May 1st, 2021 I lost my father-in-law, my wife lost her daddy, my mother-in-law lost her husband and the grandkids lost their grandpa. Fred was taken from us at what seems too soon when we consider time as what the clock allows. His impact that he had when he was here proved that his time though it could’ve been longer was utilized to full potential. He was a preacher, a retired serviceman from Marine Corps, and served his country in Vietnam. He really was a great man and role model to many people that encountered him, even if only for a moment. It would be very much appreciated if we could get even just 1 day and night to gather us all together and just remember and celebrate Fred.

The healing process on his loss has been a slow and painful one. My wife and I have taken care of her mother for 14 of the past 18 months and she is finally working toward getting on her own 2 feet and we would like to celebrate that accomplishment as well. Surely if it would be ok we would love to make a stay at Camp Because I said I Would! One of the things that Fred always said was “if I said I was going to do it, then I’ll make a way to do it!”

My husband and I lost our son, Raylan, at 28 weeks into our first pregnancy in October of 2022. I had to have blood transfusions and an emergency c-section to deliver our still son. He was due on Christmas Eve, so the holidays have been difficult the past two years.

We’ve welcomed our rainbow baby girl into the world, and she has brought us so much joy, but we still feel the sting of losing her brother daily.

My sister and I lost our last living grandparent in May of this year. My grandmother had a farm and our childhood was spent in the very best way. We were so fortunate to experience “farm living” when we visited. From riding the farm horse bareback, jumping in a muddy pond, and building forts wherever could hold a few pieces of plywood. Of course, the best things were the great cooking, baking, and canning that came out of her kitchen.

After Grandma grew older she sold the farm but we still visited regularly with our kids in tow. She was an amazing baker and every year she made dozens and dozens of cookies. We took our kids (her great-grandchildren) up every year to help. Probably made more of a mess than helped, but it was all about the memories. The last few years have been tough enough with Covid. In 2020 we had to decorate Easter eggs via FaceTime because we were scared we would bring something to her. That Christmas she said “no way”! You guys have to come and bake cookies.

This year just wasn’t the same and I failed miserably. I didn’t bake a single cookie. Not only did I rob my kids of the experience I also missed out on time that I get to spend with my niece and sister. I was telling a friend this and she suggested renting a cabin for a weekend bake, watch movies and spend time together remembering Grandma.