Dear Friends:
Another amazing year and another Christmas letter attempting to summarize it! Our note for 1990 began with a reference to the shift in our attention from Berlin (was that really two years ago?!) to concerns of Baghdad. Who would have thought, then, that we would now be puzzled by Russia, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Ukraine, Croatia, Serbia, Israel, Palestine, Syria and all the other names which last appeared on the maps at the beginning of our current century? Then there is personal history.
Before starting to write this annual letter, there is a need to review what has gone before. It is surprising to find that our first “epistle” was for Christmas 1963. It focused on our new son, Kenneth, our move from New Hampshire to Oregon and Deb’s adjustment to nursery school. (No mention of anyone named Kip.) In the one for 1968 from Rockville Maryland, we wrote: “Deb, now in the fourth grade, is still in love with her classes; Ken has no complaints about his daily kindergarten sessions; and Kip keeps everyone busy just being Kip – a small package of dynamite.”
What about 1991? First we write of the newest Camerino: Jordan Michael, born to Ken and Tracey on August 6th, weighing in at 9 lb, 12 oz. At four months of age, he is 17 lb (or so) and 27 inches (or so)! He is doted upon, as one might expect, by parents and grandparents. When Ken is not being an active father he continues with his computer work and program documentation; Tracey is seldom other than an active mother.
And the eldest of the “middle” generation: Deb. She is now Mrs. Gunter. Joe and Deb were married on October 12th in San Antonio in La Villita, the “Old Town” on River Walk, near where she worked when living there. The location was chosen as being central to where they live (Irving), we live (Houston) and Joe’s family lives (Corpus Christi). For our Yankee friends, that’s like having a wedding in NYC with family in Boston and Baltimore, while living in Buffalo! Needless to say, no matter where we all live, all of us are very happy for them.
And the one who didn’t make mention in our first Christmas Letter: Chris. He and Kelly have moved from The Woodlands near where they still teach to a house they bought in a development near us. Their plans call for a cousin for Jordan sometime in early May. With August 11th and 12th and October 12th for weddings over the past three years, and an August 6th birthday so far, what date looks good to you? Remember, Kelly teaches math and Chris handles biology. (In addition to coaching freshman football, he now also coaches basketball; will wonders never cease?)
What with births and weddings, Pat and Karen were not able to get away for an extended travel vacation as in prior years. But there was a week with a view of the Gulf of Mexico at Port Aransas in late October. Unfortunately, the weather was unseasonably cold and wet, so the view was from the condominium and not from the beach, itself. Nevertheless, it was a pleasant change from the world of College and Church. We, the older generation, have weathered these parts of our lives well, albeit, with concern about Karen’s folks who are still living in Ohio.
Yet, this is what life is about: love for friends and relatives; concern for the generations before and after; joy with births, marriages and yes, with deaths, as well, for all of these are integral to the God whose coming among us we celebrate once more. So once again, we wish each of you, peace and happiness in this time of joy and continuing wonderment.