Happy April 19th to everyone! This has been a fast paced and hectic first quarter for everyone. We have all experienced economic setbacks, stress from tax deadlines and the fears of what can happen next in our lives. But there is good news, just wait for the third day! Let me recap my own first quarter in explaining my words.

The year started out with having to find a suitable facility for Hazel, my mother in law, Diane’s mother. Hazel has Alzheimer’s and it has grown worse through last year. We have all either experienced the effects of this terrible disease within our own family or know of a close friend or relative who has had to cope with it in their own family. It robs the family of a beloved member and the younger family members of a link to the past, the history of their family. It robs the dignity and independency of the one afflicted member, and there is no known cure. Family members having to make the decisions of how to best care of their mother/father/family member with Alzheimer’s face the guilt of wondering if they are doing the right thing even when they know there is no other alternative.

During one of Diane’s almost daily visits to the nursing facility caring for Hazel she slipped on a spot of wet tile and broke her right arm. This required a 6 week cast and surgery to insert pins into her wrist to aid in the healing. Now I must include here that men may take such an injury in stride, right handed women can better understand the almost insurmountable obstacles this presents; how do you apply makeup, fix your hair or dress properly with only one hand. I must also say that Diane showed great adaptability during those days and, her own words here, learned some humility in maybe not looking the best as she saw herself. I always think she is a very beautiful lady, with or without makeup and her hair looking perfect. She has healed and has been back to work for many weeks, perfect hair, makeup and all.

Tax season, many times, is a stressful event for us all. Many are getting a refund, many more have to pay additional taxes and many of those have to come up with additional monies to pay. I know that Jesus said to render unto “the government” what is theirs, and we should but I am also remembering a popular tax song - If 10% is good enough for Jesus it should be good enough for Uncle Sam. The last part are my thoughts.

April 18th my youngest daughter, Jennifer, was married to Vince LaShum. While this is her second marriage it is Vince’s first. It is also a first for me because this time I got to dance with her at her wedding. The first time I was in the hospital recovering from a heart attack and my brother Rick had to fill in for me. Thank you, Brother. It was a great feeling to be there with my daughter and family on her day.

The third day! Now during this time I attended Easter services with my children and grandchildren at Kevin’s and Shannon’s church where I heard a very uplifting message to wait till the third day, to be a Third Day Christian. The message showed the reference of the third day throughout the bible and I cannot remember them all, but naturally the biggest was Easter Sunday or the third day and the resurrection of Jesus as Lord and Savior. We need to keep faith with God and wait, the third day is coming. Good things are coming!

July 11th, 2009 is the date for the Family reunion and I am very excited! I want to dedicate this year’s reunion to remembering family that will not be attending. I will miss Uncle Joe. If you have others that cannot attend due to illness or other reasons, please tell us so we can remember them as well. I have also decided to personally cook my WORLD famous grilled chicken for all that attend. It does involve my “secret” family recipe marinade. Please let me know if you can attend so I can assure we have enough chicken for all. If you are bringing your own “secret” family dishes please do so. If you have a recipe you want to share with the family send it on and I will post it on the website.
Also remember we will be at the same site, next to the lake and playground. It has a full playground for the kids and a roped off swimming area as well. So bring the kids, the swim suits, fishing gear and your love. Family is what matters most, makes us stronger. You can break a single stick but bundle that one stick with others and it is stronger, many times unbreakable. That is Family. So with that I close for today and look forward to a great family gathering on July 11th.

Love to all, Wayne and Diane

Uncle Joe's Obituary

Joseph M. "Joe" Ratliff
GREENSBORO — Rev. Joseph M. (Joe) Ratliff, 83, died Monday, February 9, 2009, at Beacon Place under hospice care.
A celebration of life service will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, February 13, at the First Baptist Church. Internment will be at a later date at Arlington National Cemetery.
Joe was born November 2, 1925, in Clanton, Ala., to George Wesley Ratliff and Lula Belle Deason. He was the youngest in a family of four sisters (one died at birth) and six brothers (one died in World War II and one died a week after birth), all deceased. On June 12, 1960, he married Joan Carol Price in Washington, D.C. He said, "This was the most significant and happiest event of my life." Joe and Joan have two children, daughter, Gerri and husband, Len Gradowski reside in Arlington, Va., with granddaughter, Lindsey Grace; and step-granddaughters, Lauren and Jennifer Gradowski; son, Stephen and wife, Paula live in Boones Mill, Va.; with grandson, William and granddaughter, Hannah. The family includes nephews, Lee (who is more a brother than a nephew), Ottis, James, Bill, and Wayne and nieces, Jean and Ann. The Ratliff's extended family consists of Doris Melson of Greensboro, N.C., Rafaela, Tony, Roberto, and Mikhaela Meznaric of Toronto, Canada, Kuldip, Kazu, and Rita Kawahara of Durham, N.C., Apple, Rom, and Arvin Vallabha of Sunnyvale, Calif., and Sailaja Sajjala of Fayetteville, N.C.
Joe was inducted into military service in 1945. He served in the U.S. Air Force until 1975, primarily with the Office of Special Investigation.
Joe came to a personal relationship with Christ at age 25. Upon retirement from the Air Force, he felt God's call to more than leisure. At the encouragement of a close pastor friend, Joe entered Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary where he graduated with the Master of Religious Education degree. First Baptist Church, Greensboro called him as Minister of Education and Administration and he served there for 14 and a half years.
Upon a second retirement, he found great joy in helping wherever he could. International students who lived in the home became family. He served several terms as chairman of the Board of Trustees of Shepherd Center of Greensboro and also taught computer classes there a number of years. He was a member of the Greensboro Genealogical Society and served as treasurer. Following his own experience with prostate cancer, he initiated the prostate support group at Wesley Long Hospital.
He was ordained by the First Baptist Church of Grensboro in 1986.
He enjoyed the fellowship of the Men's Service Class at church and often taught Sunday School classes. He served as president of Alpha (the church Senior Adult Fellowship) for several years. He loved the church and contributed to its programs whenever he could. One great love was the church's summer mission building trips, both in this country and overseas. When he became too sick to hammer, he would appear just to give support to those working.
His grandchildren became another focus of his life, including those "acquired" from international families. He was never too busy to speak to anyone no matter who or what their need. His sense of humor was with him even throughout his illness. He served his God and fulfilled His mission for him in humility and love.
The family will receive friends in the church atrium following the celebration of life service.
The family would like to give special thanks to Dr. Donald Murinson and all those at the Cancer Center for their loving support during the years of treatment.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to First Baptist Church, 1000 W. Friendly Avenue, Greensboro, NC 27401 or Beacon Place-Hospice & Palliative Care of Greensboro, 2502 Summit Avenue, Greensboro, NC 27405.
Hanes-Lineberry N. Elm Funeral Home is assisting the family and on line condolences may be made to http://www.mem.com/

Family Reunion July 11th, 2009

I want to apologize for being tardy on the announcements and not keeping this site updated. My resolution for 2009 is to do better. I ask you all keep reminding me and hold me accountable to my resolution.

The Family Reunion is scheduled for July 11th, Cheaha State Park, same location

as last year. It has a playground next to it and a small lake setup for swimming.
The lake has a gradual slope which is great for our smaller family members.
Click on the slide show to see a few pics of the playground and lake.

The day rates for the area are (6 and up - $1.00, 62+ - 50 cents).
Fishing is available as are paddle boat rentals ($5.00 per hour) are available.
If you want to fish you can purchase a license at the store inside Cheaha State Park.
I am sure there will be a limited selection of fishing tackle as well, if you
chose not to bring your on gear.

As you come up the mouintain on 281 do not turn into the park as in previous years (unless you are registering for a Chalet, cabin or hotel. The lake entrance is approximately 1 and 1/2 miles past the park gate where you turm right and continue for another mile or so to the pavillion. There is a gate keeper there to collect the entrance fees.

The telephone number is 800-610-5801 for the pavillion and store. The Chalets are 800-846-2654. If there are questions about the telephone numebrs contact the store.

If there are any questions or concerns please contact me (205-602-4373-cell Number) or email. We look forward to seeing all that can attend.

Wayne and Diane