Ode to 'Grandma' Vera

Since coming to Indiana nearly 4 months ago we have had at least 48 (by my rough count) volunteers who have come to help my mom (Nana), dad (Poppy) and me care for Annie, Eli & Mikie. Our volunteers have been invaluable members of our team and we truly couldn't have done it without them. We appreciate their contributions immensely and equally - whether they came once, monthly, weekly or more.

Having said all of that, if we were giving a 'Volunteer of the Year' award based on total number of volunteer hours the award would hands-down go to 'Grandma' Vera. Over this 4 month period she has put in (again, by my rough count) approximately 260 hours of service! That is the equivalent of 6 and 1/2 forty hour work weeks! WOW!!! What makes all of this even more amazing is that prior to this experience we really didn't know Vera. We have attended the same church for the past 23 years, so we knew who she was but our relationship was limited to a casual hello if and when our paths crossed. We never imagined that she would someday play such a wonderful and important roll in our lives. Thank you 'Grandma' Vera! We love you and will miss the spark you added to our (early) morning routine!