Hi Nance,
Yup, it's me, I finally got back to you. You are not forgotten as I think of you every day. (Referring to the timeline of my last entry.) It was about this time a year ago when I was rehabbing from a broken ankle.
Well, I'm glad to say all went well even with a three-month diversion into assisted living. But I'm home now.
I miss being able to look across the dining table and talk as we did for so many years. The silence in the house is deafening. While writing to you, I am listening to the soundtrack from "Dances with Wolves." Many of the passages remind me so much of our relationship.
I'm trying to hang in there. The holidays went quickly as I tried to spread myself between family and friends. Your great-granddaughters, Addy and Ashy, whom you never had the chance to meet are growing like weeds. They just turned five on our wedding anniversary and Cody and Carrie had an outdoor party for them at a local Henderson Park. The girls are in pre-kindergarten school.
All of the grandkids are doing well. Eddie married Coo, a schoolteacher. Coo has two boys from a former marriage, and they play well with our great-grandson Egan. Eddie recently got his journeyman electrician license and is still working a lot of hours. But he manages quality family time.
Josh and Krystal and their family of five live in Kingman, AZ where Josh owns a gym. With his talents, he and Krystal remodeled much of their home. I'm not sure what Steve is up to these days, but Tyler is still strong in the IT section of In and Out Burgers. Alex is following in Tommy's footsteps in the HVAC business working for the same company.
Tina's Tommy remarried after her passing and has a nice wife, Lisa. I usually join them for the annual Super Bowl game and pig-out.
Trish is still in the thick of it at the water district. She and Tom bought a truck bed camper which they used several times before the cold weather settled in. Our grandson JT recently returned home (Reno) from the sandbox (Iraq) where he is a helicopter pilot in the National Guard. Trisha sells real estate and Cammi is doing well. I only get to see them when they come down for a visit.
Lori is doing well in retirement. She and Jon are either traveling, camping, or skiing. She has taken on a big load as the President of her homeowners' association.
Rob has a bit heavier lifting to do. He finally was placed on the kidney transplant list. So now it's just waiting for a donor. The cross he must bear is the daily kidney dialysis.
My life is a little more genteel. I do weekly, bi-weekly, and monthly meetings with my writer's group. There are no MAJOR health issues currently.
I love and miss you. Until we meet again...All my love.

Hi Mom,

Thinking of you not just today but most days. Every moment I spend with the twins makes me wish that they could have met you. They would have adored you - and you them. They are little rays of sunshine. You are forever in my heart.

Love, Lori

Hello Darlin’
I just wanted to talk to you today and let you know what’s been going on since last we spoke. First of all you are long overdue in hearing from me. I have had a couple of trips to the hospital in the past year and that is currently where I am right now.
The first time was in April when I fell and developed a hematoma on my leg and wound up hospitalized for a month. The second in current time was the one Trish took me for an acupuncture appointment, and I lost my balance and broke my right ankle.
I had surgery last week and was moved to the St. Rose Dignity rehab center. Yup you guessed it. I am here rehabbing on the surgery to my foot. It’ll be a non-weight-bearing rehab. For at least the next eight weeks. I’m currently sitting in a wheelchair writing this to you.
I cannot tell you enough how much I love and miss you. It was your planning that is allowing me to get the assisted care I need. The girls have been great, but they are going to need a break and will have one shortly. Rob has done everything he can under the circumstances. He has daily dialysis and is awaiting placement for a new kidney. He appears to be holding up under the circumstances, and has the love and support of Melissa and the rest of us.
I’m wishing you a happy birthday and wish I could celebrate it with you. You are always in my heart and on my mind I think of you daily. You will never be forgotten. With all my love forever until we meet again in that garden of eternity.
Your loving husband, Bob

Miss you….

Mom - A day does not go by that I do not think of you. You are loved, missed and continue to live on in our hearts.

Happy birthday in heaven Mom. I can’t believe it’s been 7 years since you went to heaven. You are still always in my heart and often on my mind. Thank you for all that you gave us throughout your life. Love you forever.

Happy Birthday Mom! I wish we were celebrating it in person with you. We all still miss you terribly, and each holiday, birthday, and special moment brings a sad reminder of a memory we won't have with you. Thinking of you brings more happy thoughts than sad ones, but that doesn't mean I don't shed a tear now and then. As I enjoy every moment I can with my grand-daughters, I feel like I get closer to you and to understanding how important family was to you. I know Addy and Ashy would have loved you so much - and how much fun you would have had with them. I love you and pray that your spirit is happy and at peace.

Happy Birthday Nance ,
You get prettier with each passing year. I can't believe you just turned 80, but I choose to remember you at 18. Do you remember what we were doing on your 18th birthday? Besides that! We were in Florida on our honeymoon.

Since that time we have put so many memories together. I want you to know that I am still making them with the kids, grandkids and great-grandkids. I am so sad that you never got to meet Cody's twin daughters, your (our) great granddaughters. You know all the adjectives so I won't repeat them here but I'm posting a few of their pictures on your website.

Their actual birthday is November 30, our wedding/anniversary date but their 2 year old party was on December 6th so that everyone could attend. Lori got the girls trikes, I gave them each an educational phone that talks to them. Keith was there, I hadn't seen him in years.

Cody and Matt are doing fine and Cody will be marrying soon. His "to be" is Carrie. She has three girls so now Cody will be heavily outgunned in the household department.

Rob, Lori and Trish are doing well. Hopefully the Pandemic will stay away from our door, otherwise I may see you sooner than expected.

I will try and write more often, God knows I have the time. Happy Birthday, girl.
Love, Bob

To my one and only,
Today as it is every year since your passing is a day of life and death.October 16th as we were reminded in 1941 is a day of Infamy. In my case, life and in your case, eternal life. For some reason I have thought to reverse the role’s of this date and consider the impact.

Today I think about this date in 2014 when I lost you, what if it was your date of life, a new life and not a date of death. You were given a new life with God and others such as your family to be with for eternity.

Your soul was a made happier when you were joined by your daughter, Tina. I am sure you were happy that neither of you had to suffer the pain of illness and would be together for eternity.

As I sit here writing this and listening to the music of Tim Janis, it brings the happy memories of our trip to Cathedral of the Pines in New Hampshire. We sat on the benches and took in the peacefulness and solemnity of the site. I miss you so much. You were always my wife, friend and lover. Our fifty-six years together we a blessing. We savored the good things and worked through the bad things.

We raised four children who have grown up not in perfect reflection of us, but in a manner of individuals in which all of them have their own mind. As I look over at the TV screen, the music video has a scene of fall foliage that reminds me of our trips to Lake Winnepasaukee and the White Mountains of New Hampshire. Those were happy days for us.

Recently the girls and I have updated the back patio with a new patio cover, a conversation pit and a new dining area. The cool weather is about to arrive and it is a place of solitude for me with my morning coffee.

Last week Tommy remarried, and Lori, Rob, Melissa and I attended the wedding and reception. It was a small group of family and friends. All the boys were there except Eddie. Tommy and Lisa are in Jamaica for their honeymoon.

The girls have been helping me tremendously especially through this pandemic. Rob does as well, but not as often as he stays job oriented and is working from home. Trish came over earlier and we had coffee on the patio and now she has gone to do some food shopping for me. Lori is taking a breather in California with Jon.

My next little project is to get a Hummingbird into the backyard. Speaking of the backyard, Trish and Tom have done a Herculean task of maintaining the trees, bushes and leaks.

Your great-granddaughter twins are doing great and growing like weeds. Because of Covid I don’t get to see them but Lori sends me a lot of pictures.

I am getting along fairly well physically and mentally. My back is still very much an issue but manageable so far.I would love to get out and travel but Covid has really killed that.

I think I have pretty much covered all the bases to this point.The political season is driving me nuts but it will be over soon.

I love and miss you with all my heart.

Thinking of you and missing you so much. You never got to meet my two beautiful grand-daughters, and what I wouldn't give for them to have known you. They would have adored you as much as we all did. You would be so proud of Cody and Matt. Cody is such an amazing, caring father … and Matt has matured into a thoughtful, caring man. I think of you every time I'm out in my garden - puttering around like you liked to do. The hummingbirds visit often - and I like to believe it's you staying close by. Mom - you will never be forgotten and will always be close in my heart. Love you.

It has been over five years since you have left your physical presence. You will always be here, though. I realized that Mother's Day came and went and I didn't leave a note of what I was thinking. It makes me happy when JT talks of remembering things that the two of you did when we visited when he was young. I am happy that he got to know you, as that would have been a tremendous loss for him, if he didn't have that opportunity. Now, he and his family have gone to Alabama so that he can learn to fly helicopters. They will be gone for two years, but like you, I hold them close in my heart. Cami is becoming such a special little girl. I wish you would have had more time to get to know her. Love you and miss you and happy belated Mother's Day.

Merry Christmas Mom. What I wouldn't give to have you sitting here next to me, glad that the holiday madness is over for another year. I think of you often, and always with you and Tina together. The pictures in my head of you in the hospital are finally gone and have been replaced with memories of you from years ago with long dark brown hair and a smile on your face. I often dream of you and Tina together, and although the loss of you both makes me feel sad and empty, the dreams of you two together take some of that sadness away. We all think of you often and you will never be forgotten. I love you.

I find myself thinking about you a lot lately, even more than usual. As Cami continues to grow, I wish you had an opportunity to participate in her life. She is a very loving, sweet, cheerful, determined little girl that reminds me a lot of her great grandmother. Love you, miss you and hope I see you again one day...if I mind my p's and q's :)

My Love,
I had not intended to stay away so long, but I am secure in the thought that the strength of our love will overcome anything. I am sure you are beside our beautiful daughter Tina reading this as I type. I want to recap the last couple of weeks for you.
You remember the trip we took to New Orleans in the summer of 2005. Well, I did it again, but it was less than stellar. I was a little under the weather with a cough and sore throat, but with my doctor's approval, I was determined to make the best of it. It was definitely not a trip I enjoyed. Too much heat, humidity, and personal discomfort.
I had comfort in arms by all of the people from the lodge who attended the conference as well.
I stayed in the same hotel we did, the Sheraton, but on the 49th floor. There was nothing above me but the roof. You know me and hotel rooms, nothing above the 9th floor for me.
On my return flight home, I needed some oxygen and had the assist of off-duty nurses on the flight. Trish and I went straight to the hospital where I spent the next three days.
I've been home now for almost two weeks and I'm starting to come out of the groggy funk.
I love and miss you more than I can stand sometimes. You raised the kids to be self-sufficient and to look out for each other. They have not lost their upbringing.
Until the next time, all my love and devotion, Bob

Hi Hon,
I felt like writing a few words today. I just returned from Tina's memorial brunch at BJ's in Henderson. You are both so on my mind lately. Tommy set the event up and it went very well. Tina would be proud. But you can ask her yourself, can't you? I attended my first black-tie affair with the FOP guys last night at the Red Rock Hotel. You remember where we celebrated our fiftieth anniversary. I got a door prize of a 3 day, 2 night stay at the South Point hotel, dinner in the steak house and a show. It expires in 2021.
The weather just went to triple digits this past week. I'm really not looking forward to the heat of summer.
I just got word Rich Macklin is in the hospital awaiting heart surgery. "That ol gang of mine."
I'm falling asleep here at the keyboard so I'll close fore now.
I love and miss you forever.

Happy Mother's Day Nance.
It has been a couple of months since I took to the keyboard to talk to you. I hope you are not disappointed as you are on my mind and in my heart every day. I want to tell you we got together as a family last night at the house with the families of Rob, Lori, and Tina. Due to a reschedule, Trish and Tom had other plans.
We made a themed dinner (Mexican style) and I provided the Carnitas (Pulled Pork) and coleslaw for the event. It turned out great. Everyone brought a dish and drinks and a good time was had by all.
Tell Tina Tommy and his family and I spend time together on weekends when we go out to eat. We both have become a sounding board for each other. Tommy is buying a house in Henderson and has Lori giving him input on it. They (the builder) should be pouring the foundation this week.
I think I told you my back was inoperable but was placed on a rehab regimen followed by pain management. Well. I just completed my third round of injections and right now I am pain-free. I don't know how long this will last as the previous injection lasted two days. I still need to get my edema under control.
I am going to see if Lori can post some pictures of Cody's twin baby girls. They are identical twins. Cute as hell.
I am getting great support from the kids. Trish is over every Sunday with the paper, does the bills and the books and she and Tom have taken over the yard-work. Your planter cart has been turned into a planter with flowers and they set up a herb garden which is already showing signs of life. Tom is looking after the general maintenance on the yard. Lori comes by usually weekly when she is in town (ski season is over) and helps with anything that needs doing.
Rob has his hands full but makes the effort to attend family events. He got a promotion at work and is now supervising 3-4 workers.
I love you and miss you more with each passing day. I will never lose the love I have for you and what we went through together. Do what you do and we will be together again for eternity. All my Love, Bob

Feeling sad today. Missing you and Tina so much. It’s a beautiful spring morning and it would be a wonderful day to sit and have coffee together. Thinking of you often and missing you every day.

Nancy 77
Happy belated birthday sweetheart.                         
Yesterday you would have been 77 years young. Today I come to you with a heavy heart. Our child Tina, is (I hope) resting comfortably in the care of good doctors and nurses at St Rose hospital. She had a flare up of her cancer issue that caused her some discomfort and she rightly sought treatment.
I was with Tommy, Lori and Alex at the hospital with Tina yesterday. Tina is in relatively good spirits and wants to rectify her issue and get back home for the holidays. I can’t quite put my finger on it, but I saw something in her eyes when I bent over to kiss her good-bye. The first thing I thought was fear, but then I know how much of a fighter she is. Reflecting on the moment, I am sure it was apprehension, not knowing what was coming next.
Tommy and her boys appear to be handling the situation well. Eddie has been a brick in all of this, mainly handling the communication between family members.
I am doing pretty well. I finally have some resolution to my back. An MRI was performed, I am inoperable but I’m in physical therapy, on meds and will begin injections later this month.
Lori came over this weekend and we got the Christmas tree and decorations up. Trish was over as well, as she is every week. She takes after you, keeping me out of trouble financially and making sure all the bills are paid.
I made the annual pilgrimage to Keith and Lynn’s again this year. I had a couple of glasses of Sattui red. A 2013 vintage we gave them. It was awesome. And as usual, they could have invited the National Guard as they prepared enough food to handle that.
Lori invited me for Christmas dinner. I’m trying to spread the wealth as I spent Thanksgiving with Rob and Melissa.
Love and Miss You with all my heart. Till next time,
Love, Bob

Nancy, it has been sixty years to the day since we we were married. You have given me the best days of my life. You have borne four of the best children a parent could ask for.
I ask you now to intercede with our loving Jesus Christ to bestow the love of health on our daughter Tina. She is the loving image of you in your love of family.   
We continue as a family which is about to increase by two in the coming moments. Our oldest daughter is about to become a grandmother for the first time and I know will welcome your guidance.
Hear is my prayer for you:
O heavenly Father, I am now in the shadow of great loneliness. My helpmate has been taken from me. Yet I submit in holy faith to Your divine will. I know that You love my spouse who, I pray, is now in heaven rejoicing with You. Grant me the strength I need to bear my present burdens, and help me to look for opportunities to seek out those less fortunate then myself. Keep me from feeling sorry for myself in my present condition, and keep my heart enflamed with love for You and for my neighbor, so that I can help to carry on Your work of love in this world. May I one day be reunited with my beloved spouse in heaven, where we both can worship You for all eternity.
Amen.

I was very sorry to learn of Nancy's passing. We were classmates together at Agawam High School and graduated together in 1958. In my memory Nancy will always be the beautiful, friendly girl with a great personality as she is pictured in our class yearbook.

You have been gone 4 years now, sometimes it feels like yesterday because it is so painful to remember you are gone. I wish you were here to talk to because there are so many things I would like to talk to you about. I could use one of your warm “mom hugs” to make me feel better.
We took Dad out for dinner for his birthday, he wanted seafood, so we went to Briggs oyster co. and he really liked it. I want him to remember that today is his birthday, not the day you left us. I would rather he remember the special days, like the day he married you. Tom and I will celebrate our 30th anniversary on Monday, it’s crazy to think that you and Dad were married 30yrs longer than us. We all love you and miss you.

Hi Sweetheart,
That's a term of endearment that has withstood the test of time. It sounds like a “Bogie” clip or something from a B-rated black and white movie from the 40’sor 50’s. Its not a term we used with each other…not that we weren’t sweethearts, but we had our own language. 
I thought I’d get the jump on everyone and avoid the rush. In 11 days it’s our day, October the 16th. I really don’t think of it as my birthday anymore, I try and remember you in the clearest possible way. We have a quiet room here at home for just us…family. It’s a place of solitude and reflection.
I have a problem with shadows now more than ever. I feel the extra beat or surge of adrenaline hoping when I look over you will be standing there. God I miss you so much. You always were the solid brick in our life and found time to comfort my every need. I hope you hear me when I put myself in harms way and it turns out okay. You and God get my thank you. I know that you have my six with every move.
Rest well my darling wife Nancy. Your days and nights of pain and suffering are long gone and you are in the hands of a gentle Jesus. My time in joining you will be dictated by His hands.
Bob

Mother’s Day tomorrow, I really miss spending this day with you. We were all so lucky to have such a wonderful Mom to lead us down life’s path. I think I’m a good mom to my boys because of the things that you taught me. I miss you and love you so much.

It's our third Christmas without you in person - but I know you are with us in spirit. Because of you, we are one big happy, noisy family who loves our time together. I miss you so much and there are so many times when I just need to hear your voice. Love you and miss you. Merry Christmas to you Mom.

Wish you were here to enjoy Christmas with your great granddaughter. You would love her happy lovable manner. Merry Christmas!

I guess the post I did last night posted as the 11th, your birthday is on the 10th. I think you must have read my previous post, because as I was getting into my (your) car this morning and I heard some high pitched chirping and saw a hummingbird in the tree in my yard. I feel like these are little visits from you, these little birds show up whenever I feel like I miss my mom. I know you loved hummingbirds so much!

It’s your birthday today, I wish we could be together to celebrate, but I know that is not possible. We celebrated Eagan’s 9th birthday today, his birthday was on the 7th. All the grandkids and great grandkids are growing up so fast! Tyler turned 26 yesterday, and my youngest Alex is 24! I miss you so much, I wish you were here to talk to.

Wish you were here (in person). If so, I would wish you a Happy Birthday and give you a big hug! Miss you always and love you forever.

Good morning my love.
I know you are in the safe hands of God on this, the fifty-ninth anniversary of our wedding. I am reflecting on that day when in the presence of God and family we took our vows. I see you as beautiful today as I did then, not only in body but in the experience of life we had on this earth for fifty-six years.
The children we raised in many ways encapsulates the years under your soft hands and warm heart. You would be as proud of them today as you were on the day of their birth. Rob, just as strong willed as he always was; Lori, what can I say about her…she is even more altruistic than I am, ready to help wherever needed. Tina, just the mother to her family as you always were…undemanding sweet tender love. And Trish, she still has the soul of a gypsy, but asks for no quarter and gives none.
I wanted to wait until today to tell you about the upgrade at the house, the only house we ever bought. You always talked about re-doing the kitchen. Well, its done. Starting with the popcorn ceilings through new countertops and backsplash, to include a new undermount sink. We, (I had good input from the kids) decided to keep most of the old appliances (they still work fine). I added the one thing we discussed over the years…a wine fridge. Not a big one, but big enough to hold a few bottles of “Two Buck Chuck.” I also had the roof replaced in the process. So, I found a pretty good place to spend the kids inheritance.
The one thing I saved for last is the “quiet room.” We turned my old office into a room where I can come and reflect on the good and not so good days of our lives. We moved in the love seat sofa and my rocking chair (not ready for a permanent setting-in yet) along with the bookcase we bought in New Hampshire. As I sit on the sofa, I can look over and see your shelf and look forward to some good memories.
I know I don’t post my daily musings here, but I am not ready to share you with the world. I am greedy like that. I look to the day that these tired old bones will be renewed in the renaissance of our life for eternity.
Happy Anniversary and all my love,
Bob

Three years, I try not to count how many years you have been gone but I can't help it because I miss you so much. We threw Dad a surprise 80th birthday party and it turned out pretty nice. Lori had photos of you and Dad playing on the big screen at the party and everyone was happy to see you even if it was only a photo. I felt as if you were there enjoying the festivities with us. Miss you and love you so much,

Mom - you are always on my mind and in my heart. Some days I miss you so much it makes me cry. Going through photos has helped remind me of all the wonderful memories you gave us. I hope you know how much you are loved.

I think of you often and miss you daily. Although I know you are in a better place, I keep wishing you were back here with us.

Thought you might like to know that your butterfly is up. They placed it outside of the butterfly habitat at the Springs Preserve. I know that you were a private person, but the butterfly is beautiful, and anyone who may have known you will have an opportunity to stop by and say hi. Also, you are helping to take care of the butterfly exhibit! They have several varieties of butterflies who live in the exhibit most the year. 

I think of you often and still remember quirky little things that you taught us.

Love and miss you.

Happy Birthday Mom! Love and miss you so much. You left us with so many happy memories to remember you by. I know in my heart that you are still with us, sharing in our happy moments.

Hello Darlin,
I sit here at the keyboard with a heavy heart knowing it would be our 58th wedding anniversary today. I am glad you are in a better safer place. I just miss you so much. I feel a little better knowing I have you here with me. I have come to stand in awe of all you did as I have assumed the everday chores I took for granted in our time together. I emailed the kids earlier today. You are a great-grandma, again. Josh and Crystal had a baby daughter, 9 lbs 2 oz. Both mother and daughter are doing fine.She looks like Josh, poor kid.
I'm going to try and duplicate your meatballs for the FOP Christmas party. Well, just wanted to say hi on our day. Be back before you know it.

Hi Mom,
  Wow, it's been two years since you have been gone. Sometimes it seems like yesterday because the pain of losing you is so fresh. You won't believe how much has changed in the family. Everyone is eating healthier and going to the gym, even Dad is walking the mall three days a week....you would be so proud of him! Josh and Krystal had a baby boy in October last year, and they are expecting a baby girl next month! I sure wish you could be here to see your beautiful grandkids, Eagan is doing so well, he is so smart and has a sweet personality. Jason is almost a teenager, Ryan is as active as ever and Hailey is in cheerleading and is quite a little lady.
    I think about you every day and I know you are watching over us, which gives me peace. I love you and I wish I could hug you, I felt your love yesterday when we got together to celebrate your life and Dad's birthday. I miss you so much!

Hi Hon,
Its been awhile since I put my almost daily thoughts of you to pen and paper (so to speak). Tomorrow is the second year anniversary of your passing and God I miss you so much. You are not in a cold, dark place all alone, but here with me and the kids who visit frequently.

I sit quietly at times and talk to you, sometimes about nothing, but just to ramble on. I look at you in your graduation picture and if the light is right you appear to move your head and mouth as if responding and talking.

Today we held our secod memorial, just me and the kids. We had a healthy breakfast then I opened my birthday cards and gifts. Nice.
The kids brought flowers to decorate the house. Lori and I potted some new plants last weekend after the mail order ones died.

We updated your memorial so you will always be with us until the entire internet goes dark. By then you and I will be together for eternity.

The kids are fine. Rob starts a new job next week, Lori has a few more gray hairs, Tina is still the homespun girl she always was and Trish is a big help here.

Got your favorite music genre on. Yup, we have our own tastes in the arts, but thats what makes life interesting.

Oh, forgot to mention I'll be doing Turkey Day with Dick and Carolee.

I'm going now. I love and miss you and your Mona Lisa smile.

Mom - When you went to live with God, a part of me went with you. As time has passed, I realize that you left me a part of you to help fill that void. I will embrace that and hold it dear always. I will never stop missing you and I thank you for insuring that you will always be a part of me and allowing me to pass that part of you on to JT and Cami. Love you always - Trish

To my big sister. Many fond memories from childhood to adults. Adventures, hugs, family gatherings, seeing your beautiful children and grandchildren grow up, your giving and loving ways, touching people with smiles and kind words. I miss you Nan and my love for you continues. Bruce

Happy Birthday Mom! I see you and feel your love in almost everything I do. I will say something and tell myself " I sound like my mother". I will do a task and think, Mom would do it this way. I saw a hummingbird at my feeder, I had never seen one at the feeder in the 2 years it had been there. I knew it was you saying hello. I miss you so much, the angels are so lucky to have you. I love you.

Happy Birthday Sweetheart. You know I have never been big on words of the heart, but I have always tried to put my unspoken words into deeds of love. I saw the Doc the other day and he says my vitals are fine, so it will be a while longer until you hear my voice. Lord, please take care of this beautiful woman Nancy who you called home too early. We suffer from her loss but know that we will be reunited one day in the future.

Happy Birthday Grandma! This year must be a special birthday being able to spend it with your mom and dad. We love you very much! We miss you down here. Have a very special birthday! Love Josh, Krystal, and your crazy great grand kids!

Happy birthday, Mom. I believe you are in heaven watching over us. I hope you are smiling and at peace. I'm jealous that the angels get to share your birthday with you. Today is bittersweet. I love you always and forever.

Grandma,

The other day I heard a quote, it said; "If life was perfect we would already be in heaven". This made me think of you and realize that a lot of reasons for missing someone can be selfish, so with that being said, See you around Grandma. I know you'll be watching and I'll be listening. I also want to say thank you for meeting your great granddaughter before you left on your new adventure. Additionally thank you for being there for me in dark and light times and helping along side with my parents the man I became today. Every time I got promoted after telling my parents I wanted to tell you and Grandpa, hoping I am living up to everyone's standards and expectations, FYI I should be getting my E-6 any day now........ Love ya Grandma

I was fortunate to know Nancy through her husband, Bob, a good friend and fellow author from the Wednesday Warrior Writers. Last year, the three of us were able to spend a road trip together to Simi Valley, CA, where we spent times at the Ronald Reagan Library, the LAPD Museum, and other sight-seeing locales in Southern California. I never saw Nancy without a smile on her face. A dear woman whom I will always remember. My heart aches for Bob and his family.

I always thought of our family as a clan and grandma's kind of an elder, but not an elder for her age but for wisdom, values and ability to pass those values and morals to her children and grandchildren and even when she started to get sick she still never lost your sense of humor. I'll always miss Christmas at grandma and grandpa's, Grandmas warm hug and a peck on the cheek. As I got older I grew bored sitting in the living room while the "old people" talked, but I never, NEVER grew tired of seeing my grandma. So whenever I look up at the sky I'll think of grandma and imagine her warm hug and kiss on the cheek. I'll miss you grandma.

I remember grandma well she was a beautiful mother just like my beautiful mother my grandma gave me greatest mom I could ask for my grandma was a great person always doing stuff for others never asking anything in returned I remember going to her house she was always offering me a cheese stick because she knew how much I ate she was always fun during hoildays making best food and showing everyone her love I remember when my parents and brother Tyler went to Death Valley with my grandparents they showed us the old historic buildings and just being there for us I had great times with you thank you so much I will always love you and have a special space for you in my heart and you will forever be missed

Grandma, I’m so glad you were such an important part of my life. I remember being younger during Christmas and you would let me help prepare our family dinner… you always had a way of making me feel special and grown-up. Like the times we would play board games together... I’m pretty sure you would let me win now that I think about it. You always showed an interest in my military life since you could relate and gave me the advice to just to do what made me happy. You were funny, direct, and very kind. I only hope to have those same traits. It was wonderful to have you at our wedding, and I really enjoyed dancing together and how you whispered how proud you were of me. Even though I could not always be there because of my service, you were always in my thoughts. I will miss you and will never forget how many great memories I have of you. I love you Grandma. - Stephen

The first time I met Nancy and Robert was at my first Weninger family Christmas party hosted at their home. I will never forget how Grandma Nancy welcomed me with an encouraging wave and offered me some wine… my kind of lady! A wedding portrait of her and Grandpa Bob captured my attention during my visit and I marveled at the black and white photo, thinking they made such a beautiful young couple. She noticed my gaze and proudly shared “I was 18 years old when we married” with a smile that said she was not afraid to follow her passions. That same determination that carried her through 56 wonderful years of marriage lasted until her final moments surrounded by her loved ones as she fought to give them all the time she could. Nancy and Bob inspire me by setting such a remarkable example of love and commitment, and I dream of spending that many happy years with their grandson, Stephen. I am so thankful she was a part of our wedding and that she officially became my grandmother-in-law. I only knew Grandma Nancy for a short while, but I knew she was a kind and courageous military wife and mother. I will cherish my memories of her forever and I will miss her smile and sense of humor always. Love, Courtney.

Mom, I love you always and will talk with you often. You may be gone from us in body, but never in spirit. You will always be a part of me and will live on forever in all those you have touched along the way. Talk with you soon! Love, Trish