The Gallagher Adventure

Three brothers, one sister and the sister’s boyfriend and Caleb

I have never been to Hilton Head until now. The beaches are filled with tourists from all over the country, but they are quiet. The sounds of children playing and people laughing, not the average loud music filled, chaotic beach many are used to visiting.

My mother, grandmother, sister, sister’s boyfriend and brothers took some time from the mountains of West Virginia to visit the beaches of South Carolina. They will be here for a while, but we are leaving today. We wanted to pay them a short visit since we do not get to see them all the time.

The visit is good, especially the cooking. Last night, we had shrimp and chicken on skewers with red, yellow and green peppers along with onions and mushrooms. I have to say the spices and marinade were excellent — Oh yeah, i cooked, no wonder! HA!

Stay well.

Chris

Alexis took her turn and rode the famous Barefoot Landing Bull in Myrtle Beach.

Enjoy!

Eight years ago, my wife and I were living in Kinston, North Carolina when a little 5 pound 15 ounce baby girl came quietly into the world two weeks early. Her name is Alexis Joy and she is our joy. When I first held her I began counting her fingers and toes, then I told her I loved her and she stopped crying. Her eyes were dark brown and her hair was thin and dark.

Her mother smiled and cried as the doctor first handed Alexis to Carrie. Our first child was here and we were officially parents.

That night I held my precious baby girl and realized she was now wrapping me around her finger. Her beautiful eyes and her gorgeous smile were taking over my life in an amazing way.

I held her for several hours telling her over and over I loved her more than she would ever know. When she began to cry I would gently kiss her forehead and tell her I love her and believe it or not she would quit crying.

Since July 7th of 2000, my world has been different in an amazing way. Alexis has been the joy to get me through the day as I look at her face an see her innocence and compassion. Her innocence is the innocence of a child but her compassion is that of an adult. She wants every person around her to be alright in life; whether physical, emotional or spiritual. Her view of other people is amazing because she sees no color, no wealth, no poverty, no dislike; she sees people.

I love me little girl.

Her is a video of a friend from college, Paul Mays, singing My Little Girl at a wedding. Take a moment and listen.

Alexis…you will always be our little girl. We love you!

The sound of falling water fills the air as my two fishing partners and I make our way through the drizzling rain and the tall ferns to our little fishing spot. For several years, Alexis and Emma have spent time with me throwing a line in this still small creek. Today, the rains have caused the current to carry the water at faster than usual speeds.

As we equipped ourselves with the latest Berkley Trout Turbo Powerbait, we dared the fish to bite our hooks. We dared and dared as we continually tied to keep one line in the water at all times. If you are a parent who has ever taken your children fishing, you understand. For me and my fishing partners to get one line  in great, two lines is amazing and if we ever get three lines in at one time the Lord might come back — But today we did! Three lines in the water and two brook trout caught. Each trout was about 9 to 10 inches long and beautiful in color.

Fishing at the cabin is a fascinating experience. The water is calming to the soul; the land is God’s precious gift to man and the trout are a glimpse into the creative power of the Most High. My fishing partners make each fishing trip, no matter at the cabin or at home, most amazing. Their sincere appreciation for the gifts of God show through in each word.

May God grant each of is the excitement children provide in our lives! May God have mercy on our souls as we live day by day in a busy world filled with busy people. May God continually grant us the peace that passes understanding.

Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD, the fruit of the womb a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one’s youth. Blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them! (Psalms 127:3-5)