Dear Christ Child Friends,

It was wonderful to see so many of you at our Mother’s Day Brunch on May 10. Special thanks to Patty Decraene for opening up her home and to Maureen Naderhoff, VP-Social, for her hard work and gentle, caring touch in planning a gracious and welcoming affair. Aside from the delicious food and lovely atmosphere, I received many positive comments about the serenity and quiet surrounding the rosary. So many of us, myself included, don’t always find the time for this calming and peaceful reflection, so I believe it was a respite from the other bustle of May activities that abound and overwhelm us. For most of us, this “Ordinary Time” in the church’s calendar is anything but ordinary. We juggle our schedules, commit and even overcommit our time, fitting something into every minute from dawn to dusk.

With that in mind, I want to pass on the words of encouragement and appreciation articulated so sincerely by Claire Brown at the brunch. She expressed her gratefulness in being part of this wonderful group of women. She reminded us of how very special we are, that even amid our already busy schedules, we find time to recognize our good fortune and pass it on to others who are not so fortunate. Claire pointed out that the mission of the Christ Child here in Atlanta is not so much about the glamour and glitz of fundraising as it is about the hands-on help we give to the needy right here in our community.

Claire reminded us that we are not afraid to get our hands dirty, which is a great segue to talk of Elizabeth’s Garden, which is in place at the Elaine Clark Center, and pictures of which are in the Photo Album on the website. We are so grateful to (almost) Eagle Scout Tim Vaughan, who did a beautiful job building and installing the E-bed which will be filled with vegetable plants next week. Lindsey Mann of Sustenance Design designed a lovely Sensory Garden filled with herbs, plants (and soon to be) berries for the children to enjoy. I am blessed to have such a dedicated Garden Committee-Patty Decraene, Mimi Dukes, Casey Long and Maria Barton-that made and continue to make this garden a reality. They will be organizing a Christ Child work day in the next couple of weeks, as well as a regular volunteer schedule of watering, weeding, and harvesting that I hope you all will be involved in. We will dedicate the garden this fall.

I must thank Casey & Jeff Long for opening their home to all who attended the Members Social on April 24^th. A big thanks to VP-Social, Maureen Naderhoff, too, for planning such a wonderful party.  Pictures of that most fun event are also in the Photo Album. Thanks to Don Huffner, who was our sommelier for the evening, bringing some of his very own fine wines for us to sample, and sample, and then sample again.  Needless to say, everyone had a good time and we will surely plan a similar event soon.

I want you all to know how very grateful I am to each and every one of you and the difference you make in my life and the life of the Christ Child Society of Atlanta. Though not always spoken or specifically mentioned in my various musings, my appreciation could not be more deeply heartfelt. Know that you are all extraordinary. And so, my friends, find time this spring and summer to take pleasure in the “extraordinariness” of this ordinary time. Find beauty in both the quiet moments and the glorious celebrations, and remember to make time to thank God for all that is ordinary and extraordinary.

Blessings,

Annemarie