This is the
Scottish Tartan for the Clark Clan. Our lineage seems to be
mostly English, (Clark being equivalent to the British "clerk"
which was the designation for someone who was a writer of sorts)
but there's also a mix of a lot of other nationalities as well,
including, I believe, at least a wee bit of Scottish. And Dutch.
And American Indian. And a fair dose of redneck.
Something
I've learned about the concept of family
is that the
meaning and the members shift over time for many reasons, some
joyful and some painful.
Death, romance, marriage, birth, adoption, divorce, re-marriage,
betrayal, distance, friendships, feuds, and more all impact the
family unit. Add to that the connections and severings between
and among extended family units ... it can get very
complicated at times.
What I've also learned is that families are resilient, in their
parts and on the whole, and there is always room for new
members. It always takes a bit of adjustment on everyone's part,
but the love always grows to embrace the new additions, no
matter how they come in or how long they stay. It continues even
when some turn their backs and walk away.
Which leads to the most important thing I can say about my
family: In all its permutations, I love my family. Whether
immediate or extended, here or departed, each part and each
person is special and valuable and dear to me. I have been
blessed with a great family and a great heritage.
Click on the icons or links and
you'll discover pictures of my family along with
some commentary.
Parents.
My Mom and Dad were Grace and Walter.
They were wonderful people, both of whom I miss dearly. It is comforting to
know, however, that they are with the Lord.
Wife +
her kids & family.
Yes, we met through eHarmony, technically speaking. But it seems
pretty clear that God directed this match from start to finish.
I could not have asked for a more loving, godly woman than
BethAnn, formerly Laub, now Mrs. Clark. I've married into a
wonderful, fun family of "in-laws." Many are quite extroverted,
but, fortunately, not all of them.
Son + his wife & son.Michael Stephen Clark is my son, Emily is my daugther-in-law,
and Declyn is my grandson. I miss him.
Sis + Brenda,
Brent & Brook (aka 3Bs). Her name
is Carol Ann Perdue, but I've always just called her Sis. A
brother couldn't be blessed with a better friend. The 3Bs, my nephew and
nieces, were a hoot when they were little and still are, and now
are pretty amazing with great families of their own.
Grandparents.
I come from a
blend of the Clark and Paul families, on one side were rural
farm folk, and on the other side were city folks. Both sides
seemed to be flavored with just a "tetch" of redneck.
Cats.Sisters from a litter born in 2005, Peanut and Shadow have
distinct personalities and frequent disdain for one another. But
they've been good company and source of cheap entertainment.
The real
story?So, you think you know me, eh? Maybe you do. Maybe
you don't. Read the "real" story and then see what you think.
Connect with
Stephen...
If you want to
know what I'm thinking and writing about, or what's new in my
life, here are the various means to connect and keep up!
