2016 Overstreet Christmas Update
2016 has been a year of highs and lows for almost everyone I know. Let’s start with one that is both a high and low depending on your political persuasion. We saw our country polarized by an election that was both disheartening and surprising. On a more personal level, January 11, 2016 was a day that began with the death of my dad and ended with Alabama winning the national football championship. And so began 2016 for the Overstreet family. Our first family gathering of 2016 was the funeral for him. One moment that was so touching to me was seeing the Marines at the grave when we drove up for the graveside. Erin’s son, Joe, wanted to have his picture made with them after the service. Everything this year has been overshadowed by my dad’s death.
The struggle is real--My life is a series of highs and lows and it has been for 60 years. I have struggled in writing this Christmas update more than I can ever remember. Maybe it’s because I don’t really have anything to say and why should I fill a page with words or spend my time writing something that is of no consequence. However, this yearly letter does give me a time to reflect on my year. You’re invited to read along as I have some time to contemplate this year. In July, I celebrated my 60th birthday. As a family, we spent 3 days in Gatlinburg.
I even had a t-shirt for my birthday as well as my first hashtag #itsalla60od and my first ‘Old Time’ Photo. It was a great time - definitely a high for our family. However, this week, I have watched with sadness as fires have destroyed much of the Gatlinburg area. I received an e-mail last night from the owner of the chalet where we stayed this summer saying the chalet had burned to the ground. What had been a high for us was a low for this family and many others who lost more than property.
Turning 60 has also been a high and low for me. f’m definitely grateful to be alive and healthy enough to enjoy my grands. However, I realize that I’m in the winter season of my life and my time to affect change in my world is slowly coming to an end. I have always been a doer - my love language is ‘acts of service’ and helping others achieve their goals is a passion of mine. That being said, I believe that God is calling me to ‘be more’ not ‘do more’ in this winter season. I’m not exactly sure what that looks like.
Another high and low this year has been stepping up in my role of sister, aunt, great aunt, etc. When my dad died in January, I not only lost my father but my strongest prayer warrior. He was always interceding for our family. I was so glad that my older grands were able to know him. In July, my siblings met to go the grave and see the marker. My oldest grandson, V, was with us. I did not realize how going to the cemetery would affect him. I took this picture as he stood over my parent’s graves. I picked him up in Tuscaloosa to come to Hendersonville and have our first Grandparent Camp. Only one pre- requisite for grandparent camp - you must be potty trained. Depending on how everyone does, we could have 4 next year.
I also wanted to give a shout out to my older kids for stepping up as well. They have stepped in as the ‘grands’ for John. In March, they came to Tennessee with their children to see John as ‘Lord Farquaad’ in Shrek, The Musical, at his school. He played the entire part on his knees. I love this picture of him with his nieces and nephews. (their parents made the pic on their knees as well)
On October 27, 2016, we welcomed our 5th grandchild into our family. Lewis Wells Overstreet was born to Buddy and Haley. She is named after her great-great grandmothers. Lewis was my maternal grandmother’s maiden name. We all were able to spend Thanksgiving at their home in Austin. (The pic at the top of this blog was made that day) While we were there I realized that I was 7 years old when my sister Amy was born. I was the oldest of 5. Now I’m the grandmother of 5 that are the same age span. It gives me a new appreciation for my mom. Having 5 children in 7 years had to be overwhelming.
I began writing this letter on December 4, which was John’s 18th birthday and the anniversary of my first date with Bill in 1971. We have known each other 45 years. There is not another person on this earth that knows me better or loves me like he does. One of the things I love most about him is how he encourages me in whatever I want to do. This year that included accepting an invitation from Erin to go on a mission trip to Cambodia.
Pray for us as we continue to support Pastor Sihok as he ministers to the least of these in Phnom Penh. You can read about our journey at www.allysonoverstreet.blogspot.com Click on the June blogs for more of the story and more pictures.
This letter every year is ‘The Story of Us.’ We have our highs and lows, but we are committed to each other and continuing to join with other Christ followers in building the Kingdom in our part of Tennessee. I pray you are doing the same.
Merry Christmas, Bill, Allyson, and John
Buddy, Haley, V, Mac, and Lew
Erin, Dan, Joe, and Tom
115 Choctaw Drive, Hendersonville, TN 37075
Contact 205-534-0035 or billallyson@gmail.com
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