Freeport, FL to see more family!

Today I headed to Freeport, FL to see more family. My cousin Keith (retired COL USAF) and his wife Kim and my uncle Roland (mom’s brother) and aunt Julieanne live in Freeport. 

The day started off with breakfast with an old friend, Rusty Burke. Rusty and I attended Frederick together in the 80s (yes, over 40 years ago!). He runs a Karate school in Tallahassee. It was great to see him. The last time we connected was 9 years ago when I came to Florida for a short vacation. 





After a short time with Rusty, chatting and catching up, I headed out to Freeport. I thanked the good Lord it wasn’t raining. I believe it’s rained more this trip than it did all of the 2017 trip (but I did have some significant rain days). Anyhow, it was a beautiful trip until the last 10 miles, then rain! 🌧️

I arrived in rain gear, and was greeted by my cousin and his wife. It was great to see them, spend time with them and catch up. We went over to see my uncle and aunt and then went back to their home and had a nice dinner. Their beautiful home is right on the water.




Keith, his brother, Brian, my sister, Angel, and I were very close growing up. We spent countless summers together at our grandparents in Hertford, NC and numerous Thanksgivings at their home in Culpepper, VA. Our dad’s traded cars more than once. We are all close in age and it made for a very good childhood. He and his brother are both VMI (Virginia Military Institute) grads, and Keith had a 28 year military career and retired a few years ago and works now for the private sector.


This evening, when we were talking, we brought up “hereditary” traits in families that may have been passed down to others. We spoke mainly of our grandfather and how both of us have some of the similar mannerisms and talents that he had. I even see it in my own kids. We talked about what a strong person he was and how we all looked up to him. I think we all carry a part of the family that we come from. 

This all made me think about this coming Sunday and the Trinity (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit), and how they are One, each having a distinct personhood, but of the same substance. We are part of Christ who gives himself to us in the Eucharist, and he is a part of us. So, therefore, we share with him in a spiritual relationship. We are adopted by God in baptism and are joint heirs in Christ for life eternal. Sorry, I didn’t mean to go theologically heady. However, relationship is at the core of my spirituality.

Challenge to St. James: Reach out to a friend that does not have a church home and invite them to St. James. Tell them something wonderful about the community and the relationships you’ve made there.

Challenge to Self: Do better at having your relationships mirror your relationship with God. Work on those relationships that are the most challenging.

Tallahassee, FL to Freeport, FL
Ride: 116 miles (short day) 






Location: Freeport, FL, USA

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This Week!

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