Has anyone ever witnessed true courage? I have. It is both humbling and inspiring I have many role models in my life who have shown extreme courage. The first person whom I witnessed all my life was my Father. He truly had great faith and courage. I can still see his wonderful face. Encouraging, proud, pensive, always ready with a wink that says all will be well. Then there is my sister and brother in law, Art. They truly have come through many trials in their lifetime together of 50 years. Both have faced cancer. Art, who is truly remarkable, has dealt with back issues most of his life, heart surgery, heart attacks, cancer, septis, broken hip with complications. Although we say that we are not going to take care of him anymore, it is all is fun. We are family and we will always stick together. This past Christmas so many wonderful friends came forward to help while he was in the hospital, Charlene, George, Michelle, God Bless them. My brother and sister and Barb and Jerry managed to work out a system of making sure all was taken care of. Makes you realize how important family is. Art has been in extreme pain so many times, but on he goes, gardening, baking, sewing, working around the house. Keeping things as normal as possible. Found out this Christmas, that he truly is the head of this family, keeps us on our toes but still manages to make things bright, with his silly little jokes, his wonderful baking and just plain watching and loving his family. I admire him so much. I always have, since I have been 9 years old! My daughter Erin, she has so many disappointments and yet she still tries to keep going, even with that strong will. She is my little entrepreneur for more challenges, and taking the world by storm. She is a deep thinker like her Mom and tries to problem solve everything, but that takes courage too. My cousin Nancy and her family have faced more than anyone I have seen. And with such grace. Out of her family of four, three have been very ill, and last night her husband Paul died. Nancy still has to take care of her own health issue and Leslie who is handicapped but she will. Joni, her younger daughter is a inspiration in itself. Not only has she cared for An uncle and two grandparents, but she is facing a load many would not take. Caring for her young son, Leslie her mom. And keeping me straight. David and Tina, are wonderful examples of brother and sister in law. Courage is also growing up and taking charge. My son has done that. He is married in November to a wonderful girl, whom I love very much. I know he will be a good husband. He is so caring and protective. Growing up with just sister and I he has stepped up to the plate and I know my son is now a man. He will stand by his wife, sister and myself. My husband Jerry, who has been with me through all these years, By my side . Throughout my awful depressions, sickness of my family and never wavered. I only hope I can show as much courage as these people in my life with whatever comes my way. So many have stood by me in dark times but Jerry and my sister have gone way beyond in their faith in me. Jerry is a good man. A man who does not leave in time of trouble but keeps encouraging and being there. I am blessed