Jesus said, “truly I tell you, that whatever you did for the least of these for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did it for me.” Matthew 25:40 (NIV)

Last weekend was a memorable one for many people around Eads. It began at eleven in the morning when the ladies of the First Christian Church family hosed the most elaborate bridal shower that most of us have experienced in Eads. It was for their member, Mariah Smith, and her fiancé, Easton Hall. One of the hostesses, Dawna Weirich, has a friend in Hugo whose specialty is supplying wonderful decorations for all kinds of parties and festivities. Dawna found the prefect rose pink cloth table runners, which were intertwined with sage green velvety leaf vines, topped with strands of dainty twinkly lights. She had decorated over the sanctuary windows with white chiffon curtains and with dusty rose drapes swooping the large windows. This was the backdrop for where Mariah opened her many gifts. Her good friend, Mindy Uhland, assisted her. Mindy also had several entertaining games with prizes that delighted the winners. Since it was noontime, the guest were treated to a gorgeous array of foods and desserts. The croissants filled with chicken salad were superb, as well as the green tortilla turkey-cheese wrap. Guests could choose from several fruit and meat trays and dainty desserts not often seen or tasted by the guests. It was a real treat. Towards the end of the party, the groom came in, as well as Mariah’s brothers, Garret and Logan, and her father, Glenn Smith. This was a heart touching time for many of us who loved Mariah’s mother, Tracy, who died a few years ago.

Later that afternoon it finally fully rained about 20 miles south of Eads at the Negley Headquarters, where an outdoor wedding had been planned for John and Laura Negley’s son. Jayce Negley was married to his Texas sweetheart, Ashleigh Decker, with many relatives and some friends witnessing the ceremony conducted by her father, an ordained pastor. That evening, a large crowd of loved ones and friends enjoyed a lovely southwestern dinner served by Ashleigh’s family. We particularly enjoyed the cookie bar above large, wooden barrels. There were many guests from different walks of life who were important to the bridal couple. One couple whom I have especially loved for many years was Larry and Carla Gifford from Colorado Springs, who came to visit me in my new home before we went to the reception-dinner.

Other guests in my new home that I was so happy to visit with were Oscar and Brandi Ridgeway and their son, Wyatt, who is graduating and will be attending college in Butte, Montana. The Ridgway’s were here to attend the funeral of Brandi’s aunt, Alice Weirich, who was buried in the Eads Cemetery. They also came to visit her aunt, Penny Weirich Smith, Dorie Musgrave and Robin Musgrave. Pastors Lane and Deborah Gooden conducted Alice’s comital service, to which most all Penny’s cousins attended to support her.

Tim Weeks drove the bus for Future Farmers of America instructor and several FFA students to compete in finals last week at CSU.

During April, many residents of Prairie Pines and Weisbrod’s elder residents enjoyed devotion services as the local churches rotated serving at both elder facilities on Sunday afternoons. We have so appreciated this month having Pastors Lane and Deborah Gooden of the Praise Community Church, Annetta Maxcey from the First Baptist Church, Gail Voss from the Eads Community Church, and Pastor Mark Imel of the First Christian Church, come to share the Word of the Lord. Bill and Charlotte Woelk bring us the programs and story pages each week from the Sheridan Lake Bible Church.

Each year for many years, we have so enjoyed the hospitality of attending the Haswell Mother’s Day Tea which was on May Day this year. The new director, Pam Lessenden, and Nancy Miller greeted us and invited us to the meeting room to get acquainted and play some games. Later, we moved to the Tea Room, where we enjoyed teas of our choice and dainty cookies, sandwiches, fruits, and a variety of delicious sweets. We thank you for the great Haswell hospitality.

When Madison McDowell was at Weisbrod delivering her graduation announcements, I said to her, “I have never heard who was chosen Eads Prom King and Queen.” She shyly replied, “I was, and Keene Smith of Haswell is the King.” Her mother, Wendy, was beaming. She said, “she didn’t even tell me she was in the [prom] court.”

Wednesday, Auxiliary ladies Linda Trosper and Alice Glover came to bring us pretty little stem glasses filled with candies, set in a large silk flower. These, and the fabric heart for Mother’s Day, were made by Debbie Klei Senator. That afternoon Jaton gave us cups of goodies.

The last days of school are winding down in most schools on the plains. Be sure to look for dates of awards programs, field trips, playoff games and graduation.

The Eads senior citizens’ noon lunch of country fried steaks is May 15 at the center and, that evening in Haswell, a basket supper is at 5: 30 p.m. at their center.