Christmas Greetings

This is the letter I included in a few of the Christmas cards I sent out. Decided to let others read it, too. Merry Christmas!

This year has been full of ups and downs for the Gass Family. Charles and I both had health issues this year that required surgery of some form. Early in the year Charles began experiencing heaviness in his chest. We found out that he had one artery that was 95% blocked. The doctor was able to clean it out and put in a stent which meant only an overnight stay in the hospital. He underwent several weeks of therapy and lost quite a bit of weight. He is feeling pretty good now except that his arthritis is getting worse and he hurts all the time, hips, shoulders, hands. My health problems required out patient surgery. At first it was thought that I would need a hysterectomy but after two specialists it was decided to do a D&C instead. That doesn’t mean that a hysterectomy isn’t in my future but for right now things are doing okay. Otherwise, I am doing well.

In May, the highlight of the year, our daughter Valary graduated from UMKC School of Medicine. She is currently an intern in the field of OB/GYN. She is technically employed by UMKC and practicing at Truman Medical Center and St. Luke’s Hospital in Kansas City. She loves the big city! She bought a house in the Roanoke section of KC (close to the Westport area) and is less than 10 minutes from either hospital. It’s a large 3 story home with a basement, built in the early 1900’s. She has three roommates which helps with her mortgage. It has been such a joy to see her mature into a wonderful, compassionate woman. She will do four years of residency and then have 3 years of fellowship as she wants to specialize in maternal/fetal medicine.

Charles and I continue to be active in the local genealogical society. We both volunteer at the genealogy library and give about 20-25 hours a week to this organization. I am currently serving as treasurer of the society. Charles is the head of maintenance for the library. He is also very involved with the local Masonic Lodge. This year, one of his duties is to feed the members at each meeting. It’s been fun watching him cook! I still have many ‘irons in the fire’. I volunteer one night a month at the local YMCA for their Kids Night Out program. I help with crafts and read stories to the children. This has filled my need to work with children! I am teaching the senior adult Sunday school class at church as well as serving as church clerk. I also serve as secretary of the local retired teachers’ association and serve on the board of the Polk County Christian Social Ministries. This is where my heart is. We just finished the annual Share Your Christmas program which distributed food and gifts to 545 Polk County families who otherwise wouldn’t have had a very merry Christmas. Over 1800 individuals received a gift bag and food. What a privilege it is to be involved in this wonderful ministry. Every 7 weeks it is my responsibility to staff the clothing center operated by PCCSM. Recipients can “shop” for clothing for their family at no expense. We also offer linens, small appliances and what-nots. I have made wonderful friends with many of the people who come in as well as workers from other churches in the area. I feel truly blessed to have a small part in this organization.
Charles and I wish each of you a wonderful holiday season.
May God grant you peace and prosperity in 2009.