“My family stands as pillars of strength by the grace of God, weathering what life brings.”
My Family
Dale, my husband of 47 years, together since we were 18, taught HS science and coached football, volleyball and nearly every sport for 38 years. We raised our family in Englewood, FL, where we finally retired. A brilliant man who loved young people and lived to teach everyone anything he could anytime. His greatest post-stroke frustration was no longer easily being able to impart his life experience to help others. His greatest post-stroke sadness was no longer being able to teach and coach his grandchildren. But he never quit trying…
Christy, beloved firstborn, follower of Christ, proud aunt to her 3 nephews, lives 1 1/2 hours south of me, teaches high school science and coaches several sports just like her dad, generous in giving, loyal in friendships, fierce in what she believes, steadfast and tenderhearted, always ready to help others, and…travels whenever she can. I value her insights, wisdom and friendship.
David, faithful son, God-follower, lives 10 minutes away from me, works in finance for a family-owned marine company and captains a fishing charter, devoted husband, father, and brother. He understood his father better than anyone and had Dale’s implicit trust. I value his male perspective, financial insights, emotional stability, and steadfast loyalty…and prowess on the water.
Stephanie, David’s wife of 19 years, thankfully another daughter to me, lover of God, master homemaker and family glue, talented, creative and a gift to our family. I value her courage and tenacity and the way she makes my son happy.
Joshua, Matthew, and Caleb, precious sons of David and Stephanie and a constant source of joy to their grandparents (on both sides). Their dedication, honest feedback, and availability to us provided a constant source of life and laughter throughout our homebound days. Now it is my joy and pleasure to live close enough to be involved as they grow into fine, engaging young men.
Lin, our daughter from another mother who joined our family as a high school senior, now a homeschooling mom and life organizer, God pursuer, overcomer, essential oils enthusiast, continually researching, exploring, and studying the incredible impact creativity can have in the healing process of mind, body, and spirit.
Mike, Lin’s husband of 25 years, man of God, a software programmer who swept Lin away from Florida in pursuit of cooler climate, brilliant mind, sound thinker, coffee aficionado. Their three children: Rebekah , Hadassah, and Isaac – precious to Dale and me yet because of distance, personal visits over the years were few. After Dale’s stroke when we could no longer travel that distance, this wonderful family created unique ways to support us, not the least of which were humor, research and prayer. FaceTime was a great help in keeping us in touch and giving them a sense of Dale’s abilities as well as impairments.
Last but not at all in the least, the rest of my immediate family – siblings and spouses Carol & Dale, Nancy and Ken, Rick & Melodie, Patti & Bill, Kim & Kevin, and cousins Keith & Jan as well as Sam, Cyndi & Hope Steen. We and our kids couldn’t have made it through those years without them. They came in the wee hours of the night, answered phone calls any time, prayed incessantly, saw and heard things that I never wanted them to bear, laughed and cried, made meals, gave massages, did needed research, traveled long distances, let me live with them AND did my laundry, hosted family gatherings with every care and attention given to Dale’s needs, helped us move into a new home, and kept my kids from having to bear the weight of this alone.
And there are many more “angels” – more than I can list here – who stayed up nights with us, met us at the hospital in dire circumstances, gave me a bed to sleep on, brought coffee, raised money for expenses, gave respite to me, played ping pong, taught guitar, walked miles with Dale, struggled along with us in communication, did my grocery shopping, and saw that our every need was met.
From the bottom of my heart I am forever grateful.
For Those Who Care 