EDNA and WILLIAM VERDUIN on their wedding day. (I am not the "good" daughter --- I don't remember their anniversary - Help me out Linda!!) Aren't they a good looking couple!!!!
It's past time for an update --- and so I apologize.
I'm sure you know by now that mom passed away on Dec. 1. She had turned 90 on May 26, 2011 and we had had a fun party to celebrate that event.
We also got to spend Thanksgiving 2011 with her and (most of) our family. That is when I decided it was important to take a special picture of me and mom. Our daughter-in-law had once asked me if I had a picture of her and her mom --- she didn't have one and now her mom was gone. I will treasure this photo.....yes I know - I look a lot like her. :) :)
Mom was a wonderful "mom".....always had good advice ---- and I went to her for advice often. Now who will I go to ?! - I suppose I have to rely on myself now......not good! Her mind was sharp and remained strong to the end. I was often amazed at the things she could remember.
Because she was in her own home she got to know her great grandchildren --- it's more fun to go to Great Gramma Dine when she is in her own place and still making those yummy cookies and cake and cinnamon rolls ---- then in a nursing home. Mom spent close to two months in a nursing home for therapy after her first "leg problem". But was back home once again. She even baked buns (with Bills help I"m sure) the Monday before she passed away. Her hands weren't working the best anymore but she was determined and happy with what she could do.
We thank everyone for all the prayers lifted for our family. There is an empty spot once again in our lives --- but God is good!!! We have the assurance that mom is rejoicing with her Lord in heaven and celebrating with her loved ones that have gone on before her. We know we will see her again........
We have a "vacation time" from Release Time -- the kids have two weeks off for Christmas vacation. We will see them again on January 3. We continue to see the young people at the Detention Center --- Some get to have a "temporary release" to be with their families over Christmas --- but others (on the naughty list according to one of the young men) have to remain at the center. So we hope to go visit with them on Sunday - Christmas Day. It was so good the other night ---- Julie was asking "review questions"....going back several weeks ---- way back to Zechariah being visited by the angel.... Two of the boys sitting in the back were giving the correct answers -- amazing one of the other boys. Sergio looked back at Mike and Justin and said "you guys must be reading your Bible more than I do!!" (and Sergio usually know the answers!!). Warmed our hearts !!!! Those kind of things are what keep us loving our time with these kids.
We are back in South Dakota for Christmas having spent about 2 weeks in Michigan after the funeral. It always seems more "like Christmas" when there is snow on the ground and everything is pure and white..... no such thing for this year. But who complains about a sunny 50 degree day in December ?! It's not fun being "alone" on Holidays.....but we have had two invites for Sunday dinner -- so we are well taken care of. The tree is rather bare underneath - but we have all we need ...........
Thanks again for all of your prayers and words of encouragement.
Gary and Barb
