5 years gone.

Frederic Foy Odom

December 14, 1966 - May 29, 2004

Beloved brother and friend, you are missed.

When you're cool, the sun shines all the time. . .

Grandparents

Fuffy (Doss' Paternal Great Grandmother)

Papa Kenny (Doss' Paternal Great Grandfather)

Great Grandpa Magill

Gigi (Magill)

PaPa (Magill)

Poppa (Odom)

Dinks (Odom)

Doss is lucky is so many ways.  One way that becomes more and more important as we watch him grow, and as Ben and I remember how we were raised--are his amazing grandparents.

Ben and I both grew up in small towns, where our families are still, to this day, active members of the communities.  Ben's family has owned the newspaper in Weatherford OK for years now (first his grandfather, and now his uncle).  And his father started what is a thriving insurance and real estate firm, and has influenced economic development in the town.  His other grandfather owned a pharmacy in town, and great grandparents owned one of the most prominent motels on old Route 66--where Elvis once stayed!

My mom was a school teacher for over 30 years, one teacher in a long line of teachers in our family.  My grandmother was also a public school teacher, and then ran a pre-school in town until she was 80.  When I graduated high school, it was the 110th year that someone in my family had been either a student, teacher, or administrator in the Baird ISD.  My great-grandfather was County Commissioner, my uncle owned a grocery store in town, and is now the County Judge-- and now my parents both work in the Court House.  My Dad is the Justice of the Peace, and my Mom works in the County Clerks office (though she needs to be utilizing her creativity more than in that office!).

The point is, we grew up in towns where we had roots.  We were shaped not only by our immediate families, but by our extended families and by families who were a part of lives from birth.  As Doss grows, we begin to realize how lucky we were.  We miss it.  And although we know that being where we are is a good thing, certainly for the time being, and that all of us are exposed to wonderful things here in Dallas. . . the energy of a big city, the diversity, the exposure to all kinds of architecture, art and humanity.  We are taking it in.  Trying to love it and live it. . . but we certainly have a great love and respect for the way we were raised and honestly, wonder if some return. . . even slightly, to a different pace,  and somewhat simpler way of life, around family would be nice. .. we'll see.  

What is clear is that Doss is loved.  And his grandparents, among other wonderful family, will have a huge and positive influence on his upbringing.  Whether near or far--what a lucky boy.  Above are photos of Doss with all his grandparents, plus his nearest great-grandparent's.  His Great Grandmother (my Dad's Mother) lives in South Dakota, so we have yet to see them together, but maybe soon.  His Mimi Pris (Ben's paternal grandmother) and my Baba and Grandaddy (my maternal grandparents) and Tom Odom (my paternal grandfather) are all, no doubt, looking down on him. . . quite proud I'm sure.