Jay's Hope 80's Party

2009-06-03T19:29:00.000-07:00

The first week of May 2008, Royal came to see me when he got off work. At the time he was working at Hamby Automotive in Perry. As every car salesman knows, the hours are crazy long...so, he made it at the end of the fundraiser party. My cousin Tiffany, her friend Maggie, and I were asked to be "models" for the evening. The 80's party was held at Idle Hour Country Club. Here is a little about Jay's Hope: The mission is to improve the quality-of-life of children with cancer and their families in Middle Georgia by extending HOPE through social, emotional, spiritual and financial support. By using their God-given gifts, they will accomplish their mission through serving, teaching, encouraging, contributing, leading, showing kindness towards others and by sharing their faith in God. This organization began with Cindy Gaskins, Jay's mother. William Jason "Baby Jay" Gaskins life on earth: January 5, 2001- March 31, 2006
Jay courageously battled a malignant brain tumor for 2 ½ years and WON as he skipped into the Gates of Heaven on March 31, 2006. Jay’s gutsy little spirit, his never-ending smile and that undeniable sparkle in his big brown eyes, has touched so many lives. He has taught us to embrace life and to see it through the eyes of our Heavenly Father. He has taught us how to live for today no matter what tomorrow may bring, to love each other unconditionally, and to never give up hope, even against all odds. Needless to say, I was proud to be just a small part of this awesome cause!!! Tiffany, Maggie, and I "modeled" with fundraiser gifts...basically, we paraded around the club holding up signs up for auction: great and pricey packages I might add...knowing this money was going to this foundation touched my heart...there was also a testimony given for the evening by a lady whose daughter fought and won the battle of cancer with God's divine healing and the help of Jay's Hope. The daughter was there, and goodness...brought me to tears. I love how the Lord takes rough stuff and makes it beautiful for His glory, and remembers our good! We serve an awesome God!!!

Rewind!

2009-06-03T18:54:00.000-07:00

We wanted to rewind or reverse the clock, if you will, to the beginning before we became the Rutherfords. Royal and I met listening to acoustic music in downtown Macon, Thursday, April 10, 2008. Never wanting to date any more men because they were just "plain awful" was where I was at this time in my life. Turned out to be the same for Royal, haha...well, reversed...women were not at the top of his list and far from a priority. Royal and his brother Patrick went to listen to Royal's buddy Josh Graff, and my high school friend Katie Mathews and I did the same. He was good I'm sure, but my attention was elsewhere. And I might add, we were the only ones there...musician Josh Graff and his girlfriend Jennifer, Royal & Patrick, and Katie & me. As you know me, I have to say hello to everyone in the room...social butterfly as they say. So, here's a good laugh for ya...I leaned over to Katie and said, let's go "mess" with that 18 year old over there. He's cute. Keep in mind, not wanting a darn thing to do with a guy...Royal claims he noticed me as I walked in the door and wanted to speak to me but was nervous. I don't buy into it too much b/c when I went to say hello, he didn't really acknowledge my presence. I looked at Katie and said, oh heck no...so, I went back to talk to this little 18 year old. Turns out he wasn't 18 after all...haha...only 21 though. You ladies know I would NEVER date anyone younger than myself, but well, that didn't prove to be true. So, we talked all night, and then broke out our dance moves. Yes, I know...but, so much fun. It was a light-hearted evening, and I met a youngin' that got my attention. And well, so goes the story...I captured his. :-)

The Rutherfords

Jay's Hope 80's Party

Rewind!