I just really felt the need to write this. I met a wonderful lady when I was ten years old.  This lady's children and I all grew up together and she treated me as she treated her own. We were all members of the same church and she was as she is now, very active in all aspects of the church. She and my mother were active in our shool as well,  serving in the PTA and band boosters club. She has touched the lives of so many and has set such a Godly example for others. Her husband and twin daughters passed away many years ago, but she has two wonderful sons and two wonderful daughters who cater to her every need.  As she grew older,  the children became concerned about her living without any relatives here in this state. As a result, her daughter in Colorado eventually was able to  persuade her to move there to be with her. Since she preferred independent living, she agreed to relocate there on those terms. She is always on the go since the kids all live in differents states. Oh, they spoil her rotten. She moved into a very nice senior citizen apartment in walking distance from here daughter and son-in-law. We talk on regular basis. This lady is truly truly blessed. Blessed with wonderful children and friends. Blessed with a long happy life. She regularly attends functions sponsered by senior groups there in her city. She has made several trips back to Louisiana to visit her former church and friends. Though many friends her age have passed on many years ago, many younger people still remember her. The church gave here a celebration you would not believe. She still takes care of herself and still cooks. She takes only one prescription medication and her mobility is great for a person her age. She told me that she uses a walker more now than before, but only  because she fears falling. I use to love her raison, nut cakes when I was a kid. She surprised me a few years ago by shipping me one of those wonderful cakes and some home made pecan pralines. Should God bless her to see Feburary 27, 2009, she will be ninety nine years old. Amazing. My life has been the better for knowing this  lady. I lost my mother in October of 1983. Had she live until December 08, she would have been eighty four years old. I use to fear the day that my mother would pass away, but knowing Jesus, having close church ties and knowing my great fiend all helped to make her going home easier for me to bear. It makes me remember how other parents would help keep children on the right tracks and would speak up when they saw someone's child doing wrong. Would'nt it be great if more parents brought their children up the right way and other parents were not affraid to reinforce what parents should be teaching THEIR children!!