Roy’s Sunday Letter for June 1, 2025
ROY AT 81 YEARS
Somewhere, I have a copy of 1944 “Shore to Ship” cable to my Navy Officer father, on a ship somewhere off Normandy. The cable announced my birth. My mother was living with her parents on their east Texas farm in Gladewater.
And yes, 81 is just a number, but also a challenging reality of lifespan, health, friendships, pleasure, purpose, and of course, always Beth. Over the past weeks, I have been reflective, taking in the people, decisions and good fortune. Decades of dedicated work and service in ministry and nonprofit organizations in Ft. Worth, Amarillo, and Santa Fe have served me well.
My youth, and the youth of my 1960’s generation, grew up in the chaos, delayed no longer of societal changes shown each night on TV news. What my parents knew, worshipped, and practiced; my generation did not consider to be fair or just. African Americans, Hispanics, and the poor did not have equal access to education, employment, or voting rights.
My life story is full of heroes. Coach Bounds provided an education from my ability to hit a golf ball. Hollie encouraged a deeper faith experience on the Baptist Student Union ping pong table. Jim began my years of public service with a position in the Campus Ministry Department of the North Carolina Baptist Convention.
My life story is, also, full of significant events and causes. Vietnam, Woodstock, and AIDS defined a generation and bookmarked not only what we experienced but also what we learned of ourselves. Perhaps Michelle and Barack, Covid, elections, and streaming would be considered 2025 significant persons and events.
Sunday words that rest easy on my economic, emotional, mental, and spiritual self would be: Contentment – I have fully given myself to ministry and nonprofit leadership for 50 years; Satisfaction – I achieved more than ever imagined, stumbled now and then, and continued on; Relationships – Ongoing learning, relaxing into friendships and marriage with open ears and heart. What’s Next – 2nd career as writer of stories will continue, seeking new ways to show life and family challenges, the meaning of community, and the role of faith in daily life.
So, what would the 1944, me, say to my now 81-year-old self? My slow talking dry land farmer grandfather might say it best. “Well done my son, well done.”
Roy, curious about what 81 will bring for Beth and I
I remember when I thought 80 was ancient, I don’t feel that way now. Yes I am a little slower and some days a little stiffer but we are still moving and that is an accomplishment. When I look back, as you have, I realize there are things I would do differently but all in all I feel good about the years behind me. Let’s see what we can do in the years ahead.
Yes slower, more careful.
As we age we groe=w away from or go deeper into friendships and family.
We 3 have found each other, we will not let go. And we are grateful. RCB
Happy Birthday, dearest Roy! All the things you have written in this letter reflect the man, I will always love! You are my rock, hero, friend, sometimes my adversary, the wind beneath my wings, my supporter, my lover and most importantly you are you! I love you to the moon and back! Thank you for writing each week from your heart and soul! ❤️❤️❤️❤️
Two often spoken by me………
– What we do we do together
– There is no me without you
Since May 1977……Roy
Happy Birthday Roy and the best of greetings to Beth on this day of reflecting on the past, a look at today, and a glance at the days to come. Thank you and Beth and Roy for your presence in my life. May there be Peace and Joy as we continue our journeys.
We 3 are kind od a tripod for and with each other.
We 2 are blessed to have you present in our small cirle
whatever we do, we do together/////
Happy Birthday, Roy
So much to look back on with pride and joy.
You both had a vision and acted on your hope.
respect for you and are together.
I am not sure what might be your “next.”
For us, we are good for next 2 yrs, as best we know.
The more we talk together, the better our futures will be…….RCB
I ask my Dad, a career naval officer, beyond family, religion or anything else, what provided meaning, and without hesitation in said caring for wounded or dying marines on the battlefield. Like you, Roy, he gave 38 years of his life in service to others and he his country. As we say in the military on a job well done – Bravo Zulu!
Carry on…
Your dad touched and healed physical wounds, a brave man doing what needed to be done.
Organizations have wounds as well.
So, my contributions were a mix of fixer and builder.
I do believe you and your dad could talk/share on a park bench and we both would be the better for doing so…..
81 and ya just begun! i once asked a dear friend in her 90s if she was happy. She said I am “contented.” When I asked her the purpose of life she said “Service, service to others.” You align with her well and I wish you well each and every day in the year(s) ahead.
I do not do well on aligned so aligning with your 90 friend is an honor
I am sketching on a pad notes of a restart as writer. Need to freshen, new/different energy.
I guess if I can match the 90’s my younger 81 self be good.
Peace brother….RCB
Your life has been a dedication of love. I can relate to looking back – but it is just as important to look forward. Water under the bridge, as the saying goes, but the stream is still flowing and will present unique challenges and opportunities. Thank God for you, Beth and the future.
I drive by MHMR on Hulen.
The sign is out: WE ARE HIRING
Just in case you might be in the area
Yes, we do look back….and reflect
Yes we do look outward and forward
& thank you for being present for so many, for so long
we be well….continuing on RCB
First I want to wish you a wonderful 81st year. Second I want to tell you how blessed I am to have you both back in my life again! And last but not least, thanks for including me in the Sunday letter group. I am honored! Lots of hugs and love to both you and Beth!
Families can be complicated
And many times not a rocky road we would have chosen
Maybe rocks and roads choose us.
And yes, this a good, healthy connection for us in 2025
Delighted by your good thoughts on Sunday Letter.
And onward we travel…..
Roy, you are an inspiration and a gift to us all. In enormous gratitude … ❤️❤️❤️
The gift of Wednesday’s shared with you is a treasure of the heart and spirit.
We trusted each other, our words, and our valuesWe continue to live these out even now from further than we desire.
I gain from your depth, your wisdom, and your faith.]]]
And we do so together…all good
I urge you to publish the brilliant, inspirational writings into a podcast, or traditional book format to share with folks in these crazy times in our world
Happy Birthday. We should organize a committee to plan your 100th birthday! Love to you and Beth and thanks for all your ministries.
Frank Long
might have be connittee of non-elders to reach that mark.
I do know all this from encouragement from good people cas you both….and now, more to do together……
DFW miles are a challenge to heat to heart on sodas…..but, we will fin our way, together
I cannot imagine a more meaningful or loving or magnificent or caring or spot on, or exquisite note than the one articulated so magnificently by your Beth I have one other, you have been my kind and knowledgeable, and patient mentor. And for those many hours that you gave to me unbridled, I am forever grateful. Thank you by beautiful friend. I send you love and Happy Birthday on this day. XOOOXOXOXXOOXOXOOXOXOXOOXOXOXOOX.
All receiced withe all the goodness intented.
we have felt our way alome anow here together.
and you dear friend are with us as well…..& that is good!
I intersected the Roy Story in just the last year. As so many could say, my life has been significantly shifted in a positive direction. Thank you for every life experience you have shared. Thank you for your courageous and continuous engagement in lives around you. Thank you for helping us think about ideas that matter. May your influence keep us all working for good for years to come. Happy birthday, Roy
my best of days only possible in connection with true friends who hwlp on this crookedpath of ours,,,,,
I’m with Frank Long in signing up for the 100th birthday party! Keep up the great work but at a pace that will ensure your ability to hit the century mark.
Take care, and a very Happy Birthday!
40, 50, even 78 fairly calm
81 did ceate an inward stir and reflection…..past that now. ready for the good parts……….
Many, Many Blessings on the day of your birth, Roy. Growing older is just growing more full.
and you dear friend are one of my teachers, shower of the best ways to live well and healthy….