Saturday, September 26, 2009

Thinking about my family

The Rev. and Mrs. Jack Riffe,
My Father and Mother.


I am feeling mixed emotions as I think about my family tonight. Right now, a surprise service is being held for my Dad. He is celebrating 42 years as an ordained minster. People have traveled all across the US to be with him and honor him on this occasion. I am very proud of him and his ministry but wish I could be there to take part in it all.

I am happy for my Dad and yet, melancholic to not be there.


(I'm the little imp in the middle with the wicked grin!)

This is my family while my father attended Bob Jones University. Somehow he managed to be a full time student as well as work full time. He also put us through private schools. It could not have been easy!

14 comments:

firepig said...

Nostalgia takes over at times-I can get homesick easily: For Caracas, for Washington DC.,for El Tigre,for childhood , for the times my kids were little, for memorable trips and for special parties, and for all the people who became part of my home( heart).

Why do we all have to live so far away from each other.Why can't we all live in the same place?

Brenda said...

He sounds like a very special person, I am so sorry you had to miss the celebration. I know its no consolation, but I kinda know how you feel . .

Mrs. Reverend Doctor said...

I went to BJU for a year before transferring to another Bible college.
On the flip side think of how what a wonderful testimony it is to your parents that one of their children isn't there because shes on a foreign mission field.

Kathy said...

What a wonderful time to remind yourself of the blessings of having parents who love the Lord! I know your dad missed you as much as you missed him, and that will make your next phone call or Skype call more special! :) You'll probably get pictues from lots of folks, which will be really fun!

Betty W said...

I´m so sorry you couldn´t be there for this special occasion!
He sounds like a special man, who worked really hard to do the best for his family.
I hope they are filming everything for you, so that you can at least see the event afterward.

Rita Loca said...

Firepig, It's true. No matter where I am, I can think of people or places I miss.

Rita Loca said...

Brenda, I remember you had to miss your son's graduation. You were very good spirited about ti all.

Rita Loca said...

Mrs. Rev. Dr., My dad has a great legacy! He is himself a PK, as his father and grand father were both Baptist preachers.

Rita Loca said...

Kathy, I am so glad we live in a day where such a thing is possible!

Rita Loca said...

Betty, My sister promised to capture as much as possible for us. We also filmed messages and sent it for them to show him.

Mrs. Who said...

Wow...what an example your whole family is for the rest of us, truly living God's Holy Word.

Dawn said...

I can only imagine how much you wanted to be there. It's good that technology will at least allow you to enjoy it vicariously!

Z said...

I can only imagine how that felt not to be there, JM...
I hope it was a wonderful day for them and my hat's off to your wonderful family that does so much for the Lord!

Webutante said...

Times like these we would all be torn, Rita. I'm sure you were with them in spirit and prayers. What wonderful blessed parents you and Pam have and how fortunate you are to still have them. God bless.