Well, it has been quite a year for
the Bitters……one for the books. I just wanted to take a minute to update
everyone on all that has happened this past year.
Clayton continues to make us proud,
serving in The U.S. Navy aboard the Nuclear-Powered Aircraft Carrier, the USS
John C. Stennis CVN74. He has had several mini deployments to prepare for the
major deployment he is currently on. His current duties have him in the Persian
Gulf and the Arabian Sea, in support of ground troops in Syria and Afghanistan.
Earlier this year, his ship hosted actor, Woody Harrelson for a few days while
he prepared for his upcoming role as Admiral Chester Nimitz in a soon to be
released movie. Woody is also a talented blues musician. Clayton had the
opportunity to play some music with him for a bit, during his visit, which
Clayton said was a fun and awesome experience.
Richelle spent a good portion of
the year gathering donations and items to send to the ship for Christmas. Her Stockings
for Sailors campaign was a huge success, as she was able to send over 200
stockings full of goodies, and several hundred cards, letters, and tons of
candy to the sailors onboard Clayton’s ship. A big shout out is in order, for
all who helped make this happen!!! The sailors received their packages just in
time for Christmas. Speaking of Christmas, Clayton and the crew of the ship spent
their Christmas in Dubai, U.A.E. for a port visit and some hard-earned R&R.
Just prior to this, the USO brought some Celebrity performers to the ship to
put on a show for the sailors at sea. Milo Ventimiglia from “This Is Us”,
Kellie Pickler and her husband Kyle Jacobs, and a few others were on hand,
spending their Christmas away from family and friends to entertain the troops.
Clayton actually got to sing with Kellie and her husband during the show, which
I’m sure was a tremendous thrill for him. I know it was for us!!!! At any rate,
he will hopefully be back from deployment by the end of May, which is
important.
He needs to be here to be Danny’s Best
Man!. Yes, Danny got engaged to be married this year. Some of you have met her,
and some haven’t, but you all will soon. She is an absolute treasure and a more
than welcome addition to our family! Her name is Madalynn Abbott, and she is
from Rutherford Tennessee. They met at school in Cape Girardeau. I’m not sure,
but I think he’s her lobster!!!! If you don’t know the reference, we are no
longer “FRIENDS”. So, THAT happened. The wedding plans are in full swing! In
other Danny world news, we all met VP Mike Pence earlier this year during his
visit to St. Louis. That was pretty exciting. Then, not long after Danny was
asked to sing the National Anthem at President Trump’s rally in Springfield….which
was even more cool and exciting. Let’s see, our classic over achiever has done
a lot this year! He also published his first novel this year, “Explore, Dream,
Discover”. By, now, I’m sure you have already heard about it, but in case you
haven’t, it’s available on Kindle and paperback on Amazon. (end shameless
promotion). He is doing very well in school, as usual, despite his having
multiple jobs and an internship in Senator Roy Blunt’s office. Straight A’s and
Dean’s List!!!! Life is good, right now, if you’re Danny. Very busy, but still
good!
Brittney is about to finish her
Radiology Studies at the University of Memphis, and hopes to be employed as a
mammographer sometime this coming summer. Also, over- achieving, she is a
straight A student. We are so proud of her!!! She and Alex are planning their
future, as well, and it’s a pretty solid plan. Alex has been working hard to
help pay for her school, and she will reciprocate as soon as she finishes up.
Alex plans to start HVAC school as soon as possible. I’m really proud of these
two, for toughing it out to get what they want!!!
As for Richelle and I, we just
continue to consider ourselves greatly blessed. It’s tough not having the kids
home regularly, anymore, particularly over the holidays, but we are doing our
best to enjoy the moments we DO have. On the other hand, our marriage DID
survive a kitchen and bath renovation, this year, so that’s something…..
As you have read above, we are
blessed beyond measure and well beyond what we deserve! Thankful for all of our Friends and Family this
year, and Wishing You All a Very Merry Christmas and the Happiest of New
Years!!!!!
