A CHRISTMAS STORY
by Jim Richmond
In my 50 years of writing newspaper columns, and, more lately, infrequent blogs -- almost all have been about everyday people doing extraordinary things for others.
The Powell Family Stands out.
They belong to little Yorkville Community Church in Richland, Michigan -- a polyglot, some would say, a true blended family of haves and have nots. On one side of M-89, people of poverty; the other side, some of great wealth along South Gull Lake. All praying together on Sundays.
They belong to little Yorkville Community Church in Richland, Michigan -- a polyglot, some would say, a true blended family of haves and have nots. On one side of M-89, people of poverty; the other side, some of great wealth along South Gull Lake. All praying together on Sundays.
The Powells, are a modest family that doesn't seem to see much about status and stature --- but, yet do, about matters in so many other warm, welcoming ways, about this Season, and their own family values.
The four Powell kids....sets of twins (three girls), Carrie and Julie about 16, and Jack and Rachel, say 19, were home schooled ... enrolled in schools or colleges today.
They are nothing short of breathless as expert young concert musicians -- all 4 -- but it isn't music that makes the world go round in the Powell Family.
One suspects it's a sense of purpose, hard work, assisting others, since they attend Church most all Sundays.
They decided as a family they would help those who worry about falling on the ice outside the Church, with scheduled Powell Family member "valet parking" and helping arm on wintery Sunday morning.
Jack, Rachel and one of the younger daughters also work in non-school hours waitressing at the Dandelion Cafe near South Gull Lake.
I suspect this is just a glimmer, a fraction, a little light, on what the Powell Family contributes, does for others without publicity, notoriety.
The four Powell kids....sets of twins (three girls), Carrie and Julie about 16, and Jack and Rachel, say 19, were home schooled ... enrolled in schools or colleges today.
They are nothing short of breathless as expert young concert musicians -- all 4 -- but it isn't music that makes the world go round in the Powell Family.
One suspects it's a sense of purpose, hard work, assisting others, since they attend Church most all Sundays.
They decided as a family they would help those who worry about falling on the ice outside the Church, with scheduled Powell Family member "valet parking" and helping arm on wintery Sunday morning.
Jack, Rachel and one of the younger daughters also work in non-school hours waitressing at the Dandelion Cafe near South Gull Lake.
I suspect this is just a glimmer, a fraction, a little light, on what the Powell Family contributes, does for others without publicity, notoriety.
A wonderful light in this season of light, giving, and hope.