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Letters home . . . notes from alumnae |
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from 2008 and 2009 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. January 27, 2008 Dear Carol, I received the note and the pictures that you sent this last weekend and I was so thrilled! It brought such joy to my heart to see the smiling faces of the children with their stockings! I will disclose to you something else: the pictures that I received from you tugged at my heart strings. Oh, how I wish that I could adopt all of those children! I take such comfort in knowing that, thanks to you and Gary, these children have a safe place to call home. Even so, I long to be a mother, and Jeff longs equally to be a father. It is so amazing how, even in a photograph, the Spirit that is within each child radiates so majestically! Thank you for nurturing these precious children. Some day in the near future our dream of providing a loving, gospel-centered home to children will be realized, in Heavenly Father’s timing, of course. Until then, I will just consider myself so blessed to have the opportunity to help these children at the Ranches. I have already begun the work on the stockings for Christmas 2008, and am setting a little aside each month for some other projects for the benefit of the children. Thank you so much for keeping the dream alive and for allowing me the chance to serve. Please give Gary my love and thanks! Kristen Kolar Baker ‘97 Austin, Texas Editor’s Note: This past Christmas, each child received a very special stocking. Each was lovingly hand-sewn by Kristen ‘97. Kristen lived at Stevens II cottage in the 1990s. She was a talented young poet, writing with a depth far beyond her years. She was also a talented artist. We hadn’t heard from Kristen in several years and were overjoyed when we got the call from her saying that she wanted to do something to "give back". We couldn’t be prouder of her. She has grown into a kind and compassionate adult, which is every parent’s dream. January 10, 2008 Dear Bea, I hope all is well as you read this letter. I am very thankful that you have taken the time to send me goodies. It is always a huge blessing to know that people out there support us out here. All is well with me. I find myself in good health and surrounded by great soldiers. We try to take care of each other as we face our days and nights out here. I have come to understand that in life everything happens for a really good reason. And I know God has everything in control – without a doubt. When I was younger I couldn’t make many decisions or choices, but now at my age I have made the attempt of making wise choices and become the person I was created for. Being out here makes me realize that life is short, and that I can’t dwell on the past but just learn from everything. Once again, thank you for taking the time to send a package. May God keep on blessing you and guiding your steps wherever you may go. God Bless. Sgt. Steven Ayala ‘00 Al Kisik, Iraq Editor’s Note: Sgt. Steven Ayala, HCYR graduate in 2000, is on his second tour of duty in Iraq. His extended family at HCYR has been sending him care packages. Steven tries to keep up with thank you notes, and recently Auxiliary member Bea Bode shared the note above. We are so proud of Steven. He is very brave, and a wonderful credit to his country. He emailed us recently that he believes U.S. forces are making progress in Iraq, in part because of befriending local citizens. He asked if he could share some of his "goodies" not only with other soldiers but also with some of the poor families in the neighborhoods near his base. He said that making friends with Iraqis represents the best chance of achieving success there. We pray for his success in Iraq, and for his safe return home in July. March 19, 2008 Hello! My name is Monica Garcia and I lived at the Hill Country Youth Ranch many years ago. I think about how fortunate I am to have been blessed with a great career and family. I have the Hill Country Youth Ranch to thank for that. The people in my life over those five-six years at the Youth Ranch really made a tremendous impact on my life. I learned so much from each one of them. Thank you all!!! Much love to Gary, Carol and Mike Priour! Monica Garcia ‘98 San Antonio, Texas December 3, 2007 Gary, Tonight I read about the loss of Youth Ranch alum Javier Paredes ‘02, in Iraq. I remember, as I began reading the article, a mild expectation of the antiwar sentiment that has stormed into much of what is written about our soldiers and their mission. I was grateful (and somewhat ashamed of my lack of faith in you) to see that your commentary was absent of such denigrating words. I don’t always take the opportunity to read every article in the Corral, but I feel compelled to say that your article was quite possibly the best you have ever done when putting pen to paper. On behalf of all my brothers and sisters in arms (past, present and future), thank you. Thank you for your touching words. Thank you for your praise for this young man’s achievements. Thank you for the respect you showed to his fellow soldiers. I am sorry that I doubted you, even if only for a moment. My apologies and gratitude are yours. You have started something wonderful in Ingram, TX. You have nurtured it into something bordering on miraculous. I hope you feel the pride that God must have in you when he looks upon your life and your accomplishments. May Javier Paredes enjoy eternity in the Kingdom of Heaven, forever basking in the warm love of all who knew him. I believe that when the time is appropriate, you will see him there. Until then he will wait patiently, and whisper in your ear from time to time. God bless you, and yours. And keep smiling, ‘cause God has a special place for you. With Love and Respect, Robert Fogg ‘87 Austin, Texas January 10, 2008 Hi Gary, I just want to say Thank You So Much for the stay in the Retreat Cabin, and the hospitality of your staff. The Ranch taught me politeness, and I want to tell everyone thanks. My wife and I had a great time. Getting to eat dinner and talk to the kids at the Ranch made me reflect on the things that I have been through and overcome, just like the children out there have. The staff were very helpful and friendly. Carl showed us the Ranch and some great spots to fish. We caught 6-8 bass and lots of perch. Roxanne caught the one we’re going to eat, which was the biggest of our catch. I’m going to send you pics of the fish later today. The cabin was awesome. If I ever win the lotto, my wife and I would like to build one just like it! It is a very beautiful cabin, and everything we needed was there. We tried the best we could to leave it just the way we found it. We would love to go back if that’s possible. The next time my wife can get time off, I will check with you on the availabilty of the cabin. Once again thank you so much. We had a GREAT time. And the bass my wife caught there was her first huge large-mouth bass, so now she’s hooked on them and I’ve got a fishin’ buddy. Have a great day, and a wonderful new year . . . God bless. Thank you, Chris Meyer ‘89 March 8, 2008 Hey Papa Gary, Just a line to tell you that we are having a baby boy toward the end of May! I’ve got about 10 weeks left, and I want you to know I’m doing great. Keep us in your prayers. If you have any baby stuff at the Ranch or you find anything you could set aside, would you please let me know so I can give you an address on where to send it? Love, Your Daughter Tari ‘93 January 23, 2008 Dear Gary, I think about you often. Sometimes I wished we’d never moved from Texas. Things here are fine though. Hunter is seven and in second grade now . . . Abigail is five, going on six and in kindergarten. They love school. Amanda and I continue to prosper. I hope you’re doing well. I’m doing fine at the PVC manufacturing company . . . I work an average of seventy hours a week now. I’m what they call a material control manager. I’m heavily involved in purchasing and inventory of all raw materials and head of the compounding department. I am always running around doing this and that. I always enjoyed responsibility, but here I am the key master. If one of the people above me doesn’t know something, they say, "Go see JD." I usually have the answer. I’ve moved way up the ladder of success in one year’s time. It scares me. Sometimes I have to pinch myself to make sure it’s real. Well, gotta go run some tests on some resins I just got . . . Love to all, John David "JD" Hopkins ‘87 Hunlock Creek, Pennsylvania March 3, 2008 Dear Gary, Hi! I’m working for Americorps with high school students helping them prepare for college. I have an idea I would like to pass on for your consideration. I would like to do a service project at the Ranch. I would like to come and speak with the Ranch kiddos about college prep, their options for financial aid, vocational training, test prep, applications, community service, college survivial, etc. Basically a day to talk about their educational and vocational future and how to make it reality. I have tons of info and presentations. I could stay for a day or two, offer personalized time with each student at their request, and ongoing mentoring after the program day. I can also spend a day in any other type of service you need as an Americorps volunteer as well. This is completely free as a part of my service commitment to others, and to the Ranch in particular! :) Things are going well, I am set to graduate in August with my Associates and I am researching BSW programs as we speak! Our four boys are growing like weeds - it’s CRAZY! More later, I have a student coming in for an appointment in a few minutes. :) Love, Catie Andrews ‘95 Killeen, Texas June 15, 2008 Dear Daddy Gary, Thanks for taking me to breakfast to celebrate Father’s Day. Words can’t express how much you mean to me and a lot of others. For so many, you are the father that we have never known. You and Daddy Mike (Editor’s Note: Mike Wood, long time Ranch staff and now Charter School Superintendent, shares with Gary the role of father for Stacy and other HCYR alumni) have filled a void in my life that hurt so much before I found my way to the Ranch as a 14-year-old in 1993. By the time I graduated in 1997, I knew what having a Dad was like – and you have continued to be Dad to me through all these years. You have shown me that a Dad is someone who wants to be there through the good and the bad, encouraging me all the way. What’s really wonderful is that you didn’t have to do all this for me. Thank you for providing me with a wonderful family, and sharing the love and wisdom you have always given me. I want you to know how much I admire and respect you and how lucky I feel to have a father who is such a good and caring man. I love you so much, Dad. Happy Father’s Day! Stacy Walters Garcia ‘97 Kerrville, Texas Editor’s Note: Seantel Trask ‘87 always had her sights set on success. After HCYR, she moved to Dallas, where she climbed the corporate ladder. After much success in the business world, she opened a small private school and discovered her love of teaching. She attended HCYR’s 20th Anniversary Reunion in 1997, and we were all amazed at her focus and poise at that time. Now Seantel is raising her family in Holland with her husband Erik. She has embraced her European culture, learned its language and become one of the Dutch. June 20, 2008 Hello Gary, I cannot stop the stream of tears right now. You have no idea how good it is to read your response to my email. I could hear your voice – spoken through the words on the page … like hearing my father’s voice after many, many years. I feel ashamed that I have not kept in contact as I should have. But I should have known ... you all are my family, and all along you are waiting for me to return … deep breath … okay. First of all, I am always so blessed by the Christmas gift, which is sent out every year to the Ranch graduates. This makes me feel very special and I always get the warm fuzzies; I know that you think of us and make a point of letting us know that we are remembered by our Ranch family. Yes, I am living in Holland along with my two beautiful children and wonderful love of my life Erik, who is in fact a real Dutchman. I am now 35 (wow!) – wife, mother, and a big believer in Christ. I have a passion for painting and helping those who help others. Life is good and I have no real complaints. I have learned to speak Dutch or Naderlands as they call it. I am very active in the 2 (yes two) international churches that we attend, and I am now starting to look for employment as a teacher for next year. We just received our permanent residency and unrestricted working permits last month; so I can now do what I love … spend time teaching and loving kids and getting paid to do it! I am also active with raising funds for missionary families in need located in both Kenya and India. We will be visiting the states this summer and I would love to see you and introduce my family to the both of you. I was actually looking for property in the Hill Country area to buy, just so I would have a place that feels a bit like the Ranch. The last time I saw the Ranch I felt strange because it was like a part of me that I once knew, but that didn’t know me anymore. I knew none of the new kids, and I was like a stranger. I think that is why I haven’t been back for such a long time; I don’t know if there is anything that I can do about that feeling … I do wish that there was something that I could do to be a part of the Ranch again. I often thought of working there, but I have children and that disqualifies me from being a houseparent. Enough about my melodramatics – I need to know about you and Carol. I wish there were a Gary’s blog on the website or maybe you should create a page on Myspace or Facebook; then it would be much easier to keep in touch with all the graduates and we could check in on you, too! Please write soon and always know that there is a place for you in our home ... Yes, this means that you should visit The Netherlands and stay with us. I love you, Blessings and Hugs from Holland, Seantel Trask van Garderen ‘87 June 4, 2008 Dear Gary, I’ve kept my eyes on y’all, and it makes me proud to be a fellow Squid Head seeing the job y’all have been doing at the Youth Ranch. I’m 32 and it’s been 15 years since I’ve been at the Ranch, but I still carry a lot of life skills that I’ve learned from there, and I still have UNDYING LOVE FOR ALL OF Y’ALL. Thanks for a HOME and the LOVE . . . Troy Cole ‘89 Editor’s Note: Amy Alexander ‘96 is a devoted mother of 3 beautiful children, ages 9, 7 and 5. She has balanced motherhood with being a student, and graduated from Texas A&M in May, with her B.S. in Mathematics, and a teaching certification. June 10, 2008 Hey Gary! How are things? I am now (finally) a college graduate! It really feels great! Graduation took me away. I have never been so happy about something in my whole life. The feeling ... wow. I just felt like I had climbed the biggest mountain with the worst odds and I succeeded. Now I’m looking forward to my first year of teaching. I feel so accomplished. Relieved. Successful. A huge weight has been lifted from my shoulders and I feel that I can do anything. Thank you for everything. Your support. Your encouragement. Your love. Love always, Your daughter Amy Alexander, HCYR Class of ‘96, Texas A&M Class of ‘08 June 21, 2008 Dear Gary, Thank you so much for the DVD of Broken Wings Can Fly. Things are going pretty well in my life. I really miss HCYR. I know back then I was filled with lots of anger and hatred toward my mother for what she had done, and I believe that was what became my weakness and fueled my misbehavior. I am surspirsed that the Ranch put up with me for so long. I do remember that I made a promise to myself, and that was to hopefully return to the Ranch and work there one day. That way I could give back to all the kids and help them understand that life’s not all bad and there are people in the world who still care for them. It took me a while to learn that. I moved to Houston in 2007 and enrolled at the University of Houston as a Freshman. I am currently working at the University as well. In fact, I started in October 2007 at the Academic Computing Lab, and joined the Department of Sports & Fitness in January 08, as a Student Web Developer, creating and maintaining their department website. I am still working for both departments this summer and will do the same in the fall. Having lived in 22 different placements during my childhood, I can tell you that they were not all like HCYR. There were some places that I was abused in. I am also now the president of a state-wide advocacy organization called Texas Foster Youth, Inc. We have our own website, which I maintain as well. If you’d like you can check it out at http://www.tfyi.org. I feel glad to be a part of this organization because I get to help foster youth in need. I really do miss HCYR, and I hope to visit the Ranch again one day. Maybe I can come out there for the Broken Wings Can Fly play when I have the money to travel. Well, it was great to hear from you Gary. Please tell your wife Carol I said Hi, as well as Jon Leija and Susan McElroy and anyone else still around from the years I was there. Till Next Time Sincerely, Matthew Vetter ‘02 Editor’s Note: Sgt. Steven Ayala, HCYR ‘00, has just returned from his second tour of duty in Iraq. He landed in Georgia in June, and returned to San Antonio in July. We are so proud of Steven, and we are SO grateful for his return to the USA. He has been very brave, and is a wonderful credit to his country. We’re looking forward to welcoming him home. June 27, 2008 Hi Gary, I hope everything is going well for you, Gary. Well, my replacement arrived in Iraq in early June, and I am now back in the USA. I am currently in Atlanta, and I will keep you posted as to when I will be able to visit HCYR and talk to the youth about my life at HCYR and a little bit about my experience in the military. I would like to give them encouragement. I even prepared a slide show for the kiddos and everyone at HCYR to watch. Take care Gary, and may GOD ALMIGHTY watch over you, your family, your staff, and all the kids at HCYR. Thanks for the prayers and the support for me and our troops during these trying years. Blessings to everyone. Sgt Steven Ayala ‘00 U. S. Army May 16, 2008 To all members of the HCYR Auxiliary, First I wanted to say, as a former resident, that I learned all I know about the positive aspects of life, and how life is supposed to be lived, while I was at the Ranch. I learned life is supposed to be successful, and that no matter what obstacles we face, we can learn to overcome them. I can also say that sometimes we all need a hand to help lift us from our obstacles. I want to say to all members of the Auxiliary that you all have made it possible for me to overcome a major obstacle – my college tuition – so that I can pursue my dream. Thank you for helping me succeed with your generous grant for my education for this whole year. Former resident with love, Jennifer L. Torrez ‘97 May 22, 2008 Dear Gary, All is well here. I am a CNA and live in Livingston, Texas. My husband and I are in the process of adopting two children – Sonja 3 and Steven 2. The adoption should be final by July. I have two biological sons Ethan 4 and Evan 3. Things at home with four toddlers is hectic but I wouldn’t trade it for the world. Living at the Ranch and you taught me the value of a true family. I am thinking of coming to see you this summer. I have to wait until the adoption is final before we can make overnight trips, but I will let you know soon. Hugs from your Hug Buddy, Laura Sisson-Wiley ‘95 August 19, 2008 Hey Carol, How are things at the Ranch? As for myself, things are going great. My daughter Elizabeth is almost nine years old. She is doing great also. She is growing and will be taller than me soon. How are your kids? Hey Carol I have a request. When I was at the Ranch I had received a necklace from you guys. It was an octagon with an oak tree in the middle. Well I was wondering if you could order me one? I will pay for it and everything. I want to wear it around my heart to remind me of everything you and Gary tried to do for me and of all the memories I have of the Ranch. Please e-mail me back and let me know if it is possible. Has anything new happened at the Ranch, any new additions such as new buildings? When I get a recent picture of my daughter I will send you and Gary one. Well Carol I have to get ready for work. Talk to you soon. Tell Gary hi for me. Love Always, Angel Rivera ‘91 Editor’s Note: Hurricane Ike made landfall at Galveston, Texas on September 13 at 2:10 a.m. It was a devastating storm for all in Ike’s path, including HCYR alumni living in the Houston and Galveston area. We heard from many of them, and thankfully all seem to be safe. We have chosen to share reports from two of our Youth Ranch graduates, Jennifer Dees ‘94 and Cathy Carson ‘87. The girls had different experiences. One evacuated and one stayed. Jennifer, who lived close to Galveston Bay, had to flee for her life with her 2-year-old to Rogers, Texas, where she stayed with another HCYR alumna, Catherine Kilgore Andrews ‘95, and her family. Cathy Carson, along with her two children and husband Rick, lived on higher ground and further inland. They stayed in their home, living without power and water for the next two weeks. Although their experiences were different, both women relied on their faith in God and their well-earned resourcefulness to get through the difficult days in Ike’s aftermath. In emails to us, they gave accounts of their personal experiences. We couldn’t be prouder of these two courageous women, and would like to share their reports. We ask that you keep our girls and their families in your prayers, along with our entire Alumni family. September 14, 2008 Hi Carol, Just a little note to say hello and let you know that Joei and I are safe. Hurricane Ike did, however, destroy our home. We came up to Rogers to Catherine Andrew’s house to get out of the storm’s way (Ed: Catherine is also a HCYR alum). We loaded up supplies and tried to get back home today only to make it to the outskirts of Houston and turn around. It is devastating. The trailer we were living in is only about 3 streets from the Galveston Bay. And if you’ve seen the news, you can imagine what happened. Neighbors tell me that there was about 7 feet of water in our home, and it is totally destroyed. Thankfully we were able to leave before the storm. We have lost everything. I took our important papers and photos and some clothes, but everything else is lost. I am heartbroken. I don’t know how or why I am constantly challenged to start over or survive one more thing. But I know everything happens for a reason and I know that God has a plan for me and for Joei. We will be in Rogers for the next couple of weeks, as there is no power or running water in the area where we live. I hope this finds you, Gary, the kids and the Ranch doing great. Please keep us and those effected by this tragedy in your prayers, as we are sure to face a long road ahead. Love you always, Jennifer Dees ‘94 & Joei
September 15, 2008 Good afternoon, Carol I was able to get online last night and apply for FEMA help. I am waiting to hear back. I have been told that FEMA will grant up to $2500 to help with the rebuilding process. And that would be so greatly appreciated. It will not rebuild or refurnish a three bedroom home like Joei and I had, but it will allow us to hopefully start the process, and I am grateful for the help. Thank you for the encouraging words. I needed them. My faith is intact, and I know God will keep us from drowning in sadness and pity. It is just so hard. Seems like just a little over a year ago I was starting my life over from nothing and Joei was going through her surgery. And now the process starts again. I have no choice but to be strong and brave for Joei. She holds my face and asks if I am okay, when she catches me in the bathroom crying. She is such a sweet spirit and precious little girl. She is what keeps me sane. She makes me know there is a God and He is a good God, because I have her. My heart is just heavy, my mind exhausted, and my body weak right now, but I know I cannot lay down and give up for her sake. She would be devastated if I just gave up, so for her I will hold my head high, keep my heart lifted towards the sky, my eyes dry from tears, and my soul open for God’s love and healing. I hope you have a great day and week. Love, Jenn & Joei September 29, 2008 Gary, Last Tuesday I went home (San Leon) for the first time since Ike. The devastation is overwhelming. Where my house once stood, there is only a pile of debris. Though I found some of mine and Joei’s stuff, thrown about the parking lot behind our old house. It looks like a third world country. Everywhere you turn there are mounds of trash, furntiure, clothes. I mean everything, our entire lives reduced to a pile of debris waiting to be hauled off. Then nothing will be left but our memories. I cried, couldn’t help it, and my sweet Joei, holding my hand telling me "Mommy, don’t cry". There is still no power, weeks later. FEMA has been great about handing out supplies and hot meals; they are a blessing amid the disaster. We stayed for three days, and then just had to get back to Rogers. With no power, I couldn’t keep Joei down there for too long. When Joei gets overheated or too hot she gets violently ill, throwing up. We are trying to find a place where there is power, so that we can go back to the Houston area and try to get our lives back together. I don’t know where to start, everything is just so confusing right now. But I know that I have no choice but to pick myself up, dust myself off, and start our healing, new beginning, and the process of piecing our life back together. I know that God will not desert us in this challenge. I am sending you a few photos of where mine and Joei’s house once stood. Hope this finds all of you doing great. Love, Jenn & Joei Dees September 2, 2008 Dear Carol, I’ve been really busy lately. I just wanted to thank you for everything that you and Gary have done for me. I am doing fine. Okinawa, Japan is pretty cool. How are things going in Ingram, actually in Texas? I never thought I would say this, but I can’t wait to take a big whiff of US air. Being away from home kinda gets to ya after a while. I am used to it here now, but still can’t wait. I called Gary right when I got here. It was so good to hear his voice. That’s about it. I went to Thailand for a while. I also started taking some Criminology classes with the University of Maryland through the Marine College program. Well, I can’t wait to hear from you. Let me know how everyone is doing. Bye, Michael Paredes ‘99, U. S. Marines September 6, 2008Dear Gary, First of all, let me thank you for letting me and my family use the Croy Retreat House. It was peaceful and amazing. I will probably be up there again if it is OK with you, to get away and just take some time for me. All women need some time away – don’t you agree? I would like to ask you for a favor. I want you to say a prayer for me. A prayer is all I ask of you, and I would gladly appreciate it. And please let me hear from you from time to time, ok? Love yall, Sylvia Hidalgo ‘89 November 23, 2008 Dear Gary, I just wanted to say hello and to tell you that I’m doing great. I’ve got a wonderful family. My wife and I have four daughters, ages 6 to 12. I’ve become a master chef and have a terrific job in a great restaurant. What I want most for you to know is that the Ranch is and always will be my home. Whenever anyone asks me where I’m from, I always say, "from a little town named Ingram" and tell them I grew up at Hill Country Youth Ranch. Gary, those seven years at the Ranch were the best thing that ever happened to me. I found the family I never had, and your caring made all the difference. My time there still provides me with the good examples I need in life. Love always, Rigo Flores ‘96 November 11, 2008 Hello Gary, My name is Deana Waldren. Remember me? I am a former resident at the Youth Ranch. My kids are all grown up now, and somehow we came across a picture of Elk’s Tooth Mountain in Colorado, where we went mountain climbing in the 1980s. It was during a summer trip we took while I was still there. I would really like to know if there are any kind of photos online that I could share with my family. Please let me know. Thank you, Deana Waldren ‘88 Editor’s Note: Amy Alexander ‘96 (see email below) is a devoted mother of 3 beautiful children, ages 9, 7 and 5. She has balanced motherhood with getting a college degree, graduating from Texas A&M in May with her B.S. in Mathematics, and earning a teaching certification. She is now teaching elementary students in Killeen, Texas. October 23, 2008 Dear Gary, Hey Gary! Just wanted to say hey and that I love you and miss you . . . You know, Gary, teaching is much like working at the Ranch must be. I teach because I love the children, and I want a better life for every single kid. But sometimes they look at me and seem to think I’m only there to hinder them. It’s so strange. The kids and I will be taking a trip soon. Maybe in late November. I’ll keep you posted. I want to sit down with you and talk while I’m there. Get your advice and soak up some of your knowledge . . . Love always, Amy Alexander ‘96 November 15, 2008 Hello Gary! I just wanted to drop you a line to say hi. The kids and I are doing great. My son Alex turned 8 in April and my daughter Charlie will be 13 at the end of December. I am so proud of both of them. My daughter is in 7th grade, and she has a couple of advanced classes, Advanced Social Studies and Advanced Language Arts. She has all A’s! YAY!!!! Alex is in 3rd grade. He struggled a little in the beginning, but he is back on track. I bought my grandmother’s house, and my grandmother still lives there. After my grandfather passed away last year, she just needed some help. I moved in to help her, and now I own the house. As for work, well I just got a promotion. I am now the branch manager at Quik Cash. My love life has also improved. I am in love with a guy named Bob, and he is wonderful. My family really, really likes him, too. We are going to get married June 13th, 2009. I have never met anyone like him. He really likes my kids, and my kids really like him. He coached my daughter’s softball team, and my son’s basketball team. He really just jumped in and became the father figure that they have never had. As you know, my life was a little crazy for a while, but it is now the most normal I have ever experienced. So that really is it, but do pray for me . . . that things will stay going great!!! Well, get back with me when you can, and take care, Kellie Kostecka ‘94 October 30, 2008 Hi Gary, Hey, it’s Dianne Wilks. I miss you. It’s been a while. I would love to come stay at the Croy Retreat House - can I bring my pooches?? I have 2 dogs, both medium size under 28 lbs. I hope all is well and will stay in touch. Yep - horses are still my passion. I would love to come work with Michael and your horse program, as well as with the kids. It’s hard to get away except on the weekends, but I’m going to try to come see you. I am living in New Braunfels - been here about 4 years, before that I was in Schertz for 7 years. Life is good. Hope to see you soon, Dianne Wilks ‘86 October 16, 2008 Dear Daddy Gary, You and my Ranch home are always close to my heart. I am so grateful for the love you have always given me. I really enjoy the new CD. It has some awesome songs on it, and the DVD about the Ranch and its programs has become one of my pride and joys. I think about my time at the Ranch, and I know that it was a very significant time in my life. I couldn’t be prouder to be one of your children. I hope my little sisters and brothers are doing well in school, and that they had a good summer. Work is going good, and Daniel is doing well. Tell Susi and Dean I said hello and Daddy Mike, too, and that I love them. Tell Carol that I love her and that I enjoyed the play at the Ranch this summer. It was nice to come home and see a show. The kids did such a good job. Jacob is a very talented young man, and the world will be blessed through his music. I know that I am. You have always been a big blessing in my life, and I love you dad. Thanks for always being there when I need you. Love you always, Your Daughter, Stacy Walters Garcia ‘97
November 7, 2008 Dear Gary, Well, thanks for taking my phone call earlier this week. You know I really needed what you gave me, even if it was a few words of advice. I just needed someone to tell me, I suppose, what I already knew deep inside. I think about the mistakes I have made since I left the Ranch, and there are times that I would love to turn back time and make different decisions! I think that many things have changed about me for the better, except the thing about how I choose to be with abusive guys. But now I know I don’t have to just take whatever is dealt to me. WITH GOD’S HELP, I CAN CHANGE MY LIFE!!! You know I had that same thought many years ago at the Ranch when I was sitting in an office with a counselor. Somewhere along the way I lost track of that insight, but it has come back to me again, after all this time, that I DO NOT HAVE TO ACCEPT ABUSE! Why do I have to figure these things out all over again? I am sorry for dumping 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. I know that you guys were the ones who saved my life and never gave up on me. You can share this with others to tell them that it’s never too late to break the cycle, although I am ashamed it has taken me so long! You know I was thinking, do you have any old pictures of me when I was in High School? Even just one . . . it would help me remember . . . you can send it by email. I love you and take care! ~ Name Withheld ‘93 |
September 4, 2008 Hi Gary, It is always great when I hear from you. How is everyone ? My family are all doing great. My husband Chuck is still on the road driving trucks. I am taking some time off from work to spend at home with the kids. My daughter is now 17 – can you believe it? I can’t! Chris is almost 16, Nando is 14, and the baby is almost 12. We are still in Temple. I am homeschooling the 3 oldest ones. The high school here is just a place to have riots and buy drugs. It’s safer to keep them home with me. I am hoping to be in Kerrville next month for a wedding. If so I will give you a call. I just started to receive the newsletter again. I do love to hear how everyone is and all the GREAT things that are happening there. The Ranch will always be my home. I’ll call you soon. Give Carol my love and take care. My love to all. God bless, Joyce Sandoval ‘80 March 26, 2009 Dear Gary, It was so good talking to you. Your voice was great to hear. I miss you and Carol so much. I am glad to hear about all the changes that are happening at the Ranch. There are so many kids who need a place to call home as we had. You are an inspiration to me every day. You have no idea the start you gave kids like me. You gave my life meaning and happiness. I have so many memories from the Ranch and they are the best! I am getting excited to be able to bring my kids there and show them the home and love you provided to me. They get to see Paw Paw Priour! We will see you this summer. Well, I am doing good. I have my health problems, but I also have three beautiful girls and a wonderful husband to share my life with, so I am very fortunate. My husband is a wonderful man. I didn’t think men like him were out there. Gary, men like you are an endangered species (ha ha), but I found one! My kids are great – they are all on the A & B honor roll and doing really well. They are 16, 10, & 8 and excited to be able to meet the one they hear so much about. You know one thing I want to say to the kids who have the privilege of living there now is you are wanted and do belong. You have a family – embrace these days as they are the most precious you have. Take the lessons that are taught to you as they will inspire and help you later in life. The lessons I was taught I now teach to my kids. At the time I didn’t want to hear them (ha ha), but they really were most important. I am so happy I am a SQUIDHEAD. Well, I am sending my love to all and hope to hear from you soon. Love Always, JamieLynn (Smith) Banas ‘90 March 19, 2009 Hello Gary, How have you been doing? I often think about you. I’ve just been real busy working and raising a family. I took a vow that this year I was going to try to get reacquainted with people I know and love, and I finally got some time to do so. You’re first on my list. I still work at Simona America in Hazleton, PA. I’m a manager now. It’s not real entertaining, but it’s a good job. What with today’s economy, we’re all happy to have a job. Those of us who do, I must admit. I read the newsletter all the time. I don’t recognize people’s names that much anymore. It’s hard to believe that it’s been that long ago. Twenty-two years ago since I graduated. Wow. Where’d the time go? I’m enclosing pictures of the kids. They are growing up. I want to hear from you. Love. John David Hopkins ‘87 March 18, 2009 Dear Gary, I apologize for not being able to visit while on leave in Texas. I am currently at Ft. Carson, Colorado. I am not sure if I am deploying again, but the unit I will be attached to left for Iraq a few weeks ago. I will keep you updated and let you know my whereabouts. Please pass on my sincere advice to all the kids at the Ranch to finish school and set goals in their lives. The military has been good for me, but it is not for everyone. It does bring a lot of structure and requires hard work and sacrifice. It is a blessing doing what I am doing in the military. I can’t complain about the lifestyle the military brings to us. It is a choice we make and we do it for so many reasons. It is an honor to do what I do, and I am forever thankful to GOD and the country that has embraced me with open arms. The memories are endless as I have served in the military over six years and still going strong. I do intend to visit in the future to talk to the kids, but I am not quite sure when that would be. I will let you know ahead of time. Thanks for laying a good foundation in my personal life and I hope that many, many kids take full advantage of that great opportunity I was given at HCYR. We should never seek riches, but we should always seek what we were meant to do on this earth and everything else shall fall into place. I do believe that with a sincere heart. In the future, I desire to be involved in foster care, providing guidance and encouragement as it was offered to me in my teenage years. And I do hope that opportunity will come along the way. Thank you Gary, Chaplain Assistant Sgt Esteban Ayala ‘00 Romans 12:12 March 16, 2009 Dear Gary, I am doing fine, and the Island of Okinawa is beautiful. I love the fact that I am a Marine. I just finished my second year. Oh yeah, I have been accepted into a Recon Battalion. And yes, I do plan on going to college as soon as I get out. I have been really busy. Things are going great. A lot of Marines are back from combat which is a good thing. I have been here now 18 months. I really do miss my family at the Ranch. I have not been given the chance to visit which saddens me. Sometimes I think about the days when I was at the Ranch, realizing how great a place it was – my home. I remember when Bruce once got dressed up as Santa Claus, and then Fully got dressed as the Easter Bunny. I do think I am coming home soon, hopefully some time in May. Gary, I know how much I said this to you when I got to visit you, but you really have helped me in so many ways, and I do luv u for that. Also, I know you have positively affected many other individuals as a role model. I say again – Thank you very much for all you have done for me. I hope everyone is doing well. You all mean so much to me. Sincerely, Michael Paredes ‘02 U. S. Marines March 15, 2009 Dearest Gary, I would like to take this time to say thank you. It has truly been a blessing to be a houseparent here at the Ranch. I am grateful to you, Carol and the rest of the Youth Ranch family for welcoming me back. I have always kept you close to my heart and in my prayers. Through all these years, I have experienced many victories and some failures. The Lord has waited on me, and I am thankful to be saved by His Grace. My goal is to make the Youth Ranch my permanent home. I love working with the children, and I believe I can continue to be an asset. I would also like to continue my education and complete my degree. I plan to enroll in some college classes soon. Thank you so much for all you do. Leticia M. Chacon ‘88 March 15, 2009 Dear Gary, A long overdue ‘Hello’! I hope this finds you doing well. I know this letter must come as a surprise after not hearing from me since I attended the Ranch’s 25-year Reunion in 2002. I have wanted to get in contact with you for quite some time, but it seems I’ve always had some sort of obstacle in my life which has prevented that. Well, that is no longer the case as I am now in charge of my own decisions. The kids are growing and doing well. Kylie will be 14 in May, and Caden will be 11 in July. They are WONDERFUL kids . . . bright, funny, athletic, beautiful, and very full of life! They are the best thing that has ever happened to me! I thank God each and every day for them! I want so much to give them the life that they deserve . . . a life of love, happiness, laughter, and to know the ‘true’ meaning of living. I still receive the Corral Newsletter, and see the continual progress the Ranch has made. It is absolutely amazing the transformation which has occurred over the years since my time there as a resident and then staff member. It is great to see what the kids have achieved, and how much the Ranch has grown and expanded beyond the Ingram campus. I’m certain you are very excited to see how your dream has grown to be something so incredible. I’m sure you have a very busy schedule, but I’m hoping you can find an opportunity to meet with me. I think we are long overdue on re-establishing the relationship we once had. I would like to catch up on the years that have so quickly passed. I would also like an opportunity for my kids to become more familiar with the Ranch they have heard me speak of, and the positive things it represents. I look forward to hearing from you Gary. God Bless! XOXO, Rochelle Engleman Flowers ‘89 March 15, 2009 Dear Gary, Hello! I have not had a chance to contact you in recent years. I do think of you and the Youth Ranch often, and I really miss it. My time there at the Ranch I loved . . . I had fun a lot of the time, and I learned so much. Most important, I felt safe. I came to visit a few years ago when my son was around three years old. They said you were out of the office and wouldn’t be back in for the day. I really wanted to see you. My son now is almost nine years old, and my good news is that I am going to be getting married next month to a childhood friend. I understand that the Ranch is doing really well these days which I am glad to hear. I hope that it does well in the years ahead. Next time I am down your way I would love to come and visit you and Carol. I miss you guys and I hope to hear from you soon again. I promise to write to you more when I have a chance in the coming days. Love always, Crystal Gray ‘98 P.S. Could you please have someone take a picture of the tree where we put my plaque in the ground. I would so love to see that again. Thank you . . . and God bless. Crystal February 21, 2009 Hi, Gary & Carol! I wanted to thank you guys again for the wonderful opportunity to visit this past Christmastime and tell you how wonderful it was. The Retreat House is positively holistic. So much so that I was wondering if I might be able to come for another visit in June or July? I am hoping that my husband Jeff would be able to make it out there with me. I would love to make the stockings again this year – I plan to start again next week – but I will be without help this year so I must start early if I can even hope to finish them by December. I think I might be doing something like patchwork stockings or a "Favorite Things" theme. We shall see. I was so pleased to see the kids with their stockings. My heart still swells with joy just thinking about it! Thank you so much for the opportunity to serve! All my love, Kristen Kolar Baker ‘97 February 18, 2009 Hello Gary and all at the Ranch, All of the prayers for my family have been answered!!! Children are doing well, and Jon didn’t get laid off, and we still have our house and health insurance!!!! I also wanted to let you know that on Sunday, December 21, our little joy Josephine was dedicated to our Savior Jesus at Cottonwood Creek Baptist Church. Thank you all for the love and support you have given to our family. May God bless you in the way that you need. I miss you all. Like newborn babies, long for the pure milk of the Word, that by it you may grow in respect to salvation. 1 Peter 2:2 Love you, Layla Torkizadeh Williams ‘94 February 12, 2009 Papa Gary, Just a note to tell you and Carol hello. I recently got my real estate license and also found out that I made the Dean’s List at DeVry. Also wanted to thank you for the scholarship money, and its timing could not have been better. I paid it already and do not have to think about it until next semester. I have completed one year of school already and have a year and eight months left. I will let you know when graduation is. How is your father these days? Say hello to Michael and your children. We need to see each other and talk. Call me and let me know when we can get together on a Saturday. Love you Daddy, Gladys Myers Bullis ‘83 February 11, 2009 Hello Gary, I just wanted you to know that I was thinking of you. We just returned from a small cruise to York, England . . . wonderful, I wish you and Carol could have joined us. York is the second most visited town in England next to London. The better exchange rate makes it more bearable. I went there one month ago with a girlfriend on a Christian woman’s retreat. Enough about us . . . I hope that you are doing well physically, mentally, and spiritually. If there is anything that I can do for you please don’t hesitate to even hint at it. I would love to have a chance to sow into the life of a man who has helped to change the lives of so many, especially mine. Blessings and big big hugs to you all, Seantel Trask van Garderen ‘87 (Holland) June 19, 2009 Dear Carol, I have been thinking a lot about you lately and how much I miss you. Many times it is on days when the boys are testing the very limits of my patience, and I have a " how would Carol do this" kind of moment. After all these years, I still miss our talks and knowing that I could be myself, and you loved me no matter how awful I was being. It’s late and I think that I need to try to get some sleep before the kids have to get up. But I wanted to let you know that you are still touching me in so many ways, and my boys are benefiting from your amazing example of patience and love and acceptance. I know I am awful about emailing, and sending pics . . . so here are a few photos I have taken of the boys lately. More soon, Catherine Kilgore Andrews ‘97 June 19, 2009 Hi Carol, This is Patty Linton. I was there at the Ranch throughout 1986 and 1987 before graduating. You were my teacher at the Ranch school. Do you remember me? Anyways, I would love to be put on y’all’s mailing list to get the newsletter. I have four kids, one grandchild, with two on the way. Life is good. How are you? I hope to hear from you soon. Love, Patty Linton ‘87 May 14, 2009 Dear Gary, Hi, it’s Tressa, one of the Cook girls. It has been a long time since I have talked to you. I hope the Ranch is still going strong. It was the happiest place I have ever been, and I will always think of it as home. Thank you for opening it for kids in my situation. You really have meant more to me than you could ever know. Love, Tressa Cook Dyer ‘92 June 4, 2009 Dear Gary, Thanks for writing me back! It’s so nice to hear from you. I saw your picture on Facebook and could not believe my eyes. There you are, still the man I remember. And it’s so great to get to talk to you again. Please write any time and keep in touch. I wanted to thank you for all you did for me and my two sisters when we needed it most. It truly meant the world to me, and to them. I have been all right I guess. I have been married for 13 years now. We have a 12-year-old son named Daniel. He’s great! Hey guess what? Remember my dream of being able to own my own horse? Well, I have two, one named Missy and the other named Star. Missy is a 3-year-old and Star is a little over a year. I don’t know if you remember how much I loved horses, but you would always let me go and work with the horses when I was there at the Ranch. I never got a chance to tell you "Thank You" for that and how much it meant to me. What I want most to say is "Thank You" for taking me in and giving me a home when no one else would have me. I know there are memories I have of my time at the Ranch that you may not remember, but they are very special moments in my life. It was a time when I felt loved and that my life mattered. I want you to know that, although I didn’t always show it at the time, I do appreciate you and what you do for all the kids in state care. I had been in several homes before I came there, and none of them matched the Ranch. Thank you, Gary. You are a great person and a true mentor for so many kids. Well, I will write more later, Tressa Cook Dyer ‘92 June 10, 2009 Hello Family, I know it’s been several years since some of you have heard from me. To get everyone caught up, I had a baby girl in July of 2008. She was not expected but is greatly loved. We named her Josephine Love Williams (Sophie for short). "Josephine" after my husband’s granny and "Love" because she was a new chance at love. You see, four years ago my marriage was great, but my husband Jon and I lost each other. I guess it happens when you’ve been married for ten years. We knew each other so well (so we thought) that we forgot how to love and respect each other. We almost got a divorce. We were so ready to blame each other and try to fix the problem without the other one that we forgot why and how we fell in love and came into a marriage. After a summer apart we came together to try to work out our problems and then pooffffff – Josephine came!!! Our youngest was six at the time and going into kindergarten. We were in no way ready for another baby. But after many tear-filled prayers, I knew Josephine was a sign that I am to be married to this man, and we did have love. Hence Josephine Love! Hunter, my 10-year-old boy who is exactly like me (too scary I know!) had a good year in basketball, which he loves, and Stevie, our now 7-year-old daughter, finished her cheer season, a favorite activity for her, at about the same time. Both are doing great in school, sports and in their walk with Christ. After crunching all the numbers, Jon and I decided that I get to stay at home and be a full time mommy. No working and rushing home – just PTA and room-mom stuff! I love it! I miss getting dressed up for an office job, but I enjoy staying in my pj’s until 10 a.m. more. My life has taken a different path. It is now focused on my husband and my children. God has granted me so much! My family and I still are praying for the day we can come home and live in Ingram again. I’m on Facebook now, so any of my fellow housemates and Ranchers can look me up. Good luck to all of you. Remember, the journey to happiness is long and hard but the reward is everlasting. Love, Layla Torkazedah Williams ‘94 July 18, 2009 Hey Gary, I hope all is well. I am currently stationed out here in Afghanistan, and I am doing my third deployment with the Army since 9/11. As you know, I had two stints in Iraq, and now this one out here in Afghanistan. Pray for us, as I know you do. It is an honor to do what I do and I am forever thankful to GOD and my country. Thanks again for laying a good foundation in my personal life, and I hope that many, many kids take full advantage of that great opportunity I was given at HCYR. You taught me to seek what I was meant to do on this earth and that everything else would fall into place. You were right. I can testify to that with a sincere heart. Well, I will keep you posted and let you know my whereabouts from time to time. I hope to hear from you. And I really hope to make it to HCYR when I return and visit everyone out there. Don’t worry, I am okay. I have to get off the computer now. Sgt Esteban Ayala-Ramirez ‘00 June 2, 2009 Hey Gary, How is everything going? Everything is great here. I would like to say thank you for letting my daughter Tasha use the Chapel in November for her wedding. And what an honor it would be if you would be the one to perform the ceremony! On November the first, the day they have decided to get married, they will have been together for four years. I could not have picked a better guy for her. She has "done me proud." On a different note, just to let you know what has been going on in my family . . . I am still manager at Pizza Hut in Fredericksburg. I also have five grandkids! I tell everybody that I was born to be an OMA (grandma in German). I love it. I am also a part of a group called BACA (Bikers Against Child Abuse). We started up a chapter in Fredericksburg called BACA Hill Country. I wish they had been around when I was younger. In a nutshell, we help empower the kids and are there for them to help them feel safe. We adopt them into the BACA family, and they know they have big brothers and sisters that will be there for them no matter what time of day or night and no matter where they are. They know we are just a phone call away. I could go on forever about it. It’s my opportunity to give back. I am sending a couple of pictures of my family for you to see. The group picture was a trip to the zoo last year. Love always, Ruth Anne Evans Hazelitt ‘87 June 26, 2009 Dear Friends at the Ranch, I’m posting this through the website. Please pass my message to Gary. My brother & I lived at HCYR what seems like years ago now!!! It was in the early 1990s that we came there. I learned so much, and made so many great memories . . . summer trips, group meetings at the Community Center, church on Sundays. I remember waiting for the pool to be finished and who could forget work crew!! I used to receive the newsletter but have moved. I was hoping I could start receiving it again!! Keep up the good work. Love, Shanna Coker Place ‘95 May 22, 2009 Hey Gary, I wanted to tell you that Ariel and I had a great visit with your son Michael at Big Springs Ranch for Children. She is excited (and so am I) to come down for the summer. Ariel got to play with the horses (her favorite thing), and we got to swim in the Frio. Beautiful! Michael is great – brought back lots of memories from being at the Ranch some 25 years ago! WOW! Long time. Can you believe how time has passed? I hope the next time we visit you will be around. Take care and I will let you know when we are going to be back up. Tell Carol ‘HI’! Dianne Wilks ‘86 July 6, 2009 Dear Family at Hill Country Youth Ranch, Hello all! It has sure been a long time since I have written and been able to visit . . . Life here for me is going very well. I am going to be turning 24 at the end of July, and my daughter will be turning two on August 1st. She sure is getting big, and getting too smart for her own good! I am currently expecting another baby, due January 18, 2010, and am scared and excited and confused all at the same time. I have attached some recent pictures from the last several months . . . I am graduating from college finally in December and could not be more excited. I am working three jobs right now, saving up money for when my new addition comes along. I was looking at the website for the Youth Ranch and was inspired to write to you because I found the article on the ‘03 graduates, and it made me think about how much life has changed over the last six years. I hope that this email finds everybody there in good health and high spirits. I miss you all and can’t wait until I get a chance to come up there to see you! Sincerely, Amber Klecka ‘03 July 14, 2009 Dear Gary, Hello. How are you? I’m doing great. I am enjoying college and the teachers and staff are so helpful. I cannot wait until graduation so I can pursue my dream of becoming a medical assistant. I am doing well in school. I am making A’s and B’s. I know as time goes on through my degree plan, courses will get harder, but I am determined, and when I am determined to do something, I know I can do it. I know that what pushed me into furthering my education was God, and I am thankful for that. I thought about going to school for a long time, and as you know, I tried to do the online courses but was not learning much at all. I have learned more this month in a real college than I ever did on the computer. I also want to thank you for always being there for me. I don’t know where I would be without the support of you and the Youth Ranch. I know when I was younger, after leaving the Ranch, I hit a bumpy road on my way through life, but I came back and started to walk the straight path. I thank God and you for the patience and guidance. Well, please pray for me that things stay as good as they are . . . and even get better. Love always, Christina Dobbins Lynch ‘96 December 28, 2009 Good morning Gary, First, I wanted to say thank you SO much for including me and my kids in the special Christmas celebration with you and the rest of the Youth Ranch family. It was so awesome to see my kids being involved in the event and becoming more familiar with what the Youth Ranch is all about . . . family! Despite the differences in age, ethnicity, cultural background, and even the lack of blood relation among the children, family is what we feel in our hearts as members of the Ranch family, along with our desire to love one another. And that is just what my kids saw among the group at the Christmas celebration. I’m hoping there will be more opportunities such as this so that my kids will continue to learn and grow from Youth Ranch experiences. You are a great man who has done, and who continues to do, great things for these children. Much love, Rochelle Engleman ‘89 Kerrville, Texas December 23, 2009 Merry Christmas to my extended Ranch family! May the holidays bring you peace and joy. Remember it’s not about the gifts, but about Jesus, His unconditional love for us, and fellowship. So I hope each of you has a joyful Friday and are able to fellowship with your loved ones. I love you all. Layla Torkizadeh Williams ‘94 Allen, Texas December 21, 2009 Howdy! It has been awhile since I have written and visited. My brother and I came to the Ranch in 1994. I was 12. After being through many foster homes and a failed adoption just before the Ranch, I came to call the Ranch my home. Even though I was only there for a short time (about two years) I met many people I still consider my friends. My first impression was like all the other places where I’d been. Just another temporary place until the next. But I learned so much from the time I spent living in that tent off wilderness path, then moving to Sams Cabin, then up to Terry Cabin. I was sad when they moved me and Dennis to another adoption in 1996. That didn’t work either, and we went through more homes and unhappiness. But now I am stationed in Virginia Beach VA, going on 6 years in the Navy. Been on two tours to Iraq and headed to Afghanistan late next year. I just wanted to say hello once more and see when the next reunion was so that hopefully I may attend. Thanks for your time and I look forward to seeing everyone in the future. Joseph Hahn ‘96 Virginia Beach, Virginia December 25, 2009 Merry Christmas Gary, I am so glad Joei & I could give a little back to our family (Ed Note: Jennifer, like a number of HCYR alumni, sent a donation to help with the 2009 Christmas for current Ranch children). Y’all have always been there for us. We are doing pretty good considering. Joei is absolutely amazing. She is getting big and is so very smart. I hope to bring her back to visit soon. Her health is still touch-and-go at times, but for the most part she is doing a lot better. As far as our home, we are living in a cozy li’l house. Joei loves it. Well, we hope you, Carol, the kids and the Ranch have a very Merry Christmas . . . Love y’all! Jennifer Johnston Dees ‘94 and Joei Dees Houston, Texas December 24, 2009 Hey, what’s going on Mr. Priour . . . Well, I joined that Twitter thing yesterday . . . I don’t know how to use it yet, but I’m sure I can figure it out . . . I just love replying to negative posts with a positive thought. I work nights at the Texas Youth Commission in Mart, Texas. I usually make it home around 7 a.m. I am still trying to finish college . . . down to five classes after this semester . . . should be finished next summer in July . . . hopefully. Gotta go to work. Those without hope need love, too. Really, I look forward to this 12-hour shift. . . . always looking for ways to inspire the youth of today, and sometimes my co-workers get a little, too . . . . . . "The tears we cry help water the roots which allow us to grow." Alvin Leonard ‘85 Mart, Texas December 22, 2009 Hi Gary, How are you? I hope as good as always. How is everything on Ranch going for you and all the gang? Yes it is great to get in touch with old friends I have not seen or heard from in so long. I do talk to my sisters Connie and Rebecca (Ed Note: Connie, Rebecca and Tressa Cook lived at the Ranch between 1991 and 1995). They are doing fine. Connie works for Apple computers and is in a great position in the company. Rebecca moved to Nebraska and is doing great. She did what she said she would. She drives an 18-wheeler all across the country! Connie is married with a girl and a boy and still lives here in Texas in Georgetown. What I want most to tell you is this: the Lord has played the largest part in my life. No one could ever know just how much. I have learned that without God we can achieve nothing in life worth anything. It is through Him that all victories are won and Satan flees. I pray to live the Word and not just be a hearer of it. I pray that all the kids on the Ranch will seek His will for their lives, and give Him the glory in all things. I pray this in Jesus’ mighty name, the name above all names. Amen. Thanks for being a man of faith, Gary. Stay strong in your faith, and know that He is watching out for you and the Ranch. I am utterly grateful to have a personal relationship with Jesus. I would have never been able to go on with out Him. I have changed how I speak because I have learned that every word that I say does matter. That’s why I write so much about Him. Sorry if I wrote too much, but I guess I had a lot to tell ya. Well I am gonna go now. Talk to ya laters. Happy holidays and may God truly always bless you and what you are doing for all those kids. May Jesus stay with you, watch over you, and guide your very footsteps. Love, Tressa Cook Dyer ‘93 Lockhart, Texas December 20, 2009 Hi Gary, Sorry it’s been so long since I wrote. I am doing great. I am in my second year of bus driving for Temple ISD and loving it. It gives me a great sense of accomplishment to see that kids get to and from school safely. Their education is our future, and I’m glad to help them get there, as well as getting to know them and watch them grow. A bus driver can make a difference in how kids start and finish the day. A lot of people say they couldn’t deal with screaming kids all the time. To be honest, most of them aren’t even close to how I used to be on the bus, and for the ones that do misbehave, I’m always ready – thanks to my knowledge of what can happen. All in all, it’s a great and satisfying job – so much so that my wife joined this year and is driving a bus, too. We go to work every day together and come home together. Our son Scott Jr is in second grade and goes to work with us and rides the bus with us in the afternoon until we come home. I can’t believe it! He is turning eight years old today. My baby is growing up so fast. My wife and I are wanting to come for a visit soon and bring our son to see the Ranch. The Ranch will always be my home and a part of our lives. It brings me peace to come home there, and be out in the country. I miss all the time I used to spend out in the woods, just thinking or maybe daydreaming. Well I hope things there are going smoothly and everyone is doing well. I will write again soon. May God bless you and yours, Scott Kelly ‘96 Temple, Texas November 24, 2009 Hi Gary, How are you? It’s nice to hear from you, and I’m very happy to accept you as my friend on Facebook – well you’re more like my dad. I’m back here in San Antonio. I guess you can say I needed time to find myself and reflect away from the big city. Now I’m here with a fresh start and doing better than ever. My kids are doing great and getting big. My daughter is doing great in school, she’s in kindergarten but the teacher wants to test her so they can move her to the first grade. She’s very smart for her age, and my son, well he’s still a handful but that keeps me on my toes. As always, I love you and the Ranch . . . SO MUCH! Denise Reyna ‘03 San Antonio, Texas November 21, 2009 Dear Gary, Hi . . . oh my gosh . . . this is so crazy seeing everyone on Facebook. I am so glad to be in touch again! Daddy Gary, we need a reunion! I am trying to contact other alumni to join the group. I see that the group is talking about a reunion. Well I am all for the reunion, so just tell me how I can help. I work for a hotel chain (Best Western) in the corporate office, and I can help with reserving blocks of rooms at a discount. Love you and all the Squidheads! Sylvia Hidalgo ‘89 Houston, Texas |