"Viewing photos activates memory recall, helping to stimulate memories and bring back forgotten details like laughter or feelings." ~ copied

Good morning and welcome to today's visit where I will not be answering any live questions today, so, please forward them to me in writing and be sure to have them notarized along with a stamped return addressed envelope. That's nonsense but I throw it out there just for an opening. I didn't say it was a good opening. Just your everyday ordinary opening. Satisfied? Good. Today is Wednesday, January 14, 2026, and, I'm thinking about what we remember when we find and look at an old photo. This one popped up the other day. That's my baby sister, Kayla, (1952-1979, succumbing to leukemia at age 27), and, of course, yours truly. We are sitting on what will be the front entrance porch to our new home, under construction, in Hornbeck, Louisiana. After dad passed away in early 1954, mom and us six kids moved there and took up residence with Granny and Paw Paw McMillan, mom's parents. I believe we moved into our new home in 1957, therefore, I'm guessing this photo was in the summer of 1956. Kayla was the baby of the family which meant there was typically one of us kids with her since mom was working. I wish I could remember more about this particular photo but I don't have any specifics to share. It does give me a warm feeling anytime I see or even think about Kayla. She left us so early, but, my oh my, what a testimony she had, at age 27. She used to tell me how much she hated to leave her husband and three daughters, but, how privileged she felt to know that while her life exit was within months, how God had given her the time she had along with a desire to share what she wanted to share with a whole list of people. That's right. She made a list. She either visited directly or called each person and let them know she loved them and how she wanted them to know Christ so they could be with her forever and ever, Amen. She did that. She really did. I can't sugarcoat the suffering she endured but I can remember how much she was loved and how she was a good soldier, often enduring hardship for our sake because we didn't want to see her go. In the photo it looks like she is ready for the beach and me, well, it looks like I might be looking for something to carry in those beautiful oversized cuffs on my jeans. I do have good news. I believe with all my heart, because of our shared faith in Christ, that I will see her again and she will be perfectly well and we will live for endless ages in the presence of our Lord.

 

Her legacy does live on. Her three daughters grew up and Kayla would be happy how they have become women of faith and resilience. For those left in our immediate family, just JoAnn and myself, we will never forget her last Christmas here in 1978. We were on her list too. She went around the room to each of us individually and told us what we meant to her and how she wanted to see us all together in heaven in the by and by. Needless to say, there was a whole lot of tears on that day. In fact, those tears have never faded. My mom always told me about all the questions she hoped to get answers to when she saw the Lord. I told her, well, just maybe when you see Jesus you will no longer need to have those questions answered. The old song tells us we will understand it better by and by, and, in one way or the other, I believe we will. Until then, I'll not forget our Kayla as I so look forward to seeing her again, soon. (Don't get the idea I know how it will all work because while I know generally what the Scriptures tell us, well, I'm trusting in His provision to make it all happen. Amen.) What say you? May God add His blessings. Amen.