Our first Kenlon Family Letter was written and distributed in December 1977. It was typed on an electric typewriter, had graphics taped to the first page, and was reproduced in a print shop when we were stationed in Rota, Spain.
Forty years ago I had no idea that I would be collecting an annual summary of our growing family. We have actually used this stack of historical notes to satisfy our curiosity about where we were stationed in a given year or what the children were doing while growing up. It has recorded major life events, both happy and sad.
The saddest event is the passing of loved ones. On a chilly weekday in early February, Doris Helen Moore, Marilee’s mother, died while napping. At the time, Mom was in a beautiful assisted living facility. Her health did not decline so much as her strength simply diminished over the last three years. Nevertheless, she was an active participant in all the decisions regarding new living arrangements as it became apparent that she would need assistance with everyday activities.
Mom was laid to rest next to Dad (William H. Moore, Sr.) in Charleston, West Virginia. It was a simple but elegant funeral and the families from both coasts paid their respects and shared stories. It was a heartwarming visit and we all wanted more time with each other.
A couple of months later, William graduated from the University of Maryland at College Park with his Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA) degree. Currently, William holds down six (at last count) music-related part-time jobs in and around Washington, DC; he is actively seeking a teaching position in a university.
William found Tabitha’s graduation photos from several years ago and posted them on social media. I cannot share it here but I can tell you that Marilee and I are smiling just as broadly in both photos. He also found a couple of childhood photos when Tabitha was about eleven years old and William was about three years old. His posts were limited to only those tagged in the photo. This page is not nearly that exclusive. Therefore, I decided not to post that photo because I don’t have Tabitha’s permission. However, when William found this one, it is just too good to pass up:
With Tabitha (the other Dr. Kenlon) in Dubai and Seth and Jess in New Zealand, we have exploited technology in ways that were once the stuff of science fiction. Forty years ago, it was a big deal to photocopy a typewritten newsletter for family back in the states. Now we “text” one another to coordinate an impromptu video chat with Tabitha or Seth.
It was right after I snapped this Waffle House selfie to send to Seth when Tabitha preemptively called on FaceTime to chat from Dubai.
We were returning from an event we attended in Atlanta, Georgia. Marilee performed the duties of communications officer while I piloted the van north on I-85 toward Richmond, Virginia. Mother and daughter carried on a conversation for more than an hour and we never lost signal. Amazing stuff.
Seth is a technical writer for Red Hat and Jess continues to teach technology. The tech-teaching events employ a range of computers from something called a Raspberry Pi (very tiny computer) to a full sized desktop model. The students become familiar with the basics of coding using programming languages that are routinely used in artistic and industrial applications today. You can read a lot more about the whole operation on the MakerBox website. See their work here: http://makerbox.org.nz
Joanna and Doug drive over from Maryland and we always enjoy their visits. On occasion they do research before making the trip and then introduce us to new restaurants or interesting shops in our own town. We’ve been in Fredericksburg for over 15 years and we continue to discover new things in the area.
Of course I’m particularly pleased with their visits when Doug brings me presents. He made a significant contribution to the “man cave” with this stunning work bench.
As delivered.
As maintained.
I wasted no time getting the tools sorted and positioned for use. The drawers are simple utility bins but well positioned. There is a mechanical stop which allows full access to the bin without concern over falling from its shelf. The back is pegboard and under the top shelf is a bright work lamp. It is an outstanding piece of furniture and he’s probably tired of me texting him every time I use it.
Marilee and I are blessed with steady employment and good health. Marilee’s cobalt steel hip joint has stood up to the horseback riding, light hiking, canoeing, and we’re looking forward to see how it takes cross country skiing in the coming year. This year the limitation was not her hip but rather the lack of snow on which to cross country ski. (We tromped around on snowshoes anyway, just because we could.)
Ryder continues his excellent guide work. 
When he is out of harness, he pals around with the two cats, Tigger and Patches.
We pray that this season will give you time to reflect on your life and how God has worked in your life. Remember to give thanks for all things and know His peace.
Merry Christmas.
