Macy Gueldner – I think you will realize Macy has a very special mother when you read this.
Jeremy and I are completely humbled by all of the thoughts, prayers, gestures, donations, and gifts that we’ve received. This is, by far, the strongest that I’ve felt the Christmas spirit, and I have to say that it’s quite amazing. Cate regularly asks me tons of questions about God and His Son. Last night she said, “Jesus was a lucky guy.” And I replied, “Why do you think so?” And she said, “Because God was his father.” As to which I replied, “Well, God is our Father also, but I do know what you mean, and in that regard, yes he was lucky to be chosen. But it was not easy for him, because he made sacrifices for all people… people he didn’t know… people that weren’t born yet.” Then I started giving her examples of sacrifice. As I spoke, I was reminded of all of the wonderful things that people have done for us. People have sold things to make a profit for our family, people have collected money and pull tabs. People have gifted socks to hundreds of sick children. People have bought our girls presents, even though they have children of their own to buy for. All of these selfless acts have added up to give our family grand support… support that we need at the moment, but support that we are eager to give to other families. Most of all, it has opened our eyes. It has taught us how much good there is in people. It has taught our Cate a lot about giving back, sacrifice, and love. We have seen first-hand that there are many disciples of Jesus walking this earth.We are unfortunate to have to walk this journey, yet we are so fortunate to be surrounded by such Godly people.
We look forward to the day where we can be the helpers…where we can pay it forward. For now, all we can do is say a truly heartfelt “thank you.” So thank you to each and every one of you who have contributed to our family, in prayer or gift. May God bless you with a fabulous 2014!
A quick note about the kiddos: Macy has been fantastic the past few days. She’s getting smarter and sillier by the day. We are preparing for our trip to Memphis on Thursday, where she’ll receive her 3rd high dose of methotrexate. Cate went back to school on a regular basis after Thanksgiving, and I think she’s picked up right where she left off. She will be the snowman in her school’s Christmas program tonight. I can’t wait to see her shine on stage.
I am always very good (and early) with Christmas cards, but it just didn’t happen this year… I’m sure you understand. So we’ll settle with a digital card this year (if I can even get that pulled together.) We haven’t even seen Santa yet… GEEZ… this is not going over well with my personality!
Anita D. Stafford
(December 15, 1936 – December 16, 2013)
Anita D. Lewis Stafford, 77 years old, of Amite, passed away Monday, December 16, 2013 at St. Helena Parish Nursing Home in Greensburg. She was born December 15, 1936 to Davis and Loretta Lewis. She is survived by 3 sons, Mark Stafford and wife, Kathy, Kentwood, Craig Stafford and Jeffery Stafford, both of Amite; 1 daughter, Dorrit Rick and husband, Tennis, Roseland; 6 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren; brother, Davis Lewis and wife, Donna, Arcola; 3 sisters, Doreen Campbell and husband, Charles, Satsuma, Pam Hollifield, Arcola and Karen Kemp and husband, John, Arcola and numerous nieces and nephew. Preceded in death by her parents, and husband, Fieldon (Sonny) Stafford. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 9 a.m. until religious services at 11 a.m., Thursday, December 19, 2013. Interment will be at Mulberry Street Cemetery, Amite. Special thanks to Dr. A. J. Varnado, Community Hospice, nursing staff at St. Helena Parish Hospital and Nursing Home. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
Anita’s sister Pam was my classmate and friend. Then, I taught all four of Anita’s children. Her daughter, Dorrit, continues to be a good friend.
WILLIAM “BILLY” A. RANDOL
(JANUARY 19, 1939 – DECEMBER 9, 2013)
William “Billy” A. Randol, 74, passed away on December 9, 2013, at Southwest Regional Medical Center in McComb, MS. Visitation will be held Thursday, December 12, 2013 at Catchings Funeral Home (Summit) from 5:00-8:00 PM and continue Friday, December 13, 2013 from 12:00 PM until the time of the service at 1:00 PM at Catchings Funeral Home (Summit). Graveside service will follow in Unity Baptist Church Cemetery. Bro. will be officiating the services. Catchings Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.
Pallbearers are Cecil Randol Jr., Jesse Randol, J. J. Gilliland, Matthew Gehegan, Patrick Brown, and A J Alford. Honorary pallbearers are Mark Randol Jr., Nicholas Ferrell, Devin Peek, and Shawn Randol.
Mr. Randol was born on January 19, 1939, in Amite, LA to James N. and Alkaline Lea Randol. He was of the Baptist faith. He served in the US Merchant Marines. He loved to raise vegetables, loved sports, and to spend time with his children and grandchildren.
Survivors include his wife: Charollet Blount Randol of Fernwood; daughters: Margaret Randol Thompson and husband Lonnie of Roseland, La, Barbara Randol of Amite, LA, Janice Randol Gehegan and husband Rowdy of Springfield, LA, Billie Jo Randol Whittington and husband Nick of Covington, LA; sons: Robert Randol of Ponchatoula, LA, David Randol and wife Paula of Roseland, LA, Cecil Randol of Kentwood, LA, Mark Randol and wife Vickie of Kentwood, LA, and Charles Randol and wife Gayle of Bogue Chitto, MS; sisters: Delores Randol Genusa and husband Salvador of Amite, LA, Louella Randol Brooks Graham and husband RC of Amite, LA, and Maude Dean Randol Athey and husband Pete of Kentwood, LA; brother: Ely Randol and wife Vickie of Kentwood, LA; grandchildren: 29; great grandchildren: 13; and a host of nieces, nephews and friends.
He is preceded in death by his parents.
Condolences to the family can be submitted on-line at www.catchingsfuneralhome.com.
Billy’s wife was from the large family of Blount children of Roseland.
The Prayer Link 