2018: A Bitter Odyssey

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!!!!!