Skinny Dippin'

"I just really miss my dad right now and am trying to go back to church."

Hey Tiffany,I'm so sorry you're missing your dad a lot right now. I can understand a little bit. I miss him, too. It's hard having your only brother gone, after having him around for 34 years. Besides that, he was such a fun, energetic person!!I tell you what--every once in a while I will try to send you a message with one of my favorite memories about him. Maybe that will help both of us.

OK--I was just thinking about this the other day. When we were kids, I was kind of shy. Obviously, Murray was not shy!!! When we would go places and need to ask an adult something (like a store clerk or librarian, etc) I would always make Murray ask questions or talk to the adult, even though he was 3 1/2 years younger than me. It never bothered him AT ALL to talk to strangers, so I would always make him do the talking. (Of course, that meant that sometimes the talking would go on and on and on....)

One more funny thing that happened once...we were staying overnight at Grandma Thaxton's house. In her trailer park, there was a swimming pool that Murray and I liked to go to. So one time we were there swimming and I told Murray it was time to go. (I was probably about 12 and Murrary was about 9). When we were leaving the pool, some kids asked me if that was my son. WHAT?!?!?!??! I'm only 12. Sheesh! I kept wondering--do I really look old enough to be a mom to a 9-yr-old?!?!?! Weird!!

Oh, and one time when Murray and I were at Grandma Thaxton's pool (and no body else was there) we decided that we should go skinny dipping there. Don't ever tell Grandma O'Dell--she'd have a fit!! Of course, we both stayed well away from each other because we didn't want to see ANYTHING!!! It was silly. (That's the only time I've ever skinny-dipped)

All right, I guess that's enough for now. I'll send you more memories another time. I love you. I hope the last few weeks of school will be fun for you!! Let me know if you need anything--even just someone to talk to.

Love, Erin