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Letters home . . . notes from alumnae |
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from the 2006 Newsletters |
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Editor’s Note: It is always with great pride that we share letters from our graduates. Now more than 1000 strong, our alumni live throughout the United States, and scarcely a day goes by without our hearing from at least one of them. As any parent does, we try to stay involved with our children into their adulthoods, through their ups and downs, offering an ear in times of trouble and celebrating victories and joys whenever they report them. To all our alumni – keep the visits, letters and photos coming – we love you all! Below is a sampling of recent messages from Youth Ranchers around the country. March 10, 2006 My name is Denise Reyna and I came to live at the Ranch in 1998. A "Home Sweet Home" is what I called it when I lived here, and that’s the way I still see it. Actually, I didn’t realize what I had until I left. Man, if I could go back . . . Wait, not anymore. Since I have a beautiful little girl named Allana, my life has changed "big time", and I wouldn’t trade it for anything. The Ranch gave me a new start in life, a new way to live, and a better outlook on life. When I come to visit or need something, Gary, Carol and Angela are there to help, and I appreciate it. And, after all these years, I am so proud to see Gary running this place and seeing the comfort he still gives to the children, making you feel like this is your home and you are always welcome. When I bring my daughter to visit, she loves this place and it is a beautiful thing for her to see. Well, I won’t go on, but what’s new with me is that I’m graduating from Career Point Institute as a medical assistant this spring and the changes for the better will soon come from God, I’m sure. Love always, Denise Reyna ‘03 & Allana March 23, 2006 Dear Gary, I want you to know how grateful I am for still being included in the Ranch family. Every time I have needed serious help, I have known that I turn to the Ranch, because you are forever generous and care for those who are in need. The Ranch is my second family. I am currently a part-time student at San Antonio College. I would like to pursue a career in the banking business. To do so, I will need a business and finance degree. I have a great little boy who is just a bundle of joy and God’s most precious gift to me. I also have a part time job and very soon will begin a full time job. I am just getting to where I need to be right now. I just needed a little push, with help and understanding. Everyone struggles in life, but it all works out in the end. Thank you, Hill Country Youth Ranch, for everything! Love, Alyssa Smith ‘03 Gary and Carol, I am so excited! I got my official acceptance letter today. I was accepted into the Bachelor of Social work program at Limestone College today. I have 18 months to complete my associates and then transfer into the program. YEA FOR ME! It’s a really great program, and its set up is prefect for me. It’s called the extended block program and it works a little differently than a traditional college schedule. I will take one class a month for 11 months in a calendar year. At the end of 22 months I will have completed my BSW. I can’t wait to start. I only have two more semesters until I have my APS. So the countdown is on! Now for some more surprising news. We found out a few weeks ago that we are having another baby. It was a major surprise for both of us, and it took a few days for the shock to wear off. We’re happy, even though it was completely unexpected, and while we weren’t completely over our last set of problems, we are both determined to make our now expanding family work. We have high hopes, but we know it might not be the smoothest ride for us all. I hope I didn’t muck that up. What I am trying to say is we know we have issues, we know that a new baby won’t make them go away, and we are trying to make the best of the hand we have been dealt. But, I can’t wait. I love kids. :) I never thought we would have 4 (AH!!!!) but hey, God must think I can do it. Matty turns one on Monday. He’s walking, says 5 or 6 words, and is a very lovey little boy who is very affectionate and loves his brothers. He’s the joy of all our lives. Joey is very very good with him, and they are inseparable when he’s home. He’s a history buff, and I have to pry him away from the books. Colin is doing well, he loves Math and got a Math Superstar award last week. He’s also on the Governor’s reading honor roll. Smart kids, now if I can get them to clean their rooms! My homework is calling me, I have tons of work to do that I must pay attention to. I just wanted to share my news. Hope that you all are doing well and I send much love. Catherine Kilgore Andrews ‘95 Fountain Inn, South Carolina Editor’s Note: The series of three letters below came to us recently, in just over a month’s time, from 27-year-old Sarah Kerwin-Lawton ‘94. Sarah is the mother of 3 children. In addition to full-time parenting, Sarah also writes estimates and keeps books for her husband’s construction company. Now, with the support of her family, Sarah is fulfilling her long-time dream of going to college to study nursing. We are glad to say that the Auxiliary Scholarship Fund, as well as HCYR’s John Givens Fund, are giving Sarah financial aid, even though she’s been gone from us for 12 years. This is what it means to be family. January 20, 2006 Gary, I just wanted to let you know that I took the NET yesterday to get into Baylor University’s Louise Herrington School of Nursing here in Dallas. By the grace of God, I scored in the 98th percentile! Isn’t that amazing? Can you believe that I spent all of yesterday morning taking care of my smallest daughter as she threw up over and over again all over the house? I barely even had time to study. All of that is to say that my scores are evidence that surely I am on the path that God desires for my life! Thank you so much for helping me financially to accomplish this task that He has set before me. May my work glorify Him, and may He reward you greatly for all of your faithfulness in helping this woman who truly deserves none of your generosity. Thank you for everything! Sarah Kerwin-Lawton ‘94 Dallas, Texas February 4, 2006 Hi Gary, I just wanted to let you know that yesterday I took the Entrance Exam for Brookhaven College’s Nursing Program (the HESI). I didn’t want to put all my eggs in one basket in case for some reason, I am not able to go to Baylor. Anyway, the test was harder than the NET (Baylor’s entrance exam). There were 5 tests including one with Anatomy and Physiology. I made a score of 100 on the A & P part and an overall 95.81% with all the tests combined. I hope that it will be good enough for me to qualify. They only accept 30 into the program. I really want to go to Baylor because it is a BSN program, and, it has a great reputation. I’ll know in March if I have been accepted into Baylor, and I should find out in April whether or not I made it into Brookhaven. It’s nerve racking, but at least the tests are all over with! Hope you are doing well. Please tell Carol that I said, "HI". Sarah Kerwin-Lawton ‘94 Dallas, Texas March 15, 2006 Gary, I got into Baylor! I am so excited. I am thanking God for all my many blessings, including you and the Youth Ranch. Sarah Kerwin-Lawton ‘94 Dallas, Texas March 3, 2006 Angela, I’m doing well. I am getting ready to go on deployment again . . . so you’d better get the Corral and Amber’s Travelogue up and going again . . . I miss you guys so much. Write me back soon. Love, Amber Klecka ‘03, United States Navy Jacksonville, Florida February 11, 2006 Gary and the Youth Ranch, I just wanted to write to say "Hi" and to thank you for continuing to send me the bi-monthly Corral newspaper. It’s been 22 years now since I called the Ranch home – Wow! I really enjoy reading about the Ranch’s current events, encouragements, and guidance that your organization has provided to all of God’s beautiful children who you have helped since 1977. I especially love reading about the Ranch’s current and former residents’ successes and accomplishments. I thank God and really want to thank you, Gary, for the love, caring memories, and life’s experiences the Ranch provided me during my stay there – a blessing from God that I will never forget. I’m doing ok right now – healthy and still single. However, as you know, life has its ups and downs, but with God’s love and blessings for me, I’m still hanging in there. I am always praying and thinking about you, Gary. I love you all and may God bless you all. Your fellow Rancher, Richard Cantu ‘84 San Antonio, Texas P. S. See Gary, you’re not growing older, you’re just getting wiser. See you later. March 5, 2006 Hello Gary, Sorry I’m so bad about keeping in touch, but here I am, to let you know you have the right e-mail for me. I’ve been seeing some exciting things going on for the Ranch. Thank you for keeping me in mind. All is well for me. I have a beautiful wife along with two great kids. My oldest is Chelsea, 16 years old, and Bradley turned 7 in January. You may think I’m too young for a 16 year old daughter, but it is true. I wouldn’t change a thing!!! I would love to see ya’ll sometime. I’ll keep in touch better, Jeff Griffin ‘83 Corpus Christi, Texas March 7, 2006 Hey Guys, How is it going? As for me, things are okay. I have been working at a Shell station for a year now. My daughter Elizabeth is growing up so quickly. She will be seven years old this Friday. She is such a joy to have around. I couldn’t imagine my life without her in it. I am sending a picture of her. She was in kindergarten when this picture was taken. She is pretty big for her age, isn’t she? Well, I have to get up to go to work at 5:30 in the morning, so I will end this for now. Love, Angelica Rivera ‘91 Rocksprings, Texas February 9, 2006 Dear Gary, Thanks for your email. Gary, I don’t know if you knew that you were someone I could always count on when I was there. I guess you spoiled me, in a different way, and for me, that was a good thing. I have never felt the way you and Carol made me feel. I was at ease, and being like that makes someone more confident in themselves. You made me feel loved . . . you and Carol. I admire both of you. You were like Mom and Dad to me. I never knew I was so special to you, but trust me, I am smiling right now. When I was sad, you brightened up my day a lot. Yes, I want to come talk to the kids at your summer Career Week. You let me know the dates as we get closer, at least a month in advance. I can tell them about being in Radio. Right now I am producing shows and promotions in Spanish. Being in radio was something I always wanted to do, and as you know, I do have the mouth for it . . . HAHAHA. I am so excited about doing the Career Week this summer, and seeing all of you. I am also excited that you would let me get married in the Chapel at the Youth Ranch. I would really like for you to marry us. I mean, no one knows me like you do. My fiancé is a great guy. Let me tell you a little about him. He is a general manager for a hotel here in Houston. We have known each other for seven years. We have talked about my past, and he has told me about his. He treats me like a Queen, and he gives me everything I need. He is so good to me. He is so well organized. I am happy. I could not ask for anything more. Ok, be good and take care. Tell everyone I said hello. I love you all. By the way, I love your Spanish. It was cute . . . Sylvia Hidalgo ‘89 Houston, Texas P. S. Please let me know when we’re going to have the next Alumnae Reunion as I would love to attend, to visit and to see all of us who have progressed throughout the years. January 27, 2006 Hi Gary, I did get your Christmas letter and thank you very much. It is actually hanging on my fridge. The first paragraph really helps me daily. I’ve been thinking about you and the Ranch. This year has actually been a very hard year for me, and it helps to know you care. I am planning to go back to school this spring. I am actually going to JUST be in school, not working as well. It’s going to be hard because DeAndre won’t be in daycare, but I’ll work it out. The fall just got too difficult with working 40 hours a week and going to school full time. My only days off were school days and I wasn’t loving my kids like I needed to. Thank you for the compliment on my pictures. I like them because our hapiness shows through even though there has been so much hurt. Keep in touch. I’m attaching more Christmas photos. How are you and Carol? Keep in touch, and please forward these pics to Angela if you don’t mind. All my Love, Amy Alexander Hardeman ‘96 Corpus Christi, Texas
May 22, 2006 Dear Gary, Back when I last saw you, on the day I left in 2004, I promised to keep in close contact. I have never forgotten, nor will I forget, when you hugged me for the first time after I arrived in 1999, or the moment that I left the Ranch. A pang of nostalgia touches my heart as I recall each vivid memory of Sunday chapel at the Ranch. So much time has passed, but I still remember the trips into Kerrville with houseparents I call my own and sisters I will always have through the good Lord. So much time has passed, yet memories are treasures we seek to capture, to honor and ensure both the magic of yesterday and the mysteries of tomorrow. I remember you being there when I graduated from Ingram Tom Moore High School on May 29, 2004. Though I did not graduate with honors or as a member of any club or organization, I was proud to graduate and determined to step into the world with courage and faith – eager to discover another me that I never before knew existed. Through my years at the Ranch I would have never guessed that now, today, I would, myself, be patient with God and allow Him to guide me through the hardest tests of life. I have been through so much in just two years, Gary, and you would be amazed at how much life after foster care has taught me – especially the hardships. There have been trials here in the outside world which I take as tests from the Lord. I know there will be more in the future, but these trials the Lord has given me are to test my heart and choices. I have always loved the Ranch and have always respected you, not only as an authoritative figure, but as a respectable man. Oh, how I do miss it there – the pond, the activities and especially work crew. So many memories and so much I learned that helps me to survive out here, in the real world. Please congratulate the seniors this year and offer a few words to them from me: "What happens tomorrow may be a test from God. But know that as long as faith, love and hope are ready at hand, this test is what makes who you are today, yesterday and forever." Before I end this letter Gary, please know how strong you have helped me to become. Your words in Chapel, holidays and meetings have shown me ways to look ahead to God. Yours Sincerely, Kimberly Briones ‘04 San Diego, Texas May 25, 2006 Hello, Gary, I am so glad you emailed me. I’ll call you soon – my family and I may come up there to visit. Can we stay a night there? I want to show the kids everything about where I lived as a child!! I want to take them down every path, show them the pig pen, the stables and the chicken coop. I want to show them the rock stairs I helped build going up towards Mabee Cabin, and the foundation I helped clear for Stevens Lodge II. I want them to see it all – especially the chapel, the place I used as my away zone! I’ll email you to tell you the date but it would be in June or July. Love always, Layla Torkizadeh-Williams ‘94 Houston, Texas June 6, 2006 Dear Family, First, I would like to let everyone know how much I have truly appreciated all the support the Ranch has provided me throughout the years. You guys have never stopped being there for me. Most recently, you gave me an award from the John Givens Scholarship Fund that made it possible for me to go back to graduate school at age 39. I also want to thank you for the donation of a computer to allow me to do research and write my papers. Because of your love, support and encouragement, I have a strong foundation that is needed for my future endeavors. On May 12, I was accepted into the Masters of Science degree program in Organizational Leadership at Our Lady of the Lake University in San Antonio. After 15 years as a paralegal, I am looking forward to this new career path. I am excited to tell all of you I attended my first graduate level course on May 20, 2006. My sincere hope is to one day be able to benefit my community, as you have me over the years. Wish me luck, lots of love and laughter. Love, Patty Main-Thomas ‘84 San Antonio, Texas Editor’s Note: Jennifer Johnston came to live at HCYR as a 12-year-old girl who had experienced a childhood of horrific abuse . . . abuse that so traumatized her body, that the doctors told her she would never have children. For years, she felt that she would never find a husband who would accept her. She longed to have a child, but was certain she could not. Both of these concerns evaporated last year when, at age 26, she met a wonderful man who wanted to be with her, no matter what. They were married and then miraculously, Jennifer became pregnant and was able to take her child to term. The baby girl was born healthy on June 8. June 22, 2006 Dear Carol and Gary, I hope this finds ya’ll doing great! I just wanted to send you a picture of our beautiful little angel, Joei. She is almost two weeks old and the greatest gift I’ve ever been given. Hope ya’ll are enjoying your summer. Love, Jennifer Johnston-Dees ’94, Joe and Joei Dees Baytown, Texas
June 28, 2006 Dear Dad, May the love and peace of the Lord be with you. As I sit and think of my life, I thank God for you and Rob, as I think he is still here. It is hard – I remember calling him at night and I miss that. But, I know that he is with the risen Lord. As I pray, I ask God to give you the comfort that you gave to all the children. Psalm 27:10 "When my father and my mother forsake me, then the Lord will take care of me." That is what the Ranch has done for me, and for all my brothers and sisters, the other children at the Ranch. With all my love, David Longoria ‘97 Naples, Florida
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June 6, 2006 Hello there, Ranch family! I hope this letter finds you guys in good health and high spirits. Things here are good. Busy, but good. We’ve been on deployment for almost 2 months now, and with only 3 months left, I’m really beginning to miss the States. We’ve only hit one port since we deployed on April 18 – Taronto, Italy. We were there for only 3 days, but I thoroughly enjoyed the port. The food was good, a lot of sight-seeing and pictures. It was great! We haven’t seen land since May 5, and really aren’t expecting to see land until sometime in the latter part of July. So, I will be spending my 21st birthday most likely in Bahrain, but nobody really knows where we are going. It’s like riding in the back of a truck – you don’t ever know where you’re going. All you know is where you’ve been, and the only things we have to keep us going are the memories of where we’ve been, and our friends and family who support us back home. I finally hit my 2-year mark back on May 24, so I still have a little less than 24 months left, and during most of it I will be forward deployed. We return from this deployment in late September, and then we have another deployment from August 2007 to February 2008. I haven’t yet decided whether or not I will re-enlist, but my 1st enlistment is up in May of 2008. I guess it depends on how these next 24 months go. I’m seriously leaning toward getting out and going back home and back to school. But, I also want to stay in because how else am I going to travel? This last year has been rough and emotional, but there were a lot of life’s lessons learned. The military forced me to grow up, which isn’t a bad thing, and I really can’t see myself doing anything but this. Yes, it does have its weak points, but at the same time, it has very strong points, too. I’ve learned a lot in my short 2 years in the Navy, and I’m grateful for it all. It’s been a long time since I’ve been back home to Texas . . . March 2005. I miss home. There are times that I wish I could go back to 2000, when I first came to live at the Hill Country Youth Ranch. I’d like to go back and re-do some of the things I’ve done, grow up a little bit slower. You guys were always telling me to slow down, don’t be in such a hurry to grow up. But, I couldn’t wait to get out on my own because "I knew it all" . . . turned out I really didn’t know as much as I thought I did. And, every day I think about all the things you guys taught me, all the fun that I had when I was a child – and it’s those things, the small things, that mean the most. There’s a song that I listen to by Nichole Nordeman that means a lot to me. The lyrics include, "I want to leave a legacy, how will they remember me? Did I choose to love? Did I point to You enough to make a mark on things? I want to leave an offering. A child of mercy and grace who blessed Your name unapologetically – and leave that kind of legacy." I’m not the same person I was. I’m not even sure I know who that person is anymore. I want to be able to go Home one day and have God ask me what I did to serve Him and be able to answer without a doubt in my mind. I might not have always made my family (you all) proud, but I’m trying my best to give to the world what you all gave to me – peace, hope, faith and love. When I had nobody, each one of you guys were there. When my biological family didn’t want me, you guys took me in and made me part of yours. I never doubt that I have a place to go back and call home. Hill Country Youth Ranch is and always will be my home. And, you will always be my family. When I felt as though I couldn’t go on anymore, you guys gave me the strength to keep pushing forward. The person I am today is the person you all helped me to become. This person – the young woman that holds the pen that writes this letter – is so very grateful for all the eyes who read this. I could not have made it this far in such a short amount of time without the support I’ve been given. And, I’m very thankful. Thankful for Gary and Carol, Olivia and Tony, Angela, Doug and Laurie. I love you all. I truly miss each and every one of you and think of you often. May God continue to bless each and every one of you, and may you all be immensely blessed for what you do. Well, my time has come to close this letter. Once again, I hope all is well back home. Take care, and I hope to hear from you all soon. Love, Amber Nicole Klecka ‘03 June 18, 2006 Dear Gary, Happy Father’s Day, Dad. You are heaven-sent for a lot of us. You are our own personal angel. God has used you in an amazing way. You are a biological father to four, but a father figure to so many others. You are an answered prayer. I hope you have a good Father’s Day. Love, Stacy Walters-Garcia ‘97 Kerrville, Texas Editor’s Note: Ranch alumnus David Longoria (note below) has, like so many children who come to live at HCYR, overcome profound challenges to emerge with a renewed sense of life’s possibilities. A survivor of the death of his father when he was just a boy, David was abandoned by his mother, and also suffered severe abuse at the hands of others. He now calls Gary Priour his earthly father, and gives credit to his Lord for "making all things work together for the good." David was recently ordained as a priest in the Anglican branch of the Episcopal Church, and serves as pastor for a church in Florida. September 24, 2006 Dear Family and Friends, Hello from PA. I am sorry for the long period of silence. I have a feeling that you were hoping I would let you know what I am up to since that last email I sent you. I have been busy. My family and I are doing good. Hunter started first grade. He seems to enjoy it. I can’t believe how fast our children grow. I can remember his first day of life as if it was yesterday, and now he is in first grade already. Abigail is soon to follow. As for my previous period of depression and doubtfulness on the outlook of my life, I took your advice and applied it to my life to make a comeback. I found a new job doing the same thing in plastics. I work for a company based out of Germany, named Simona America. They are the second leading manufacturer of plastics in Europe, and they opened up a plant here in PA to expand into the American industry. I was hired making the same amount of money I was making at the last job, only not as much manual work. Plus, I already have received my first pay raise within forty-five days. I am told to keep up the good work because there is room for advancement. The company is building a new plant, and we are all excited about the move. This should be happening at the end of the year. Thank you for the advice and the encouragement. Sometimes I feel like I don’t have anybody to get together with and share my joys and tribulations with. I mean that in the sense, that I don’t have anybody up here in PA. I know that I will always have you folks, though, and I appreciate that to the utmost extent. Thank you and God bless you!!! John David Hopkins ‘87 Hunlock Creek, Pennsylvania Editor’s Note: Sarah Kirwin was a wounded and troubled 15-year-old girl when she came to live at the Ranch in 1992. That’s how they all arrive – wounded by unimaginable acts of human cruelty, leaving them troubled, fragile, untrusting and confused. As they pick up the pieces and move on, they somehow find their way to the good things in life – family, college, employment. We never stop being amazed at the miracles. Among the most dramatic stories is that of Sarah Kirwin, now Sarah Lawton, of Dallas. Sarah was one of the brightest young women we’d ever met – and yet she was at high risk of throwing it all away. But her innate intelligence helped her see beyond the pain, and she had the wisdom to let God come into her life and drive her through the storm. Now in Baylor Nursing School at age 28 (the Auxiliary is helping her with tuition), she has found commitment and stability and a greater sense of wholeness than anyone, back in 1992, would have thought possible. Twelve years after leaving the Ranch in 1994, Sarah has a lot to be thankful for. In a recent letter to HCYR Director Gary Priour, Sarah talks about her return to school, being a mother, and her faith. Dear Gary, I want to tell you about NURSING SCHOOL!!!! Sometimes, I feel like I should pinch myself and wake the heck up! Two years ago, God began to put in my heart a desire to go back to school. Before that, I had thought about it from time to time, but never seriously. Once I had my first child in 2001, and had experienced how great it was to be a stay-at-home mom, that was all I wanted. It was such a rewarding experience to be able to just take care of my little ones, my husband, my home, and serve at church as much as I wanted. I would never exchange that time of my life for anything. But, two years ago, my heart started to beat fast every time one of the medical missions teams from my church would go to serve a needy population in another nation. When they went to Afghanistan a few months after the overthrow of the Taliban, I could barely sit in my seat as we prayed over them the day they left. I wanted so badly to be a nurse, so that I would have an area of expertise that would allow me to serve, minister, and pray with these people who so desperately need to know that they have a God who loves them so much that He allowed His Perfect Son to suffer on their behalf, and that that God still loves them as fiercely right now as He did on that Cross 2000 years ago. A few months later, things were set in motion, and here I am – a nursing student in the most prestigious nursing school in Texas – Baylor! I am one of only 67 entering students who were accepted into this program. I am not being humble – it is a fact when I say, God did this – there is no way that I could have done this without Him! The first semester looks pretty grueling. Seventeen hours! Yes, that is 17 hours in case you missed the seven and the teen the first time around! I am so excited! These next two years, not only will I get a great education and excellent training, but I will be in a hospital setting a couple of times a week, actually doing these things that until now, have only been seen in a textbook, practiced in a college lab, or daydreamed about in moments alone. Of course, I could not do this without the support of my family. My husband, Neal, is amazing. We have been married for 6½ years now, and sometimes I am amazed that he still loves me. We have been through some pretty rough times since we got married, yet through the grace of the Lord Jesus and a lot of hard work, we somehow just keep getting better with age. Adjusting to each other’s growth has been exhausting at times, frustrating at times, and impossible all the time, and yet God is a God of possibility where only impossibility remains. It is such a blessing to be able to say that through it all, we are very happily married and God’s perfect complement for one another! My son, Jesse, turned five in April and started Kindergarten in August. When I registered him for school, it hit me that I really am going to be old with these precious little ones being all grown up some day . . . and it is coming sooner than I expected. He is so excited. School is all he talks about. My daughter, Emma, is a doll. She turns three in October and has a smile that would melt the heart of the most hardened person. She loves pretty dresses and anything with a Disney Princess attached, yet she is very able to play like a rough and tough little boy if the pressure is on with her big brother. Finally, Sam, our foster teenager who lived with us for two years, has graduated from high school and is attending Community College. This is a huge deal for her. When she first moved in with us, she was reading at a 6th grade level and could not do basic math. God has truly worked a miracle in her young life as well. I know that The Lord has tremendous plans for her, and I am grateful to have played a part in preparing her for adulthood. Thank you for supporting me in pursuing my dream! I hope you know that I will put everything I’ve got into these upcoming semesters, and your financial support will be put to good use for the furthering of my education, and eventually, the furthering of God’s Kingdom. May He richly bless you, the Auxiliary, and the Ranch for all you have done for me, and may you have a great abundance in return for all you have given of your life. Sarah Kirwin-Lawton ‘94 October 10, 2006 Dear Gary, Well, you know that you and I spoke on the phone this week. You know I really needed what you gave me, a few words of advice. I just needed someone to tell me, I suppose. You know, I was wondering . . . do you have any old pictures of me when I was in high school? Maybe you could email me one. I’ve just been thinking about everyone I was close to at the Ranch – Brian, Keith, Peggy, Pam, Kay, Becky, Bob!!! I am almost 30, with still so much to learn. I think about the mistakes I have made, and there are times that I would love to turn back time and make different decisions. Many things have changed about me – except that thing with being with abusive guys, although now I know I don’t have to take just whatever is dealt to me. I can change my life and make it my own! You know I had that same thought many years ago when I was sitting in that office with the Ranch shrink. But somewhere along the way I lost track, and now, recovering from my injuries, I have had way too much time to sit and think about things. The thought came back to me that I do not have to take it! Why do I figure these things out now, after so much lost time, and all the hurting? I guess I am depressed. I am sorry for dumping all this on you, but I know you are the one that is and has always taken it in . . . Gary, I love you and I am grateful that you are in my life and were in my life. I know that I wouldn’t have made it without you and all those people that I did and didn’t mention, but I know that you guys were the ones that saved my life. I love all of you. Take care, Kellie Kostecka ‘94 Council Bluff, Iowa October 8, 2006 Dear Gary, I thought I’d write you and just give you some insight into my day today . . . I woke up at 6:00, washed and braided both girls’ hair and got them ready for school. I had them at school by 7:50, and was on my way to school to study for an exam. I had decided to drop one of my classes, so now I will only be taking 12 hours this semester (I really needed to free up some time). DeAndre stayed home with Carl so that he wouldn’t have to attend the exam. I got out of school around 11:45, got home, picked up DeAndre, and went back to school to go to work. I worked until 3:00, picked up the girls, had a make-up quiz at 4:00, got home around 4:45. Soccer practice for Amari was at 5:30, for Domi at 5:45. Soccer practice ended on time at 7:00 . . . DeAndre jumped off a flower bed wall thingy at the end of soccer practice and busted his head open. We’ve been at the ER ever since and just got home (yes, it’s now midnight). Some genius invented some skin glue, so they were able to glue him together instead of stitching him up. Remind me to leave that guy/girl millions when I win the lotto. See? I knew I was too busy for computer science. I’m glad I freed up some time! Love always, Amy Alexander ‘96 and the kids Corpus Christi, Texas November 6, 2006 Hello, This is Kimberly Briones and I was one of your children there, at the Youth Ranch. I first came to the Youth Ranch back in 2000, when I was fourteen, graduated in 2004, and then left to explore the world. Out here, I have learned much about myself, but I want to thank my foster parents at the Ranch for their support, their sympathy and dedication that led me to give all in today’s world. And thanks to all of you for your patience with me. I have two requests, since my time there at the Ranch taught me to prepare for life, which has held me together the last two years. One, I would like to receive newsletters and any information about life there on the Ranch, which also includes if you have any music CDs and/or videos which you can send to me. I’ll buy both videos and CDs if you have any. Second, if it’s possible (I may be asking too much), I would like to see if there is any way that I can reconnect with my houseparents. I would love to hear from them. Please request that if my houseparents, Doug and Laurie Lanier, are still there today, to write to Kimberly Briones, or please send me their address. Also, I would love to email Gary Priour. Please, if you can give me feedback on either request, I would be ever so thrilled! Yours sincerely, Kimberly Briones ‘04 Freer, Texas October 25, 2006 To a like minded Father in Christ our Lord, Gary, Once you asked me, Gary, "What is my Psalm?" Today I can honestly sing unto our God my own Psalm, "Praise the Lord our God, for it is He that reigns over the good and evil of our world today and every day. Amen." When I came back home to visit the Ranch a few months ago, I turned to an older man in a big gray truck. I asked, "Sir, do you know Gary Priour?" He looked at me with great love and said, "Of course I know Gary!" I admired that – "Of course I know Gary!" and always will. Since the last time we spoke, I’ve had a handy man business for the elderly in Kerrville. In 1999, I chose to go to college in Waco. I did not finish, but I passed and left school with good grades and am looking forward to a new calling, coming back to Kerrville – home. I’ve picked up a few new little gifts along the way of many struggles. To name a few, I now play the piano. Upon reading out of the book of Psalms, I have a vision of peaceful rivers and fountains of knowledge in my drawings. I’d love to share with you and your loving kind wife, Carol – a mother to me, as well. Gary, I see you as one of the greatest men alive today that the Almighty God has set upon the clouds to reign with Him. Your love for Children and the hope to help just one if not all is heard by our Lord and God. Gary, you have been a source of strength to me and a bright and shining star in the midst of a dark night. I love you and look forward to playing the piano for your family and many, many, many, many more, if you will allow. If the Youth Ranch has any special events for which you need help in any way, please allow me to be included. Gary, I feel I have succeeded in life many times over, and I am still going to succeed to greater heights, to the praise of our Lord and God, and Christ Jesus. Love Always, Jason E. Biesenbach (aka "Squidhead Jason") ‘93 Kerrville, Texas October 16, 2006 Hi everyone, Joe, the boys and I are proud to announce our newest little guy! Michael Conor Andrews, named after his grandfather, was born Tuesday, October 10th at 10:18 PM. He weighed 7 lbs, 3 oz, was 19 3/4 inches long and looks just like his three big brothers. We can see a part of each of them in him, which really just means he looks a lot like Joe! He’s doing well, and we are thrilled he’s finally here. The move from South Carolina to Penssylvania went as well as we could expect. It’s a lot different here than it was anywhere else that we have lived, but I think that we have acclimating well. Since I have never lived in the north before, I had no idea what to expect. It’s beautiful, but it’s been cold and chilly for much of our time here. BLAH! Joey started middle school this year, but middle school is 5th grade here. I don’t think that I was ready for my little guy to be a middle shooler at all. He loves it though. He feels so grown up and important. His independent streak is getting wider and it’s hard to let go. But, I am trying. Colin is in second grade. I think he likes it most days. Other days, he says it stinks. Mostly the days that he has a spelling test, I am sure. He doesn’t like spelling. But the kid is a mathematician – loves math! He didn’t get that from me, that is for sure. They are both history buffs and they are enthralled with learning about the past. They have been bugging us to take them to Philadelphia since we moved here. They are dying to see the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall. As soon as Joe gets some time off, I think we are going to spend the weekend there so they can see where our country was born. Matt is growing fast, as is so smart it blows my mind. He is 18 months now, and is just an amazing kid. So happy and confident (until bedtime) and his brothers adore him. He is so spoiled by them; they think he hung the moon. He’s trying to put words together into short sentences and uses some American Sign Language signs for the things that he can’t verbally express. He is very physical, and loves to climb and jump and run, which wears out his poor mommy. Life is hectic, but full. Living with my five boys is going to keep me on my toes, for sure. I have applied to Penn State, and am hoping that I hear something soon. I really want to start spring semester. Joe and I are both dedicated to the idea that I need to finish, and he’s willing to help me do what I need to get that degree. I hope I can get it done with all these crazy boys running around. So, that’s us in a nutshell. I sent some pictures. I hope you like them. Hope to hear from you soon. Love and miss you, Catherine Kilgore-Andrews ‘95 Schuylkill Haven, Pennsylvania October 20, 2006 To Gary and Carol Priour, I would like to thank you for everything you did for me. You protected me, you took me in, you kept me safe, and gave me a home. You never gave up, as you never do to kids. You love and care for them and that’s what makes HCYR the best. You go above and beyond, you continue special traditions, you get kids into action, and you show them what is life. I want to thank you, for I never was able to find the words. I will always know that I belonged there. I was given help and was given love. I was shown care, and given a home. I miss the place I once called home. I make a vow to come back home, to return to the place I felt safe where many more kids still feel safe. I will come back to give those kids new hope, and a share of my life. I will tell them how Hill Country Youth Ranch helped, how I left, and what became of me due to this share of love. Gary and Carol, I know I caused problems up and down, and wish I could apologize to you in person. You might have felt you were not helping, but you did. I know this deep down, but I wonder if you know this. If you don’t, I’m telling you now. Continue to give out love and keep kids safe, for you will help many more that will come. Thank you Mr. & Mrs. Priour. I would love to hear back from you, |