It's amazing how many cultural things we share with those around us, regardless of age or relation. I remember watching Shirley Temple movies on television when I was growing up (there always seemed to be a marathon on sick days). Peenie remembers seeing her first Shirley Temple film at a movie theater in her hometown of Hardinsburg, Kentucky in the 1940's. "They were the only movies my mother would let us see...so wholesome...we loved them", she says.
That's probably why I loved those movies so much, too. Mom never had to monitor my watching them, and that's cause they really are so wholesome and "feel-good". Shirley Temple was just so darn cute! How could you not like her? But more than that...
I did some research on her a few minutes ago, and did you know that she was both the foreign ambassador to Ghana in 1974 and the foreign ambassador to Czechoslovakia in the 1980's? She was also the first celebrity to hold a press conference IN THE HOSPITAL discussing her struggle with breast cancer immediately after having a mastectomy in 1972. These, along with other achievements, make her a pretty interesting lady. She didn't let her life stop at being a child star. She made her mark in many different arenas. Pretty inspiring, if you ask me. And speaking of different arenas...
I'm moving to Charlotte! I've just accepted a job as the Assistant Director of Stewardship (aka: Fundraising) at Myers Park Presbyterian Church. My start date is at the end of the month. I'm excited to be working with such a respected organization, and to explore a new city! Plus, I get to live with one of my very best friends, Miss Sarah Tomkinson. Warm fuzzies all around!
This means some change for Peenie, of course. And friends, your prayers are needed. Peenie is determined to stay in her home...alone. We've come at her from every single angle to convince her not to...but she's not wavering. And until she is unable to care for herself, our family has decided to let her make her own decisions.
This worries me very much, and I even contemplated not taking this new job in order to stay in Greenville with her. But, as I am falling deeper into debt with my blasted student loans and monthly bills, my family is convinced that moving is the best decision for me...and possibly for Peenie. By moving out, we're hoping to "freeze her out" (current weather pun intended). As sad as this sounds, we're hoping that the loneliness she experiences once I am gone will help sway her to sell her home and move into a better environment (ie: most likely my mom and dad's home in Greensboro).
So please pray, friends! Pray that Peanut will be able to let go of her house and her stuff, so that she can be surrounded by family who can care for her in her final years. Seriously, your prayers are COVETED in this situation.
As far as today goes, though--Peanut and I are snowed in! So we're going to spend one of our last Tuesdays together watching the flakes fall, enjoying some homemade walnut brownies, drinking coffee, and maybe watching a Shirley Temple movie or two!
I'll leave you with this:
Happy Valentine's Day from Katy and Peenie!
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