Our "Koderader Retreat"

Dear Byron,

I'm sad, so sad that I've neglected to write to you for well over a month now. Meanwhile you, Mommy and Daddy have settled down to a regular life in your new home in the Heights area of Houston. I do pray that you are happy. I hear that you are, but please know that your GGMa and I miss you. Perhaps when we get back to our house in Spring we'll be able to see you again.

Oh, I didn't even tell you where we are. We're in Pagosa Springs. That's a small town in Colorado. Yes, in Colorado. You see, we've had a second home here ever since 1997. That's a long time ago, isn't it? Your Daddy was here for the Christmas time vacation that the whole family took. At that time we had a special family dinner during which we dedicated the home to the honor of our Lord Jesus and for the use of family and special friends. Over these past 15 years we've had many, many people use our Colorado home (we call it our Koderader Retreat). Your Aunt Cassie was responsible for the name. When she was a little girl she told us she couldn't pronounce Colorado. All she could say was Koderader; hence the name.

GGMa and Aunt Cassie and Wee-Z up here

Here are some of the notes we received in our Guest Book:

Thank you for letting us stay in your lovely Pagosa Springs home. Everything about this place has been wonderful: beautiful mountains all around; spectacular views everywhere, invigorating mountain air, cool, comfortable weather. 

You are to be commended in your choice of this site and its natural beauty, absolute comfort and relaxation is our way to describe this home. 

Lots of fantastic things to do here—Chimney Rock, hot springs, horseback riding, hiking. We had a great family time. 

This home is so warm and friendly with all the family pictures everywhere. Their importance to you is so obvious. 

The rain Monday afternoon (moving south to north) was spectacular; I think I'll have a great photo or two of mountain clouds, etc. The pure and fresh aspect of this area simply takes one's breath away. 

We were blessed to stay here this week and are very thankful. I wrote a song for you. The words are on the picture and recorded on the CD. 

Only heaven could be as pretty as here. . . 

We have enjoyed a very restful week. The people here have been so nice to us.
I almost got Dar on the hot air balloon. Maybe next time . . . 

Your cabin has a warm, welcoming feeling, making us relax immediately. It has been therapeutic for both of us, just to get away from the big city.

And so go the many comments, on and on, year after year. We only regret that you may never get to visit with us in our Koderader Retreat. You see, Byron, we're selling the house. After all these years we've had to make some difficult decisions. Times change, people change and so do the circumstances of our lives. At this stage in our lives GGMa and I have decided to downsize our responsibilities and maybe even move to a new home in the metro area. We'll have more to say about that another time.

All this is a reminder that your life as well as ours will be full of change. But regardless of where you go on your journey, remember this one important fact:

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. - Hbr 13:8 ESV

His love for you never changes and He will always be with you wherever you go, even as He has always been with us and the rest of our family.

We love you,
GGPa