All the decorations and garland is sorted and packed away (P.S. Girls come and collect what you want!) and now a new year is upon us. I woke this morning with a sad heart, but one also of rejoicing as a very dear friend of mine is being remembered by those who loved her most. Grace was a dear friend, but most importantly a mentor who exhibited her love for God with no shame to all she touched. A giver of love to everyone who needed it, no matter the circumstances. She in many ways was a saint, putting aside her own desires to help others. She would be the first to say that she was not worthy of praise such as she is receiving today, but her greatest desire would be to praise and give glory to her God, one she so tirelessly was devoted to daily. I know in my heart that Grace is enjoying to the fullest and with lots and lots of laughter her time in heaven. To think, as a nation remembered a president, I believe he and her are both sitting with the saviour now and experiencing God's love with same "pomp and circumstance" that God only deserves. A president and a loving "mountain lady" sharing together in this, whoa! what a thought!!!

Know this Grace if you can "hear" me, I wish I could be there to share in the memories of you, but in my heart and here in the midwest, you are remembered with much love and I can't wait for the day when we can "catch up" and we won't be rushed or think about the time and it will be forever!!!