The Gammons Fam: June 2011

Friday, June 24, 2011

11 years . . . and counting

One of the things that Amanda and I have done a lot of in the past few months is work along side each other. You learn a lot about a person when you work shoulder to shoulder. There is no one else in the world that I would rather have at my right hand. In her, God has truly given me a fitting help mate. I am thankful, so very thankful, for the 11 years of marriage that we've shared together. I'm looking forward to the next 11, Lord willing. Happy Anniversary, Amanda.

Wednesday, June 22, 2011

Read Aloud--Where the Red Fern Grows

Where were you when you read . . .? There are few books that have this kind of impact. I can distinctly remember reading the last few chapters of Where the Red Fern Grows together on our way to a Detroit Symphony Orchestra rehearsal when I was a little boy. My mom had to pull over because she was crying. So this has always been a book that I looked forward to reading to my kids.

It's the story of Billy, a boy growing up in the Ozark hills and swamps, and his case of "puppy love", his desire to have a couple of coon hounds. Old Dan and Little Ann are the answer to his prayer. They go on to become the two best coon hounds in the country. We haven't finished the book yet, but I look forward to every night and love when the boys all ask for "one more chapter." This is also one of the first books that Molly intently listens to and follows. It's fun to have her with us and enjoying it too. I am afraid that after we read this book it will be difficult not to rush out and get a hound of our own. I want my boys to, like Billy, long a little for that dog though. It's such a great story of the sweet taste of delayed gratification.

If you read one book this summer, whether you have kids or not, I recommend that you read this one. Be careful though. If you don't have a dog and aren't in the market for one, this is a dangerous piece of literature. Reader beware.