.  America celebrated her 200th birthday, the Bicentennial.  Red, white, and blue could be seen everywhere.  Other events took place in our family.

After finishing student teaching and with summer school classes behind me, I stood on the steps of Stokely Athletic Center at The University of Tennessee (UT) just after graduation ceremonies.  That was in August.  Those steps and Stokely are now gone.  Just days after then on Labor Day Weekend, our grandmother suffered a debilitating stroke.  She passed away in late October.  My brother and I had less than one month to plan a Silver Wedding Anniversary celebration for our parents.  On a snowy Thanksgiving weekend, family and friends came by the church for their reception.  Our family experienced a range of emotions throughout the fall.  By then we were into the Christmas season, the long-awaited holiday.

As you prepare for Christmas 2022, may you enjoy all the things of Christmas—the gifts, the Christmas carols, connecting with friends through Christmas cards or gatherings, and celebrations with family and friends.  Enjoy the smell of pine trees, the flavor of peppermint candy canes, and the wonderful Christmas lights.  May you enjoy the peace of knowing that the Christ Child was born on Christmas to bring us salvation, the most important gift of all.  Joy to you and yours this Christmas!

Words of Faith: "And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger."  Luke 2:16 (KJV).

They have become a way of life!  Join Piddle Diddle, the Widdle Penguin, as she explores and helps to find her lost friend with her birthday drone!  Available on Amazon, B&N.com, jancarolpublishing.com, and ralphine3@yahoo.com for autographed copies.  Piddle Diddle, the Widdle Penguin, is a registered trademark.

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