Another Welcome for Emma

Geraldine Lewis, Emma, Jeralyn Lewis Mire and Jim Lewis (Jeralyn's brother). 

I purposely put that photo of Jeralyn at the top cuz that's where she ranks in my book, along with a few other favorites. Plus, she is beloved by so many who know her. 

My association with Jeralyn goes back, even to when she was a toddler, wandering the aisles during Mass at St. Joseph's Catholic Church.  

Later, (and rather ironically when you note bottom two photos) after the Wooden family singers performed a few songs back in 1975 at the south end of the Long Bridge back in 1975----a young Jeralyn, armed with a sack lunch, rode her pretty pinto horse from that point to the former Granite rest stop on HWY 95 near the Kootenai County line.

It was all part of the 1976 Bicentennial for the United States.  Jeralyn and other riders, including my family members, rode about 25 miles on that beastly hot July day and delivered scrolls honoring the Bicentennial to riders from Kootenai County.  

It was one of several local and state events over an 18-month period associated with the grand birthday party for our nation.

I was so impressed with Jeralyn---that big smile the whole way and never a complaint. That was her spirit then, and that's the Jeralyn I know and admire now.

I later had her as a high school student for three years, in English class and on the school yearbook.  She served as a capable editor and demonstrated brilliant leadership. 

Nowadays, she's a counselor at Sandpoint High School, and next week she'll be helping Emma put her class schedule together for the school year.  

More about Jeralyn at the bottom. . . .   

Debbie and I attended a barbecue at the Lewis beach last night. Twas another welcoming affair for Emma who has connections with the Lewis family circle of friends. 

The event also served as the official exchange of guardianship from Christian to Debbie as she begins her year-long stay with her American family at Colburn.

We enjoyed hamburgers and trimmings and just plain hanging out and visiting.  Once again, at least five dogs begged----nicely.  

Various folks came and went, including Kira, the groom at Stella Farms, who paddled all the way across the lake from City Beach. 

Then, it was time loading up Emma's belongings and the good byes and hugs as Emma began the next phase of her whirlwind week of leaving Germany and getting acquainted with this smoky North Idaho.

I don't know how many times in the past few days she has heard something to the effect of "when it's not smoky, it's so beautiful."  

Emma has reassured all of us that she'll be here for ten months, so she'll most likely have the opportunity to see the beauty on clear days. 

This morning she's likely getting acquainted with the horses over at Tibbs Arabians.  I'm kinda thinking that once that happens, Emma will know she's found Heaven----smoke and all.  

Lindy Lewis spent time after college working in Berlin and living with the Groenke family, so she knows folks who know Emma. 

Gulia from Russia helped with the lovely dinner we had at the Groenke's this past week.  It's been great fun getting to know her. 

Emma, taking it all in with her beautiful smile. 

It was neat for Emma to meet Kira because she grooms for Stella Farms (in the neighborhood) where horses compete in International show jumping competitions.  So, Emma will probably get to go meet the horses. 

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Below:  Two Amazing Local Ladies.

Both grew up as St. Joseph's Catholic Church members, and both graduated of Sandpoint High School---both close friends, whom I admire. 

And, yes, there was a connection with the Wooden family years ago on that Bicentennial Pony Express Trail Ride.

The connection today:  both have achieved greatness in their own way.  Two years ago, Jeralyn was named Idaho High School Counselor of the Year.  

As a result, she spent time at a Washington, D.C. reception with First Lady Michelle Obama, and, by golly, those of us who saw Jeralyn standing behind Michelle in virtually every media outlet imaginable-----we were SO proud. 

Cindy, who sang and played guitar with her family that day back in 1975 to kick off the Pony Express Trail Ride, took a ride of her own yesterday on the Papal jet WITH POPE FRANCIS to Ireland. 

And, it looks as if she may have had a moment to tell the Pope about the book she authored featuring the Cardinal from the Philippines.  I hope the Pope took a copy cuz Cindy did a great job.  I have a signed copy in my living room.

Cindy serves as Vatican Bureau Chief for the Catholic News Service AND I LOVE this photo of her.  That's the Cindy I know----again, like Jeralyn, a delightful and slightly impish sense of humor. 

Bottom line, these accomplished and wonderful women ARE from Sandpoint, and we couldn't be any prouder. 

Happy Saturday!

Photo from Twitter