Ten years ago, I married my best friend. My second "date" with him was to a fundraiser for his sister, Vickie, who had breast cancer. It was then I met his family for the first time. Vickie was such a special woman. From the first time I met her, it seemed as though I had known her all my life. She certainly touched the hearts of all who knew her and everyone loved her. She was a Christian lady and her love of the Lord showed in her countenance. While she was in treatment her Mother was diagnosed with breast cancer. She is a 5 year plus survivor. However, the breast cancer overtook Vickie and the Lord called her home on her Mother's birthday! Vickie was only 42 years old. The entire family, from the youngest to the oldest, participate in breast cancer awareness projects; 5K runs, locks of love, etc. And Vickie's memory lives on in all of us. Right before she passed, Vickie spoke to every one in the family, again, to her Mother, her siblings, husband, sons, nieces and nephews, and in-laws and asked something of each of us. All of us honor her memory by doing those things as asked. We don't always understand the ways of the Lord; 2 years later the Lord called her husband home. During those 2 years, he simply couldn't live without her. He died from a massive heart attack and it is my belief he died from a broken heart. They left behind 3 sons; the oldest was married & had their first child and there were 2 younger sons still in school. The oldest son was granted custody of his 2 brothers and has done a wonderful job of raising them. They both graduated from high school, have good jobs, and both are married. The oldest son was left with a heavy "burden"; he & his wife being a young couple themselves. But he wouldn't have had it any other way. God has blessed all of us in many ways through the devastion of losing both Vickie & Dale.

Sandra L. Sprinkle
South Portsmouth, KY