Reece Gardner: Take time to travel!

Three very special young ladies are traveling in Italy this week and I want to highlight some of their experiences. These ladies are my Daughter Jessica, my Grand Daughter Rachel, and a special friend, Carla Gray. They are all extremely busy in their everyday business and personal lives. Jessica holds a very important position with Natural Stone Services headquartered in Alpharetta, Ga., and she also is a leader in her church and community. Rachel is also a very busy young executive, and Carla stays on the move as well. So if you are planning to travel, don't let your busy schedule keep you from doing so.

Their journey started on Friday, Sept. 17, with Jessica's husband (my Son-in-Law Bob Nix), of whom I am very proud, dropping them off at the Atlanta Airport, with plans to be there to pick them up on their return on Oct. 2. I will have more to say about these ladies at the close of my column, but for now let's just briefly highlight some of their planned activities.

In Rome, they will visit The Colosseum, the 2,000-year-old monument loaded with history, then on to Palatine Hill where Romulus chose to found the city that would become Rome in 753 BC, then to the Roman Forum - The Sacred Way - which is at the heart of Ancient Rome.

Then on to 4 days each in Florence and in Cinque Terre where they will visit beautiful vineyards, discover the beauty of the Tuscan Wine Country, experience a scenic boat ride and enjoy an outdoor tour, with shows and concerts, theme parks, walking and biking tours with food, wine, and a great night life. Then will come 3 days in Venice with buses and boat trips. Exciting? YES!!

Now, I want to direct my comments to and about the three beautiful ladies on this journey. First, THIS message to all of them: "May you walk with sunlight shining, and a blue bird in every tree, may there be a silver lining, back of every cloud you see, may your dreams be sweet tomorrows, never mind what might have been, may the Good Lord bless and keep you, til we meet again."

Now, for personal comments, starting with Carla, whose friendship with my Jessica dates back to their days in elementary and high school. Over the years I have seen Carla face some rather challenging times that would have adversely impacted others, but she has managed to hold her head high and "keep on keeping on." I also have great memories of her Mother, whom I admired. Thank you, Carla!

Now to my sweet, precious Rachel. I will always be so thankful that the Good Lord brought Rachel into my life. From the moment she came into this world, she has been a beacon of light to all who have had the good fortune to get to know her. She is so special, loving, kind, and understanding, and I am SO VERY PROUD of her! Thank you, Rachel.

Now to my Precious Jessica. There is really no way I can adequately describe what she means to me. I suppose I could just answer that question by saying "EVERYTHING!" I don't ever need to wonder whether or not God loves me. He blessed me with my Jessica. Over the years when I would send her cards on special occasions, I would write something special to her, such as this: "You are the spirit of Christmas, my star on the tree, you're the Easter Bunny to Mommie and me, a precious gem, that's what you are, you're Mommie's bright and shining star. You're the first rose of summer, my warmth from the cold, a blessing more precious than silver or gold, you're sugar and spice, you're everything nice, and you're DADDY's LITTLE GIRL." THANK YOU, my Precious Jessica, for loving ME!

Now for a humorous close: A man goes into a drug store and asks the pharmacist if he can give him something for the hiccups. The pharmacist promptly reaches out and slaps the man's face. "What did you do that for?," the man asks, rubbing his aching cheek. "Well, you don't have the hiccups anymore, do you?", asks the pharmacist with a knowing smile. "No, but my wife out in the car still does."

HAVE A GREAT DAY!