Friends:
Commenting on these critical and changing times Jon Meacham in the January 11 issue of Newsweek writes, "Perhaps it was the economy, or maybe it was our mindlessly divided political climate" which have contributed to these critical and changing times. The title of his article is, "Optimistic Stoicism". He makes the case that change good or bad is never ending. "Optimistic Stoicism" is how many of us approach life. We hope for the best and frequently anticipate the worse.
Velma and I have done it again. We have opted sending out Christmas Cards. We could share with you our limited travels, surgeries and family happenings for the past year. However, you are not interested. For our age, Velma and I continue to enjoy better than average health. We have much for which to be thankful, and indeed we are.
Thanks to Velma, we did have our families here for Thanksgiving and Christmas. She prepared her regular delicious meals and decorated the house inside and out for the holidays. I serve as clean up.
Dwayne and our lovely granddaughter Margaret were here. Margaret is a recent graduate of Pacific Lutheran University and lives and works in Portland, Oregon. Dwayne and Beth live in
Dadeville, Alabama. He is busy in his work as Director of the Department of Archives at Auburn University and is in the process of completing his HISTORY OF AUBURN UNIVERSITY.
Ruth Ann and her family were here. They live close by. Joseph our grandson is a sophomore at Trinity High School and plays on the varsity Ice Hockey Team. Paige our beautiful granddaughter is in the sixth grade at Anchorage Elementary and is quite an expert horse person. She has her very own horse, Peaches, and is a frequent participant in horse shows. Ruth Ann and Steve continue to be very busy in their Law Practice.
Heraclitus who lived 400 years before the birth of Jesus Christ said, "Nothing endures but change." With our unbridled and ever changing world, we hope 2010 will surely bring to our nation, the world and to all of you the kind of change that is truly healthy, happy, and hopeful. "Optimistic Stoicism" is one man's approach. Not bad.
The author of the New Testament Book of Hebrews wrote "Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." When all else fails, try faith.
It would benefit us all greatly to see the movie "The Bucket List" and then get busy while time is on our side.
Have a good one.
Billy and Velma Cox
