The Lewis Family Christmas Letter 2007
Once again Christmas is here! The year has slipped by quickly but the days have been full. Some days have been sad and some exciting. Early this year Lewis and Laney announced they were expecting their first child. Salena "Brooke" Phillips was born Thursday, July 26th in Augusta, GA. She was 6 lbs. 1 oz. and 21 inches long. She was Janis and Earl's first grandchild, as well as Laney's mom and dad's first grandchild. Janis and Earl are enjoying their new role as grandparents, and they help take care of Brooke during the week. Our brother Talmadge also became a grandfather for the first time this past year. His son Mike and wife, Joy, were blessed with a baby boy, Joshua Michael, on May 21st.
Our brother Wallace who suffered so many years with Parkinson's disease found eternal rest on Wednesday, May 16th. His service was at the Hephzibah Baptist Church in Lincolnton, GA, with longtime family friend Edward McCurry giving the eulogy. Wallace's wife Betty Jean, sons Travis and Keith, and daughter Karen, along with their families say thank you for all the prayers and support during this difficult time.
Polly saw her two oldest grandchildren (Sheri's son Madison and Scott's daughter Paige) graduate from Lincoln County High School on Friday, May 18th. This summer Leon had a recurrence of his non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. He first fought this six years ago. He has undergone chemo treatments throughout the fall and the current outlook is good. Polly also had a scare this year when the doctor discovered a blockage on the back side of her heart. She went in August 8th for a stent, but when they did the heart catheterization that morning they could not find any blockage! She didn't have to have the stent but she did take the weekend off the road (for only the second time in her career) to rest. Polly continues to deal with the dementia she was diagnosed with about a year ago. She has many new challenges to face, but she takes it one day at a time. She's happiest when she's onstage singing and meeting her friends on the road, and she plans to continue as long as the Lord allows. Thank you for praying for Polly and Leon. Little Roy is the same ol' Little Roy. He works hard at making his music the best it can be and he likes it fast and loud. Miggie is just as busy around the house and her health is pretty good. This year our bass position has been filled by several different talented people: Will Gay, a 17 year old from our hometown sometimes travels with us; sometimes we have Russell Easter Jr. or fiddler Jimmy Edmonds. Russell and Little Roy have created some new and exciting arrangements using the dobro and harp for some of the instrumentals. The Lewis Family was honored to receive Dove Awards in April for the song "My Cross" (Bluegrass Song) and the project "Flyin' High" (Bluegrass Album). This year the Family was asked to record a video interview for the Video Oral History Project by the IBMA for their museum in Owensboro, KY. In the spring we released a new CD of some of our favorite songs: "Handpicked". We are excited about a new project, "We Are Family", which has a February 26th release date. It is a collaboration of The Lewis Family along with Jeff & Sheri Easter and The Easter Brothers. All the songs are classics from our years of singing except the new title song written for the project by Woody Wright. You'll hear "Slippers With Wings", "Purple Robe", and more, newly recorded with harmonies of members from all three groups on the songs. Watch our website or contact us in February for more information on how to order your copy of this keepsake project. We just finished recording our 53rd annual Christmas special for WJBF-TV in Augusta, GA. We are honored to continue this tradition for so many years.
Sheri and Jeff have been busy working on the restoration of the old Lewis Family Homeplace. All the brothers and sisters have been remembering how the house was originally furnished - what colors and patterns were used - to help make the house appear original. If you'd like to help with this project financially, send your donation to The Lewis Family Homeplace Restoration Project, c/o Jeff & Sheri Easter, 2429 Washington Hwy, Lincolnton, GA 30817. Your gifts are tax deductible. Thank you for your prayers and support for our family. Merry Christmas & Happy New Year! May God bless everyone.
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