Dear Terri,

It seems like there is no way you can have been gone three years, yet in other ways it seems much longer since we last saw you. You have no idea how often that early morning phone call reverberates in my brain.

Probably your biggest news is that you are the mother of a college graduate. Yep, even with the handicap you weighted him with, Shelby graduated. I haven't talked with him lately, but he was living in Hereford working for a chemical application company and also splitting time at their Dalhart location. He is growing up.

Robyn is living in Roundrock with Wade and Judy. Going to school and working. She probably struggles more than any of your kids, but then she is you made over. (Maybe even blonder). Like her mother, she thinks every one is just a little bit dumber than they really are. She is an impulse buy waiting for an opportunity. Always busy, going and doing. More than likely, somewhere different than where you think she is. A while back Pat and I were laughing, and I told her that the only time we have known where you were at is the last three years. (Of course after saying this, maybe we need to have your coffin exhumed just to be sure you weren't spoofing us). Robyn has a boyfriend I haven't met, but I have heard lots of good things about him.

Wee Wesley quit the city of Edna and went to work for Haliburton. Rian, Jason (and his family), and I saw Wee, Riley, and Edwin when we went to the tractor pull at Nordheim. I really like Wee's girlfriend and I wouldn't be surprised if this blossoms into something more. I had to kid Wee that his first job with Haliburton they would give him a pair of fins and a bucket of cement and tell him to stop the BP oil leak in the Gulf! He so enjoyed the truck and tractor pull.

Riley is growing up. I wouldn't be honest if I didn't tell you I see a twinkle in his eyes that reminds me of his Momma. You would not believe how big he is getting. He is huge! Not fat. Big! I am not sure if he is coming to Roscoe after the Brownwood reunion this year.

E and I talk almost weekly. He is so unhappy work-wise. After Jim left the coop and went to Valco, E was hopeful this new man would learn the job. Apparently that has not been the case. E told me just this week that he is actively seeking other employment. Kevin is hopeful of some contracts for hauling down there, but E told me that if something else comes along, he is gone. Even this close to the ginning season. I think that the relationship between the kids step Mom and them is less volatile now. While you weren't a conventional Mom, any criticism from her about your children's rearing is taken as an attack on you personally. I think that both sides are becoming wiser.

Your Mother and Dad are wearing Pat and I out. We discuss role reversals all the time. I got Mom a doctors appointment earlier in the week (Pat was gone) and it hurt Dad's feelings. "When is my appointment?" he asked. I asked him what was wrong with him because I didn't make him an appointment. "My legs", he replied. I told him that was an every day occurrence. I was only dealing with new ailments. It didn't really matter, Mom didn't make her appointment, even after I was by there getting her ready to go. Fell asleep in her chair. I was furious. She had been in her medications. She is going to mess with me until I make it straight placebos.

I got traded from the parts store to Dad's farm. He needed some help (actually he wanted someone to do it for him) getting his crop in. I worked three weeks straight and today is the first day I have had off since I began. No tractor in my day forecast today. I am hopeful for their crops. That baby cotton sure is coming on and it sure is pretty.

Krl suffered a fall in April and broke her hip. During her treatment they discovered a heart problem. She goes in Monday to turn her thirty day monitor in. Prognosis is probably going to be a pacemaker. Best part is she has gained nineteen pounds during her convalescing. It has been a long time since she tipped the scales at the century mark.

I am sure Fred has probably bragged, but Jake and Lindsay had twins. A boy and a girl, both appear going to be redheaded! Humor him and act like I didn't tell you. Ha!

I will rely on him to catch you up on the rest of the crew.

Know that you are loved and that we miss you terribly.

Love,
Your Brother, Don