Have you ever been invited to someones house, gone there, and knew immediately you were in a safe, loving environment. The atmosphere and surroundings were idyllic, peaceful and you knew you wanted to spend more and more time there? That’s the very feeling I get each and every time I set foot into the wonderful home of Mary Hubbard. Mary probably has the largest home in the littl
e town of Willows, and it is filled with love and love from past generations. Mary is a collector of beautiful things past and present. She’s also a collector of people. People are drawn to Mary like bees to honey. She has a wonderful caring and genuine feel for people, people in various phases of their life. Mary seems to know when a person is in need, she had become a very personal and cherished friend in my life. Whether it’s a personal, or a spiritual need or just a good meal. She just draws people to her because of her loving, caring nature. Jerry and I were so fortunate to spend after Easter services at The Ark , at Mary’s welcoming home for a simply great beef rib dinner. Mary has talented cooks among her children. Shawn, my niece’s husband and Mary’s son, should have his own restaurant along with her daughter Rene who performs miracles with food. We had the best roasted ribs, with potato and green salads and a delightful raspberry jello dish, we has 
asparagus and calico beans and rolls and for dessert Rene had made Portuguese sweet bread. Believe it or not I had never tried it. I have seen it for sale in the markets but just never bought it. It’s wonderful and just melts in your mouth. Mary also had a Red Velvet cake, which Jerry loves. Everyone brings something and is enjoyed by all. Rene sent home a care package of potato salad and Portuguese Sweet bread. Mary has 5 children 3 of whom are living close by and with their children it makes for a wonderful family group and we have been included into many family fun events, for which we are so grateful and happy to participate. We now refer to them as our “West Side Family,” and thank God every day for them. They have helped us so much in our spiritual growth, and Lord knows I need all the help, I have so much to learn. We love the great family atmosphere and the love that just radiates from that house.
Mary kept popping up into my life the last few years in various strange unassociated ways. She’s whats called a “shirt tail relative.” Not to be construed in a rude way. Her son is married to my niece, Tracy Hartman Hubbard. I had not been in contact with my niece Tracy for many many yrs. she is my deceased brothers daughter and I have not been close to that side of the family. The icing on the cake was when Mary’s daughter,Denise, purchased our previous 5th wheel trailer, via an Internet add. Mary came over from Willows with Denise to get the trailer and that was it, we just connected. Mary invited me to a woman’s retreat through her church and sight un seen I accepted….. How often do you meet someone that you immediately click with and trust so completely. That happened to me with Mary and her daughter Denise. The Woman’s Retreat, led both Jerry and I to their church, The Ark, in Willows. Soon after attending a couple of church services we were hooked. We felt comfortable and welcomed by the church family. Jerry and I had been considering looking into finding a church and” Wa La ‘ here it was. After the pastor’s first service we felt we had found what we were looking for. This is a very spiritual church with like minded folks trying to make a difference, and they certainly have for us. Another thank you to Mary. I think when she met me she could feel the need I was experiencing and held out her hand to include me that day in the wonderful experience of the woman’s retreat. It had an immediate effect on me and I was sure Jerry would be able to identify too. I have to admit The Ark is a church of fully participating worshipers who welcome the Holy Spirit into their realm with gusto and praise. I was used to a much more docile atmosphere during church services. I have come to realize that this is an expression of powerful love of the Lord, with lots of music and singing praises.
So this was how we spent our first wonderful Sunday, Easter Sunday, home after almost 7 mos. It was a very special welcome home Easter holiday. Thanks to our “West Side Family.” Jerry and I love all of you…………….S and J.
