Edd Wadley, You Will Be Missed

I was reading Shannon's (my daughter) blog about her family and the last days of summer, about numbering our days. When I first read it I could see the boys just enjoying the last week before school starts back, and I just smiled.

Today I received news that Edd Wadley, someone I worked with at AT&T, has passed away. Edd had been suffering from cancer of the pancreas for well over a year, but if you ever met him during that time you wouldn't know it. He would not say anything about it, feel sorry for himself, or show other outward signs. In the early stages you noticed he had an orange tint to his skin and he adopted the nickname (chosen by him) of "Golden Flake". He fought the fight with a positive attitude, always asking how you were doing and not talking about what problems he had.

The picture of Edd was taken at the "greatest" retirement gathering ever. On Feb 22nd, 2008 five of us all retired at the same time (Edd Wadley, Cynthia Hodges, Daryl Ducote, Rick LaGrange and myself). As was the custom at BellSouth, when someone retires the company allows $500.00 toward a party or "tea". The five of us combined our $500.00 and had a cook out at Oak Mountain State Park for our friends and their families to attend. It was a wonderful gathering, approximately 200 people showed up. I did not see Edd after the party but we all tried to keep in touch via email. Now we will all meet again, tomorrow, to say goodbye to Edd. I know he is now in a better place and is once again well and healthy.

I was not the closest friend he had at AT&T and that is my loss. He was fun to be around, could joke with the best and you always enjoyed his company. He will be missed.

So as Shannon's blog says "count the days" and make the most of them.

Just Checking

Is anyone having trouble accessing this site? Are you experiencing problems posting responses? Just checking to see if there are technical difficulties that I am not aware of. Remember, this is my first time for such a site. If you are having difficulties please send me an email (waynecratliff@bellsouth.net) and tell me what you are experiencing and lets see if we can fix it.

I am compiling / adding to the US Mail lists that Uncle Lee provided me. I have had requests for family members mailing addresses and want to make sure I have the most correct address listed. I would like to have your address, birthday (age is optional) and anyother date that family members might enjoy and want to help you celebrate with a card or note. Then, if there are no concerns, I would like to distribute that list to family members only, those on the reunion email list. If you would not want such information distributed let me know as well. I understand the concerns of privacy.

Blessings to all, keep us all in your prayers. There may be problems others are experiencing that we know nothing about, but just ask God to watch over them, guide them and protect them at all time but espically in their time of need. That is when we are all the weakest and in need of His strength and support.

Wayne

Learning, slowly

After being tutored by my daughter this is what I have learned.

1 - If you have a blog of your own send to address and I will add to The Ratliff Family Connection.
2 - If you want to add to this blog you can (a) send it to me in an email and I will post it or (b) post it as a response to a posting.

Shannon will be helping me add a prayer list that we can add those in need to.

Please, let us all make use of this vehicle to keep in touch and let others know what is happening in our lives.

Tonight, I learned that the job my oldest grandson, Nick, works at has lost some of it luster. He works at Gutheries Chicken, his first REAL job. As I understand it the first night was great, the second night he spooned cole slaw...all of his shift. Nick, it may not be glamourous but it pays the same. Through out your working life you are going to find that each job has its highs and lows. Anyone can can do all the fun stuff but it is how you handle the "lows" that will tell what type of person you are. I am proud of you and wish you all the best in your first career.

Everyone, remember to either send me your items to post or post them as a response to a posting or develop your on blog and I will add it as a link from here. As Dean Martin (if you do not know who he was...ask someone older) used to say "keep those cards and letters comning in" and we will post them for all to see.

As Uncle Lee always said at the end of his emails..."Blessings to all".
Wayne

Family Reunion 2008

With the help of my daughter, Shannon (an experienced blogger) I am attempting to set up this Family Reunion blog site. Please bear with me as I find my way through this.

On July 12th, 2008 the Family Reunion was held at Cheaha Sate Park beside the lake (lower area). Attending this years gathering were;
Joe and Joan Ratliff from Greensboro, NC
Lee and Betty Ratliff from Eustis, Fl
Guy and Jean Irvine from Rome, NY
Wes and Donna Ratliff from Ft. Walton, Fl.
Paul Bavar and Dot from Clanton, Al
Bill Minor from Chipley, Fl
Rick Ratliff from Ashville, Al
Mike and Suzanne Baldis from Helena, Al.
Shannon Johnson and Max Johnson from Hoover, Al.
Jennifer Adcock and Peighton from Birmingham, Al.
Myself, Wayne Ratliff from Pelham, Al.

For those who could not make it this year, we missed you and look forward to seeing you all next year.

The next reunion is July 11th, 2009 at the same pavillion as this year, by the lake. It is agreat place for the young ones as well, with a playground and roped off lake to swim in. The lake is shallow enough that you can wade out most of the way to the ropes. So bring your suits if you have a mind to.

If you have picture of this years reunion please post them or send to me and I will post them. I only have 5 right now but expect more to come.

Please, lets all keep in touch through this blog, post informative stories about your family, place friends and loved one on our prayer list. We may be far apart geographically but we can remain close in our thoughts and prayers.