So Blessed.....

I am so blessed. Often when family members live distantly, relationships too often become distant. This is especially true if visits are very limited and infrequent. I want to thank my daughter Wendy Kaye for going above and beyond the call of daughter. I want to thank her for keeping me a part of her family. I want to thank her for taking the time and giving the extra effort to keep me close to the lives of my granddaughters.

Wendy keeps me updated with the goings and comings of her family practically on a daily basis. This is a remarkable feat when one realizes that she is the mother of three daughters, (under the age of five)and one who is diagnosed with both Type 1 Diabetes and Celiac disease. Wendy is also a full time supportive wife to her husband, Jason and she works as a pediatric triage nurse 4-5 evenings every week. Even with all her responsibilities, Wendy makes sure that I have current pictures and videos of every new Rose Family accomplishment. In the past week, I have shared with her kindergarten graduation, a trip to Daddy's work, a trip to the Phoenix Children's museum, tents in the living room, and outings to the park, pool and church. She has also included me in blood sugars going crazy, new gluten free recipes, buying new swimsuits, trips to the gym, illness, sleepless nights and Dr. visits.

Wow! What a woman!! I am amazed at her endurance, fortitude, resolve, fighting spirit, humbleness, compassion, ability to adapt to difficult situations, and her "I will not give up attitude." Wow! What a daughter!!

I have had many people in my life whom I consider hero's. People whom I have patterned my thoughts and actions. I love each of my hero's deeply. Each of these wonderful people have helped me to become a better person simply by their presence in my life. Without a doubt, Wendy is my greatest hero. She not only is my daughter, but she also is my teacher.

I never have enough words or even the type of adjectives to describe her. Wendy, surpasses all words in the dictionary. To me the closest word that I can find to describe my daughter is astonishing. She never ceases to amaze me with her talent, goodness and sweet spirit. She is my treasure. God greatly blessed me by allowing me the privilege of being her Mother. She is my gift. Not one day passes that I do not acknowledge God's grace. I am so greatly blessed by Wendy's presence in my life.

Answers.com

Thesaurus: Astonishing
Adjective:

So remarkable as to elicit disbelief: amazing, astounding, fabulous, fantastic, incredible, marvelous, miraculous, phenomenal, stupendous, and prodigious.

I love you Sweetie.....beyond words.

Samuel Leins, American Hero...

Who would guess you would grow up to be an American Hero? You were young and so perfect. God Bless the United States. May this country always be worthy of the beautiful young lives that have been sacrificed to keep this country free. May the U.S. always be worthy of your life. Happy Memorial Day, dear Sam.

Grant S. Dial-WWII, US Navy....

Grant S. Dial is my Father. He was born November, 19 1918. He died in 1981 at the age of 62. He was a great man and wonderful Daddy. He was a supportive and caring Grandfather. The following excerpts are from the "Log and Dairy of G.S.Dial, U.S.S. Savannah during World War II."

Dec.7, 1941-
Japan attacked the Hawaiian Islands. We are steaming up Long Island Sound after spending eleven days in the Brooklyn Navy Yard when the news reached us en route to Casco Bay, Maine.
Dec. 8-
United States declared war on Japan. We arrive in Casco Bay around 1100.
Dec. 9-
Had General Quarters all afternoon. Air raid alarm along the eastern coast. Left Casco Bay at 2300, destination unknown.
Dec. 10-
Destination Bermuda.
Dec. 11-
To join the Brooklyn and Wasp with orders to take over French Aircraft carrier and ships based at Martinique. Germany and Italy declared war on the U.S.
Dec. 25-
Christmas Day, 1942-
We had a swell dinner and I had the duty.
Jan. 5-
Something is coming up. We have cancelled all exercises for tomorrow.


"Savannah's entire wartime career was spent in the Atlantic theatre. She operated off the U.S. east coast and in the Caribbean during most of 1942 and took part in the invasion of French Morocco in November. Early in 1943 she went to the south Atlantic, where she assisted in capturing the crew of the German blockade runner Kota Tjandi after that ship was scuttled to avoid capture. In July and August 1943, Savannah provided gunfire and other support for the the Sicily invasion and in September undertook similar tasks during the landings at Salerno. While off Salerno on 11 September, she was hit by a German radio-controlled bomb that killed nearly 200 of her crew and left her badly damaged forward. She was able to leave the area under her own power and in December 1943 returned to the United States for permanent repairs."



http://www.history.navy.mil/danfs/s6/savannah-iv.htm

Happy Memorial Day, Daddy. You are and always have been my American Hero. I love you.