Dearest Friends,

What can I say? Two days after mom passed away, we found a notation on the calendar on dad's refrigerator where he keeps record of his most important appointments and events. It simply read, "Dotty went to heaven." This says it all. This is the faith we grew up with. This is the faith that got us through the last 4 1/2 years and this past week.

Our family is eternally grateful to each and every one of you for your dedication to us over the last 4 1/2 years. For every prayer, kind word, helpful deed...we thank you all from the bottom of our hearts. We never could have made it through these last years of mom's journey without each and every one of you.

Though there are still some who question, "Why do things like this happen?" or "I'll never understand God's ways," their focus is in the wrong place and on the wrong things. Life happens. No one is immune from it. Yet in all the suffering people endure here on earth, if we just focus on Him, we are able to see the 'wonder' and witness the scripture, "All things come together for good to those who love the Lord" (Romans 8:28). What good can come of suffering? Lots. Mom's circumstances over the last few years touched many, many lives in many marvelous and wonderous ways. "Don't Quit 5 Minutes Before the Miracle Happens." Hers was a testimony of hope and strength and love of family and friends. And here's yet another miracle or two.

Over these last few weeks, Claudia and I called mom's final journey home to God, "Operation Eagles' Wings." Yesterday, when I got home from Mom's funeral mass and burial, I began to clean out my car of all the things accumulated there over the last few days. As I opened the back door of my car, a 1" x 2.5" strip of paper fell out. It read: "SIGNED OFF 11-14-14 OPERATION COMPLETE." Confirmation from the Lord.

Today, as I began to straighten my sewing room, I found a small pile of things I had brought home from mom and dad's house a few years ago. In going through the pile, I found some things of mom's; among them was a saying she loved. Here is what it said:

"Ascension

And if I go,
while you're still here...
Know that I live on,
vibrating to a different measure
-behind a thin veil you cannot see through.
You will not see me,
so you must have faith.
I wait for the time when we can soar together again,
-both aware of each other.
Until then, live your life to its fullest.
And when you need me,
Just whisper my name in your heart,
...I will be there."

All our love always. We are eternally thankful to you all.

Peace and Be Well,

Kathy