A traveler's rest; so much to ponder

So our travels this afternoon and evening got us to the metro Atlanta area; not bad as we encountered heavy traffic and fits and starts of rain.  We are nestled in far from the winds and rain of Gordon, still not quite yet a hurricane.  From what I've been checking on for the last few loos like a nice practice run for the New Orleans area; my goodness we closed down hundreds of schools for less than 1 inch of rain and wind gusts no stronger than a puff.  Then again, I don't have to make that decision so there's that.  For our neighbors in Gulport, Biloxi, Pascagoula, Mobile; well a much different story.  They have a rough night ahead so we thank God this is no Katrina.

As you know by now our day began at 8 am as we left for the Lutcher area to attend our friend's funeral.  Alan was only 61 years old, the life of any party, the 50th President of the Louisiana Jaycees, loved by many, a father, a devoted son.  His funeral brought out a number of Jaycees from our heyday in the mid to late 80's into the early 90's.  Four living past state Presidents were in attendance; Blair Broussard, a dear friend from Thibodaux, your's truly, Pat Witty, another dear friend from New Roads/Ventress, James Ginn, our dear friend from the north, all the way from Jackson Parish Louisiana.  Several past VP's were there as well and a couple of now very grown "Jaycees kids".  The funeral was a fine farewell for Alan, bedecked in his #9 Drew Brees jersey and a Jaycee lapel pin.  As a deacon I was honored to assist and read the Gospel while old Jaycee friend and Baton Rouge Deacon Tommy Benoit assisted as well.  Father Vincent hit all the right notes in his homily, explaining how Alan realized that God was seeking him all the time, that it was time to surrender, to make his peace, to ask forgiveness and be happy with Jesus in Heaven forever.  His long time friend and my friend too, Ernie Sieber, delivered a beautiful stirring eulogy and then sang so wonderfully the 23rd psalm during the Mass.

As they prepared for Alan's burial, Wendy and I said our farewells and began the long drive toward our eventual rendezvous with our NC family.  All that stands between us tonight is about 6 hours of road time.

I am tired, long day but I am well.  It is time for a traveler's rest with plenty to ponder and pray with at this day's end.

I am thankful for this day and the days to come.  Stay safe; good night!