Brenda Stephens:  

Since I moved away from Putnam County in 1971, the night of graduation, I have dreamed of the day that I could return to my home town and spend lots of time with my mother and father. I was going to retire early from UPS, and we were planning to have some well needed fun and relaxation. Maybe even reunite with some of my classmates and friends. Then, as fate would have it, that day did not come fast enough. My Father passed away with a massive heart attack August 17, 2008, Two weeks later my mother passed away on September 3, 2008. She died almost 6 months after suffering a stroke February19, 2008, that left her, for the most part, speechless and semi- paralyzed, unable to walk without help. There went my dreams and plans we had been discussing. Devastation set in on my life, and in my heart and soul I felt like I had died along with them. I really thought I would die also, and my mind was set on nothing. It was hard for me to even function in my daily life. I sought God and his helpful hand. Prayer was my only way of releasing my pain. Sometimes I could not even pray letting the Tears wash my face daily fo...Expand for more