06/10/2025
Today is Monday June 9, 2025.
Things have been somewhat an odyssey recently. I write from St. Louis, Missouri. Our journey began Thursday morning May 29th when Julie's father, Varne G. Rueff a USMC Vietnam Veteran and career union Millwright, departed this world following a long illness. Unable to find flights to get us to Michigan without spending nearly 20 hours in airports and in the air, we decided to end our Thursday in the office early and make the 14 hour drive. We packed quickly and got on the road by 3:30 stopping overnight in Latrobe, PA completing the trip Friday afternoon. "Butch" was laid to rest with full military honors in Alanson, Michigan the following Tuesday.
As we traveled through PA to Michigan that Friday AM our son called to inform us, the granddaughter we have been anxiously awaiting, was going to arrive early. Briar Elizabeth McKamey entered this world (2 weeks early) on May 30th at approximately 10:01 weighing in at 6 lbs. 5 oz. and 19.5 in. long, perfect in every way.
We departed Northern Michigan Tuesday afternoon following the burial service and made a stop in South Haven to spend the night with my brother Kyle and visit with my mother for a few hours Wednesday only to get back on the road en route to St. Louis to meet our granddaughter. We have been here about a week.
We will depart in the morning to return home by Wednesday then return to the office by Thursday morning. It has been a whirlwind trip. To date we have traveled 1700+ miles and have over 1000 miles to go. Thanks to ALL of our family and friends who have provided lodging, meals, thoughts and prayers to Julie and I on this journey. We are exceedingly blessed.