“Lynchburg?”
I well remember my reaction back in 1993 when my then-husband Phil Beeson told me he’d accepted a legal position with Ericsson Telecommunications and that we’d be moving our family from Northern to Central Virginia.
Back in 1993, all I knew about Lynchburg was that it was the home of the Rev. Dr. Jerry Falwell as well as a handful of small private colleges.
Back in 1993, I never dreamed I’d spend nearly two decades in this charming city so majestically encased by the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Back in 1993, I never imagined I’d help “Doc” (Jerry) fulfill his long-time dream by becoming a founding faculty member of Liberty University School of Law.
All I knew in 1993 was that Lynchburg would be a drastic contrast from the hustle and bustle of Fairfax County.
And it was. And it is. And now I’m leaving.
I’m leaving this fair city a different person from the one who arrived with 18-month-old twins and a “rising kindergartener.”
I’m leaving it with precious memories and soul-enriching experiences deeply embedded in my heart.
Thank you, Lynchburg Community, for gently guiding my family through the good times as well as the hard.
When Phil and I struggled through the pain of divorce, you comforted us. When each of us remarried, you rejoiced with us.
Through both your public and private school systems, you helped our daughters (Rebecca, Jana, and Brett Beeson) grow into amazing young women who are making lasting, meaningful contributions in bilingual education, theatre, and Semitic languages.
Through the News & Advance personal ads, you brought me my true love (Dave Fisher) and blessed me with four incredible stepchildren (Katherine, Amanda, Elizabeth, and Benjamin) who are making lasting, meaningful contributions in science, music, and Slavic languages.
You gave me ample career opportunities to serve others – the Child Abuse Prevention Center, the Virginia Legal Aid Society, the Office of the Public Defender, and Liberty University School of Law.
You blessed me with several Spirit-filled congregations – Rivermont and First Presbyterian, St. John’s and St. Paul’s Episcopal, and Court Street and Peakland United Methodist.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart. I can’t think of a better place to raise a family and enrich one’s soul.
Had my husband Dave not been offered a position at Johns Hopkins Hospital, we’d be here (God willing) for decades more. But on February 4th, the Fisher Caravan is pulling out to set up a new home in Bel Air, Maryland.
Lynchburg, we will miss you dearly.
May the Lord bless you and keep you. May the Lord make His face to shine upon you and be gracious unto you. May the Lord lift up His countenance upon you and give you peace.
With Gratitude, Fond Memories, and Joy,
P.S. Images of Lynchburg in the collage are courtesy of TripAdvisor.com.
Lizzie Branch says
So beautiful, Jory!! Praying for safe travels and smooth transitions as you move to MD. Love and peace, Lizzie
Jory Fisher says
Thank you so much, Lizzie. We definitely appreciate your prayers. This is quite a transition for our family!
Love and Hugs,
Jory