Steve's grandma went to be with the Lord on Friday. I got the privilege of seeing her a week ago Monday. She asked me how I do it? I asked her how she did it? :) She raised 8 children, 1 of them special needs! I only have 5, with 1 special needs! She said, "I just did it." Grandma was a caregiver all her life. She cared for her siblings, she cared for her children, she cared for her special needs child until Bev passed away in 2003. At that time, grandpa's health was failing, so she cared for grandpa until she got ill 3 weeks ago. She hauled wood, she canned, she made pies, she cooked, she cleaned, she was constantly going. And I never once heard her complain. Together grandpa and grandpa raised 8 amazing kids. Is was a privilege to see them all work together this week as they reminisced, made plans and took care of grandpa. They take AMAZING care of grandpa. A few things struck me this week. At the graveside service we said the Apostle's Creed and sang hymns. How many families now days can do that and know the words? Ours can! Steve and I are quite "old school" and that was a proud moment when you looked around and the old to the young knew the words and it really felt like it was from the heart. They raised their children to love the Lord and share that love.

As a family with a special needs child you wonder, how will this affect our children? Will they grow up successful, will they resent all the time we had to spend at the "spa", where will their hearts be? I obviously can't say for my family just yet, but I watched a family this week that is GREAT! They care for each other with love and compassion, they are successful in so many ways.

Love.......is it easier to loose a spouse when you are young or old? I've heard people ask that question many times. I don't think there is an answer. Anytime you lose a spouse, it just isn't right. Grandpa and grandma had been married for 65 years! What a milestone! There were postcards that were between grandpa and grandma when he was in the war. He called her his "sweetheart." To watch this sweet man hold his wife, tears streaming down his face. All I could think is, "it's not fair!" No matter what the age is, It's not fair!

Obviously grandma was an amazing woman, wife and mother. What a wonderful role model and something to strive for. God Bless you Grandma! Thanks for being a Godly woman for us to follow.