Surrounding yourself with people that know you and care about you are important.
My extended family is amazing. They are so helpful and always there for my family.
My Dad grew up in a large family. He had a close extended family with many cousins. They are all close and we still go to family gatherings with everyone!
One of his cousins, Sherrie, has grown up with him. I asked her to write her thoughts about my Dad becoming ill. Her family is important to my family. Her kids babysat me and my siblings when we were young.
Sherrie you are a wonderful person. I am so happy to call you family.
Sherrie’s Words
“I wish you lived closer so I could see you and your family more. Your Dad is one great person. I heard this illness is not getting him down, he is living his life the best he can to the end. I’m not sure I would be as strong as he is. I think of him and your family daily. Pray for you and am saddened by what life has done to the family. We had a lot of fun growing up together. Sometimes I felt we were one big family. We would exchange homes sometimes on weekends and during the summer. The boys would stay at one house and the girls would stay at another. Your dad has a heart of gold. He and your mom have been so good to my kids and me. I don’t want to lose him, it hurts to think someday he won’t be here to give a hug to or talk to. I wish I would be there to spend some time with him. I will cry a lot, but have my great memories. Love you Roger.”