In Memory of Hilda H. Bankston

from her December Fest Family

Many of you may not have had the pleasure of meeting Hilda ... I'm glad I was given the chance! Hilda was a "virgin" at the Fest last year (30th annual) ... and quickly jumped in to help make things happen. She was really looking forward to this years Fest and she had already volunteered for many committees and had even picked out her camp site.

In the two hours that I was lucky enough to get to spend with her during this years site search I learned a few things about her. She loved to laugh ... loved life ... totally adored her husband, Willie ... family & friends meant the world to her ... and she brought smiles to all she met. Wish I had been granted more time to get to know her ... but thankful for the brief time I was allowed. For those that never got the chance ... you sure missed meeting ONE FINE LADY!

To her family and friends ... know that we hold you in our thoughts and/or prayers as you go through this difficult time.

THE ROSE STILL GROWS BEYOND THE WALL

Near a shady wall a rose once grew,
Budded and blossomed in God's free light,
Watered and fed by morning dew,
Shedding its sweetness day and night.
As it grew and blossomed fair and tall,
Slowly rising to loftier height,
It came to a crevice in the wall,
Through which there shone a beam of light.

Onward it crept with added strength,
With never a thought of fear or pride,
It followed the light through the crevice's length,
And unfolded itself on the other side.

The light, the dew, the broadening view
Were found the same as they were before;
And it lost itself in beauties new,
Breathing its fragrance more and more.

Shall claim of death cause us to grieve,
And make our courage faint or fail?
Nay! Let us faith and hope receive:
The rose still grows beyond the wall.

Scattering fragrance far and wide,
Just as it did in days of yore,
Just as it did on the other side,
Just as it will for evermore.

by A. L. Frink