To My Children

Neil and Leigh (married), Jamie, Stephen

Dear Children,

It is no secret that Daddy and I have always been intensely proud of you. Each one of you is so very special and so deeply loved. All of you are amazing people with gifts and strengths that would make any parent proud. In the last five years, you have experienced things that nobody your age should ever have to experience, yet you have survived with your sense of humor intact. It pleases me greatly to see that you genuinely care about other people and consistently seek ways to make a difference in the world. You are mature, responsible young adults with skills lacking in many people twice your ages.

In the months since your sweet Daddy left us, all of you have knocked yourselves out to help me with the gazillion practical matters that needed to be dealt with. Your Daddy left some mighty big shoes to fill, but you have stepped up to the plate and amazed everyone with your success. Many times there have been questions that none of us could answer, but you have persevered until you found those answers. You have been stretched to your limits, yet you have learned and grown and stuck together through it all. I know that I speak for Daddy as well as myself when I say that never, ever have we been more proud to be your parents.

The days and years ahead are going to be rather different from what any of us ever expected or wanted, but by God's grace we are going to get through them. We are survivors. Together we will persevere. We are family. We are blessed.

With all my love,
Mama

Leigh, Mama, Jamie, Stephen