Need I say more. That is where mom and dad always called home. No matter where they were.

Christmas 2007. This was the last Christmas she came to visit with all of us. It was a great christmas. We had lots of fun and most of all she was able to spend alot of time with her ALL her kids. Grandkids and great grandbabies. She talked about that for a couple of years. Now there is another baby added to her family. Alyssa Ellie-Claire Gerdes. I wish she was here to hold her now. But I know she is watching over her and ALL her babies. We love you grandma. Miss you mom. Love you so much. We took lots of pictures that year and was so funny. Her and dad look so happy here.

What can I say. This has to be one of my special pictures on my special day. I am so glad she was there to enjoy it with us all.

Allison and Larry's 25th Wedding Anniversary. We renewed our vows and I got this most wonderful dress. It wasn't just a day of happiness for us, but we also baptized our first grandson Benjamin after our ceremony. This was aside of our first wedding, was, and is one of my most memorable moments I had the priveledge to share with my family. I had all three of my daughters stand up with me and asked my dad to walk me down the isle. It was wonderful. I also had my granddaughter there all dressed up and had a great party afterwards. Mom said this was one of her most special days that she could remember. To have the whole family there, was great.

There's a poem out there written by Clara Cavin Kleinpeter that is:

                                               Momma's Touch

                                 Mom,

I dreamed of you last night.
You stretched out your arms and hugged me tight.
And just for a moment there is seemed
That your touch was real, not just a dream.
I had talked to God just hours before

And told Him "Lord, there is nothing more
That could satisfy or comfort me
Than for my mother's face to see."

God heard my prayer and through His grace Mom,
I looked upon your face
I felt your hug, your love, your touch-
The very things I needed so much.

There is a void in my life still-
A place that no one else can fill.
But precious memories I have of you-

So Mom, until that glorious day
We walk hand in hand in Heaven I'll pray
That once again through God's loving grace
I'll feel your touch and see your face.


Amen.                                                  

Many people knew about my moms illness. There are some that don't know of the wonderful person who actually saved her life and gave her 10years more with us. He's my brother in law, Ed Taylor. You see funny thing is that one day Ed came to me and said I've been thinking about this for awhile and this is what I want to do. I want to donate my kidney to your mom. WHAT??? Are you kidding me? No, he said. Then he shared with us this story. He said I am over 50 years old and I have a wonderful wife and great family but there's something missing. What's missing we asked. I don't know what my meaning of being here is. Huh? I mean, what am I here for? I've been asking this to myself for years and when this opportunity came up to do this for your mom, I knew this is what I'm here for. This is why I was put on this earth. I'm suppose to do or contribute something special. This is it. While we all asked if he was sure and even tried to talk him out of it. He was stubborn and said I want to do this. Will you tell her for me please. We did and a special bond, as my mom put it, began. Ed was always apart of our family but at that moment he began to be someone special to the family. Mom said, and I quote, "he's  my angel". And that he was. He did donate to her and gave us 10 more years we wouldn't have had with her. And for this, WE are forever grateful. Dad always asks how Ed is these days even tho he himself is not to well, he still asks about him all the time and tells me to make sure I tell him hello from him. This is one of the most wonderful heartfelt things any person can do for another person. And for it to be my brother in law, is even more special to our whole family. For this, I thank you Mr. Ed. You surely have earned your wings early. We love you.