WYNDHAM SMOKY MOUNTAIN RESORT served as the site of our 4th annual "Friends Gathering". Eight couples enjoyed the spacious rooms and accommodating staff. The area provided plenty of opportunities to explore both the Smoky Mountains National Park and the many varied shopping venues. Dining out, a Chili Cookoff, shopping outings in Gatlinburg, Golf, hiking, jig saw puzzles, and group games kept us busy. Yet, again, the best times seemed to be those times we just gathered to remember and recall those days we spent together in the late 1960s!
REFLECTIONS
As I looked around the room I was reminded of the blessings of longtime friends. It just didn't happen. It took some effort to stay connected all these years. But here we were together once more.
Covid 19 made it somewhat more of a challenge, but eight of the nine couples who attended last year's Gathering chose to come. Ten days have passed since we left Tennessee and all continue to be in good health. Next year's plan calls for us to head to WYNDHAM NASHVILLE.
As my gaze circled the room, I remembered something I once heard.
"Your choice of friends throughout your life will greatly affect the person that you will become."
If that warning speaks truth, then I must, at least be on the right track because they are men and women of great character. They are men and women who, through their journeys in life, have loved God and have given their best to their fellow man.
Like our hike in the mountains, it was seldom easy. Yet we determined to keep on hiking until we reached our destination. At the end of our trek it was worth it all.
So that's my plan as I near the end of my life's trail. I plan to keep on hiking, one step at a time, while enjoying the vistas along the way.
To all my friends....."Happy trails to you until we meet again".
