20 December 2011 (Papa's Pittance):

In looking through our blog pages I found that I wrote last year on Christmas Eve to wish those of you who read the blog a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. So, I guess it's about time to do the same again.

2011 has been a rather hectic year for the older Gentzler's, it seems. Started off with a massive snow storm, a massive tornado in May that ripped Joplin apart. Luckily, and with God's grace we were spared any damage or loss of home or income. Kathy's parents and sister all lost their homes. Nor were we injured. So we have much to be thankful for.

Early this year, Kristy was diagnosed with a Pituitary tumor between her eyes, basically at the bridge of her nose. She has been on medications and it seems to be under control for now. She and Steve live by Carl Junction and she stays busy with work.

Then in July Kevin was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma, a blood cancer. He has been taking chemo. Is now finished with that and will start his stem cell cleansing process in early January. He has a very positive outlook and much faith. Oh, for faith like his in my life. He and Kathy bought a business in Leavenworth, the Queen's Pantry, tea shop. It's a cute place and lots of goodies. So they stay busy with all that and church and four kids.

Joyce and I try to stay busy. We both have had some medical problems. Joyce broke her foot in October and is having problems with it yet. I was diagnosed with an ulcer first and then later with Diverticulosis and then Colitis. I am on medication for it so it's doing some better. She and I are looking forward to 2012 with some new exciting things coming on. We are in the process of changing churches. We have been looking for something with some meaning and Biblical teaching for a long time. And, finally, we found it, we believe. It's a small Presbyterian Church that is not affiliated with Presbyterian Church USA. A young pastor and young congregation and the music and teaching are great. Oh, by the way, we celebrated our 50th year of marriage in July with a trip to Kansas City with all our kids and all but two of our grandkids there. It was a great time. THANKS TO ALL OF YOU FOR HELPING US PLAN IT AND FOR BEING THERE WITH US. THANKS TO JOYCE FOR PUTTING UP WITH THIS OLD CUSS FOR FIFTY YEARS.

Jon and April are planning on getting married and are expecting a baby in June, perhaps on my birthday. That will be a good birthday present for this old white haired Papa. They both work and are looking for a place to rent, but houses are scarce here and what are available are sky high in price. Jon has been a great help around here. He keeps the old folks in line. He and Kevin redid our bathroom for us and it is beautiful. We needed it done for a long time. THANKS, GUYS.

Perhaps, I have rambled, in my usual fashion for far too long. Just want you all to know that we love you all, very much and do wish each and everyone a blessed New Year. As Tiny Tim said in Dickens Christmas Carol, "God Bless us everyone."

Hugs, Kisses, and Love,

Papa G (Rolland)