God started healing hearts, patching wounds, and closing gaps in the family since our first heartache started in January. Through each heartache we have endured since then, the miracle of family has become more evident. I not only have my family here, but now I have extended family with the other side ...the Sipes. I am blessed to have come to know them better, and I am loving the family circle that we are making.
I have lost loved ones, became estranged with some I miss dearly, but overall, I have been blessed with even more now than I ever thought possible. On top of all of this, I have a husband who I would not trade for the world. He worked so hard and put so much of himself in this benefit, and I have been truly touched by his acts of kindness. His support, even when I have not deserved it, has been unyielding and his love has been unconditional.
If I were to say anything to anyone, it would be to learn to love those around you unconditionally, accept them for what they are, and let the heavy heartedness that you may feel towards anyone go. Life is simply too short. Those have been words I have read over the years and thought I understood them, but since losing my nephew and his family, on top of the loss of my dad,and now dealing with the health issues my precious niece is enduring, I have learned to not only embrace the words "Life is simply too short" but to hold onto them daily.
Thank you, Family, for just being,and I love you all so much. My husband, daughter, son, grandchildren, and each member of my family ... both biological and extended ... are precious! May God bless you all. Love you all very much! A special thank you for my dear and faithful friends ... Milford Station and their wives ... you guys are great, and I could not imagine life without you. Thank you, Margaret ... you were great and looked so beautiful in your 'green' sundress, and thank you to Jollett Lane and Shenandoah Drive. All of you were wonderful. The family did such an awesome job pulling this benefit together, and each was an intregral part of making it come together.