GOOD vs EVIL

"It is not necessary for good and evil to fight each other. Good embraces evil with love so that evil can be transformed, just as the lotus roots embrace the mud in order to produce flowers..".. Annabel Laity

"Of the ten worst mass shootings in America in recent history, five have taken place in Texas.."

• "The Gun Violence Archive has counted 214 mass shootings in the US so far in 2022." Gun Violence Archive
• The total number of mass shooting incidents in the United States in 2021 - 693

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  (Sidney Morning Herald)

  
  
  Five days ago we witnessed the latest U.S. mass shooting in Uvalde, Texas. It has been all over the news with vivid heart-breaking images. May the love for our American children overcome the evil of the gun manufacturers bent on profits. May love infuse the hearts of our politicians so that new gun laws might be passed that prevent these massacres from continued happening.

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While the above is uncertain, in many families there have been outpourings of love and loving occurrences to give us hope for the future. In our family alone, during three days we joyfully welcomed the following:

My grandson Branch Tanner Archer, IV had three graduation ceremonies at the University of Texas. He received a BS degree with honors in Environmental Engineering and Minors in Chinese and Philosophy (he speaks Mandarin). He was one of 15 "distinguished graduates" of Plan II, who "exemplify outstanding academic achievement coupled with strong dedication and service to fellow students, the program, and our community." He plans to pursue Philosophy in graduate school in Vancouver. (Dad, Branch T. Archer, III received a Master's degree in Electrical Engineering at UT this spring as well, but did not wish to participate in ceremonies!)

Daughter Carajean had to miss the last of the three graduation ceremonies as her daughter Audrey went into labor and mom wanted to be there! My first great-grandchild made his appearance on Sunday, May 22, 2022. Needless to say, our family is filled with pride over both of these happy events. The photo to the right is the first bonding of mother and son! Many more happy days ahead for both of them. Welcome to the world! Phoenix Rio Bohorquez, 8 lb 6 oz  And congratulations to the proud parents, Audrey and Erick Bohorquez.

It is my prayer that the love that these children and all the children of the world rightfully receive from loving family members will finally overcome the evil in the world and open the eyes and hearts of those in power who are able to implement necessary changes to accomplish this. I know that the generations that follow are already taking on the challenges we are faced with. My grandchildren, like my grandson Tanner, are determined to make a difference in the world. They are focused on environmentalism and climate change, and willing to do the necessary work to tackle these issues. May the members of our government assist them by doing the right thing today by starting with better gun control laws to protect the citizens of our country. Think of the precious children. Think of Phoenix!

Love and peace,

Marilyn

WE ARE FAMILY

Lately, it's been a busy time in our family. This past Saturday my late son Craig's daughter Hannah Young graduated from Southwestern University in Georgetown, Texas. Hannah has been academically accomplished since she first started school. Her grades were always outstanding, so it was no surprise she graduated with such honors as listed below. As a grandmother of seven it has been difficult for me to keep up with all of their educations and talents. I try, but mostly have to rely on asking many questions. Usually I can get information from their parents. I sent Hannah a whole list of questions recently. She informed me that she received her BA in Psychology, with Minors in Spanish and Political Science. She will attend the University of Texas Law School in the Fall.

I asked Hannah for a photo of her in her cap and gown. She sent the following photograph, which shows her wonderful sense of humor!

"I don’t have any in full regalia because it was so hot! I graduated Summa Cum Laude, Paideia with distinction, and my cords show the five honor societies I was inducted into in my time at SU: Phi Beta Kappa, Alpha Chi, Psi Chi, Pi Sigma Alpha, and Omicron Delta Kappa!" 

I know her dad was looking down on her with pride this day.  Besides her mother Dot, sister Miranda, and niece Paisley who came from Dallas, she had the following family members from her dad's side cheering her on!

Brother Cameron, Aunt Carrie, Hannah, Aunt Amy, Uncle Matthew

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I've written about my son-in-law Branch Archer in the past. He is a man of many talents and abilities. Only one of his many achievements is his swimming prowess. (See Would You Rather Be A Fish ) His rising most mornings at 5:30 AM to swim at the University of Texas is proof of his love of this sport. He recently swam at the "2022 U.S. Masters Swimming Spring National Championship" held in San Antonio. This 4-day event was for men and women in all age groups. There were even men in their 80s and 90s competing! Branch will be 63 years old June 1st and is now competing in the 60-64 year-old group. I suspect he may someday be in the 80-90 year-old groups!

Branch Archer - READY,                                             SET, GO!

       

                                                      

                                            

Branch Archer (TXLA) Age Group 60-64 USMS Profile | USMS Results

Individual Events

Event				Date	Seed Time	HT/LN	Time	Place	Points
103	Mixed	1650 Y	Free	Thu, 04/28/2022	19:50.23	15/4	19:33.66	2	9
8	Men	400 Y	IM	Fri, 04/29/2022	5:05.76	7/2	5:10.12	5	6
16	Men	100 Y	Back	Fri, 04/29/2022	1:07.38	10/4	1:07.58	15	0
26	Men	200 Y	Back	Sat, 04/30/2022	2:23.69	10/10	2:23.30	9	2
32	Men	200 Y	Fly	Sat, 04/30/2022	2:30.00	6/2	2:23.95	3	8
34	Men	500 Y	Free	Sun, 05/01/2022	5:40.66	9/10	5:38.10	7	4
Total		3,050 Y			36:37.72		36:16.71		29

Branch also swam in the relay races where his team won two 4th place and one 3rd place race. There are several videos of the races on YouTube. 

Since moving to Austin, Branch has remained busy not only continuing part-time as a radiologist for the clinic he is associated with in Amarillo, working virtually from home, but adding to his seemingly insatiable appetite for knowledge. He is in the process of obtaining a Master Degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Texas. My daughter Carajean told him she was running out of wall space to put all of his framed degrees. I do not know most of the ones he has except a PhD in Physics and degrees in Computer Programming, which he taught for a while still practicing medicine in Amarillo. Besides all of his brilliance, Branch never talks "down" to us slightly less brilliant ones! He has a sly sense of humor and can make one feel right at home in his presence. 

I think you can tell I am proud of having Branch for a son-in-law besides the fact that he and Carajean have gifted me with three wonderful grandchildren. Who by the way have inherited not only intelligence from their mom and dad, but their good looks!

Tanner will be graduating from UT in a couple of weeks, which I will post next. In August their daughter Ashlyn will receive her final PA degree, following in her mother's footsteps. Their daughter Audrey, married to Erick, is to present me with my very first great-grandchild in less than two weeks. She and Erick are also among the multi-talented, intelligent members of the family. 

Audrey and Erick

Having just experienced a wonderful Mother's Day, I couldn't resist posting about family. Of course, this isn't all of them, but then, I never tire of writing about them as you can tell by my previous posts. Until next time....

Love and Peace,

Marilyn