Greetings once again from the Butlers. Hopefully you remember or know who we are. Either way, feel free to keep reading. (Forgiven in advance if you are not up to it after all the other cathartic and timelier Christmas update letters.) This year’s 2012 update is an “outside the box” work in progress as I started the update from my In-Law’s Myrtle Beach home en route to visit the familiar faces and places of Northern Virginia. As typical, a lot going on as we journey through life in a way that certainly seems to captivate us if no one else. Looking back, this trip in many ways seemed to reflect what our life is all about and we hope you enjoy being a part of the ride with us.
As we packed up and departed sunny Florida on Friday 12/21, Elizabeth was quick to notice that the “prize” piece of luggage that I had proudly acquired at the Salvation Army was actually a pet carrier. I was a little curious as to why it had air vents, but reasoned that they would be a great feature to prevent the mildew ever prevalent in Florida. Affirmation came as an older gentleman dropped his dog off using the exact same “luggage” at the vet while we were boarding our sweet Cavalier, Ruby.
First stop was in Gainesville to pick up Ryan, fresh upon his December graduation from University of Florida, and our rental vehicle…A “necessity” to allow us to haul all our “stuff and things” required for Christmas on the road. Elizabeth was quick to note that the tire pressure light was on so I reasoned that National Rental Car should be responsible. The flustered rental clerk said he could help in 5-10 minutes. Not wanting to give up any of my precious vacation time or spend my own $.75 on air at a gas station (A matter of principle!), we drove into the restricted rental car service bay to tell them where they could put their air. The same clerk comes flying out saying that we were breaking the law/trespassing and would need to vacate the property. Alas, we got our well earned air and you could simply feel the momentum of a 1,000 mile road trip during Christmas building!
While still traveling Friday on the way to Myrtle Beach, Elizabeth got the word from family that the Gift Exchange Party that they were hosting Christmas Eve Monday would be cancelled due to a raging family wide illness. Immediately, Elizabeth went into “Plan B” mode to see who would like to “Adopt the Butlers” on Christmas Eve. My thought was to simply show up unannounced at one of our old friend’s homes in Leesburg sort of like Cousin Eddie in the Winnebago from Christmas Vacation. Decorum and common sense prevailed proving again that the Lord has a better plan.
A short but sweet “Pre Christmas” with Elizabeth’s mother Lin and step father Doug was the perfect midpoint. We somehow packaged about a ½ week’s worth of catching up, eating, shopping, unwrapping, and emotional releasing into 36 hours and started back on our journey north…Complete with golf balls that Doug snags from their Tidewater fairway lot and gifts to me so I can simply hit them back into other people’s yards.
Touching into VA soil, the beloved Redskins were kicking off in a game of true playoff significance for the first time in years. The boys and I somehow negotiated rights to listen to the game while Elizabeth drove in a display of diplomacy reminiscent of the Camp David Peace Talks. Alas, while climbing Afton Mountain near Charlottesville, all radio reception and internet connectivity were lost with 1 minute left in the game and the dream crushing Eagles on a drive to steal the game. Panic struck three overanxious fanatics while a patient driver frustrated by listening to fading static and a senile and/or liquored-up Sonny Jurgensen for over an hour finally had enough of us all. A therapeutic trip through the nostalgic JMU campus in Harrisonburg and a table full of chili dogs at the ‘Burg’s iconic Jess’s Quick Lunch brought us back from the abyss. That, and confirmation that the good guys actually won!
Christmas Eve in No.VA was special in ways both meaningful and completely unexpected. A surprise White Christmas snow fall coated the area beautifully as we finally made it into Leesburg. We were able to inhale our favorite cheese steaks at the familiar Giovanni’s- still run by the same family since our first days in town. We hit a church service where the Redskin’s spectacular rookie, Robert Griffin III, attends, and were able to share a family prayer and lay flowers at the breathtaking cemetery where my folks are both buried. The night concluded out at the wonderful country home of our dear Christian Life Group friends, Henri and Amanda Fuhrmann. Amanda makes Martha Stewart look like a character from the Duck Dynasty show, and you would have thought she had 2 months to prepare for the Butlers verses 2 days. Only thing better than the spread was the simple warmth and love still apparent in a special lasting relationship that exceeds any human limits we put on it.
A timely drop in by the amazing Mancini family did nothing but add to the evening’s significance and joy. A life group that started over 15 years ago as “Carseats to Carpoolers” has evolved into “College Grads and Empty Nesters” with the Lord’s sovereign hand guiding each of us along our way while somehow keeping us still connected. Truly remarkable to have such eternal bonds in the transient world that we live in. We were blessed to be “adopted” that night and I was also glad I hadn’t completely forgotten how to drive in snow.
Christmas Day started in an interesting fashion as gifts were opened in a hotel suite for the first time. A lot to be thankful for including having kids of the age where gift cards compact and small (but pricey) electronics are the rage verses space eating “Some Assembly Required” scooters, Lego castles, and doll houses. The annual Christmas Day gathering at the White Gate II farm of Elizabeth’s father Don and step mother Barbara was like stepping back in time. The characters of character assembled this year and at so many similar gatherings through the decades have influenced us in meaningful and lasting ways. One could virtually feel the presence of those no longer with us, while enjoying the current fellowship and holiday food which Barb traditionally prepares.
Oh well, it was time to start heading back South the day after. Patrick decided to stay behind to help Don drive back to his Florida home with the wishful plan of getting to FedEx Field for the Redskin’s season ender with the dreaded Cowboys. After navigating a wintery mix on the roads, I drove over a large tire tread on I-95 and dislodged a decorative trim piece on the rental. Like any renter, I simply shoved the piece into the cavity of the front bumper, and proceeded to a motel that may want to incorporate the SEO term “Bates” should they ever elect to promote the property via Internet. Seems that they are still a few decades away from that trendy step. The next morning, I invested $.97 in a pack of bolts at Wal-Mart and proceeded to the parking lot to “rig” the trim piece back to the bumper. An elderly couple stumbled upon me and shrieked in terror as if I had been a “Hit and Shop” victim and someone had left me for dead while securing some 75% Off Post Christmas garland. I assured them that I was OK and merely performing a little auto body triage. Too funny! The rest of the trip was made without incident including the rental return.
Ok, here are the personal updates:
Elizabeth – Still the most appreciated art teacher in the land as she is in her 5th year at Bell Shoals Baptist Academy. Students routinely say “hi” at the grocery store or in town and the number of Christmas and end of school year gifts lavished compensate her in ways beyond what any Christian school could afford. She and Bethany weathered Tropical Storm Isaac at our Gulfport/St Pete Beach home with pizzas and DVDs. She kicked off her “Living on the Edge” Tour with a couple of trips north this year. One involved a nostalgic train trip to Alexandria, VA with Bethany that included some long overdue culture at the Shakespeare Theater and a rendezvous with her mother and Doug. The second trip offered her a chance to hang with her friend Lisa and see the familiar sights that still have such meaning. She is developing a mini cult following on FaceBook, and continues to keep all of us and our pets Ruby and Katarina on track despite our hygienic, administrative, academic, attitudinal, and emotional challenges.
Ryan - Gator-Boy graduated from UF’s School of Journalism and decided to leave his position as the sports writer for the local Chiefland Citizen. His talents and aspirations perhaps a bit more than the tiny Citizen can offer at this point. For the moment, he is back with us at home. The main reason is that on a certain level, he does not want to be here. It simply makes sense as he networks and implements his plan. If he actually wanted to be here, I don’t know that we would want him to stay. Either way, we are proud of him and are so excited to see how these next weeks and months shake out. I know that he will read this letter and probably pick it apart. All good!
Patrick – Took the concept of parental job security to new levels as he earned his HS diploma. Elizabeth and I were well equipped to host a church small group study on “‘Raising Teens” as our battle scars have given us authenticity. In a classic story, the school contacted us the day before graduation to say he owed $15 for an overdue book or he would not graduate. Elizabeth fled from her training session cash in hand to eliminate any processing delays. Hilariously, while running woefully late getting Patrick to graduation, the opportunistic Hillsborough County Schools were charging $5 to enter the grounds. Elizabeth had given her last cash for the overdue book and I had nothing either so we temporarily panicked with no cash on us. We agreed to storm the gate but thank goodness Doug saved us from the indignity with a spare Lincoln. In August, our “work in progress” enlisted in the US Navy and was assigned as an RP- “Religious Program Specialist” responsible for administrative support and security for military chaplains and pastors. We are very proud and ask for your prayers as this purposeful turn in his life plays out.
Bethany- Her stomach ailments during last year’s Christmas lead to a December 28th gall bladder removal. Rather radical for one her age, but we give praise after a year it certainly seemed to be the right call. Bethany enjoyed the train trip up north with Elizabeth and a summer stay in Myrtle with Granna Lin and Doug. One of her dear friends sadly lost her mother to a heart attack and to witness her compassion and support was special. She enters high school next year and appears to be fully equipped in ways that will serve her well. She is even getting “career focused” as she recently said: “I like animals, but don’t want to be a Vet. I thing that being a teacher would be fun. I am also a good writer. Maybe I can teach animals to write?”.
Erik- The Takeout Butler restaurant delivery service (www.takeoutbutler.com) continues to survive and thrive during challenging times for any small business. Quite simply, people need to eat and we provide a value-oriented and remarkably convenient way to make it happen. In January, we were recognized by the Riverview Chamber of Commerce as the “2011 Business Person of the Year.” Not about me or a popularity contest, but evidence of TOB’s economic impact and commitment to the community. Riverview was just rated by CNN/Money Magazine as the country’s 67th “Best Place to Live.” So, the powers of extrapolation allow me to be considered among the best 67 business owners in the country. That and $5 still just get me a footlong at Subway. Personal highlights for me include getting reacquainted with a grade school buddy Brian Lewis down in Gulfport in a remarkable story too long for this letter. I also “won” the first round in the annual golf tourney that my JMU fraternity buddy Jack Coffey holds each winter. Amazingly, I found out that my long term internist who I had to see after pulling muscles while playing golf had actually been married to Jack’s sister for 17 years! Lay me odds on that!
We were able to assist a local food bank and the Riverview Community Services by delivering holiday meals to the needy. The touching stories of what these folks have been through made us all feel how blessed we are.
Ok, this year’s update was shorter than last by about 2 words. Already accomplishing 2013 goals!
We’re within an hour of 8 Spring Training camps and 1..5 hours from the “Mouse” and Universal so call us if you visit Florida. Please stay in touch as we covet your prayers and value our long standing relationships. Each of you touches our family in a meaningful way that continuously blesses us.
