By the time you read this column, it will probably be history. My family will have spent our usual two weeks together at Garden City beach. Excitement by now has reached a fever pitch. With ten grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren, there never has been a dull moment.

And rightly so, Billie and I have slowed down a bit in our activities and during our 60-plus years of marriage, we have soaked up many days of rays. In due time, the old skin begins to tell it's about had enough, but it's nothing like seeing children have fun.

One thing that has kept the family strong has been time spent with each other in a relaxed mood. If families spent more time together, we could in due time remove the family setting from the list of endangered species.

Leaving Georgetown on the trip down and crossing where the Black and Pee Dee rivers enter the sea and the Grand Strand area begins to unfold, we can view many changes since last year. There are more beautiful townhouses and condominiums, as well as the spacious high rises. To the casual visitor, it gives the onlooker a glimpse of what Heaven must be like.

Out of the clear view, my mind drifts back to my little friend Perky. You remember this little character from a previous article, don't you? Perky is the little crippled shorebird that I discovered by accident several years ago. In case you don't remember, he is the little one-legged bird that I noticed while feeding the birds

Although there were ample pieces of bread thrown out, I noticed the little fella was feeding the less fortunate sickly bird before he would eat himself. I remember thinking, "Could this be God reminding me of a bit of scripture that says 'Inasmuch as you have done it unto one of the least of these you have done it unto me.'"

I could not help but remember wondering where Perky might be. Had he joined the enumerable caravan in the sky? Or had he found refuge in one of the beautiful new housing developments? It could be that the little fella was seeking a better environment that offered to him more goodies to eat. Whatever the case, I suppose deep down in my soul I hoped we would meet again.

As usual, Billie and I, along with the children, have attended church services at the Garden City Chapel. Sixteen of us sat together as we worshiped our God who makes all things bountiful. If you should vacation anywhere in the Garden City area, I highly recommend the worshipful setting that can be found in this place. The family by no means is a group of do-gooders who think you can't go to Heaven without going to church, but rather we know it draws us closer to each other.

Our time of fun and togetherness was hampered early into the two weeks as I was called to attend the funeral of my sister, Margaret. We had to make two trips from the beach to Sumter for the visitation and for the church service. It was a joyful occasion and I got to see some of the family I hadn't seen in some time and many old friends who are an intricate part of my precious memories.

Lest we forget.

T&D Columnist Rinehart Chewning is a long-time resident of Holly Hill. His column appears every Saturday. Discuss this and other stories online at TheTandD.com.

You must be logged in to comment.