Still Going Well!

Thanks to any of you who have been praying about our transition to Wilmore. Things continue to go really well. Our closing was moved from Friday (today) to yesterday because the lawyer's wife had to have some surgery. The house closed without a hitch. The first picture is of Joel and Stacy, the new owners of the place where I'll be sleeping tonight (for the last time) with my family. Thanks to Joel and Stacy for letting us hang-out at the house for a few more days! Most of you know that Lorna Crouch is the third person in the shot, smiling after successfully executing another home sale.

Thursday was a nice day, all around. It started with a surprise fare well from my friends at Panera Bread in north Johnson City. The "Via" crew at Panera sectioned off my normal corner and decorated it. The yellow mustard packets spelled out "BYE" and they gave me a free coffee and pastry . . . AND a Panera Coffee tumbler. While I was placing my order, they decorations to my car. The "Via Panara" crew are the ones who put together special orders of pastries, lunches, and such. If you have any catering needs that call for Panera food, call Kaci at 794-8210. She and her crew are hard workers. Thanks to all of you for making my last day at Panera so nice!

It wasn't just the Panera employees who were being nice; my coffee clutch buddies were all there too. We sat and chatted for a good long time. In the group photo, from left to right is Harold, Harry, Bob and Bonnie, Frank, Wayne, and Robbie. The conversation with Harry was particularly poignant. Harry has lung cancer and the doctor's estimation for him is only a few months. Harry appears to be at peace with the time frame that's been given him. He's an inspiration and a fine man. If you have room on your prayer list, add Harry and his wife.

At the end of the party Harry stood up and said, "Aaron, I have bigger plans than to be here to welcome you back." It's surprising how different good-byes are when you're pretty certain it's the last time you'll see someone.

Besides a Panera Party and closing on the house, we got a lot of packing done (thanks Jerianne, Marissa, and Spencer!). It was a long, but very good, day.