Dear friends, My mother received hospice care, and when I reflect on what they did for our family, I am inspired to share our story. My beautiful mom, Corky, had dementia and other medical complications. Since my father’s passing eight years ago, my brother and I had the privilege of caring for her. Mom’s health took …
Editor’s note: This article is used with permission by the Lakes Country Connection. Agnes Gross is one of those classic people of the greatest generation. A solid citizen, loving wife, who raised her kids, paid her taxes and went to church each week. But now she finds herself on Hospice. Agnes is battling Ball Fungus …
A well-worn Bible lies within easy reach of Bob Becker’s recliner. The creased cover and dog-eared pages provide evidence of the many hours its owner’s hands have opened it. “I read it often and have read it cover to cover,” Bob said. “Every word holds some importance.” Each moment is increasingly important to Bob. While …
Sometimes, just being able to enjoy your cherished hobbies means so much, and helps you feel like yourself when facing a delicate time in life. Since Leo Hecker, 88, hung up his spurs and saddle as a ranch hand 20 years ago, his days have been filled with selfless service for a cause near to his heart. With purpose...
A father is often one’s first source of strength, comfort, safety and stability for a daughter. The special bond formed between the two is unlike any other, and it’s one which is seldom outgrown. As life evolves and transforms so does this type of relationship, and with age, many daughters find themselves serving in a similar role for their...
The old saying, “love at first sight,” rings true for Cyndy and Tony Andren, a Valley City, N.D., couple, who recently celebrated 25 years of marriage, filled with love, compassion, faith and family. Their courtship began as friendly neighbors and effortlessly grew into a deeper affection. “I really started to notice Tony when I witnessed how nice he was...
Love is a curious thing. Timeless. Enduring. Hopeful. When you’re young and in love, you don’t often think about what will happen to your precious love as you age and weather life’s seasons. But for those who have been separated from the one they love, by death, time or distance, it’s natural for some individuals to wish to rekindle...
Beginning with a long courtship and throughout 63 years of marriage, Larry and Marcella MacLeod experienced a life together full of depth, adventure and, above all, love. Both small-town natives, they knew of each other because they were from neighboring towns, but they each moved away to pursue successful careers. It wasn’t until several years later that Larry and...
Seize the day.
In the Kottsick home, these are not just words hanging on the wall, but a daily reminder.
For the past 12 years, Julie Kottsick, a mom of two and wife of nearly 22 years, has lived with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. This incurable, progressive disease attacks and disables nerve cells in the...
When you meet Bill and Karen, you instantly feel the love they have for one another. Their faces light up with joy when they sneak a glance of each other. A quick wit and robust laughter are at the heart of their relationship. They take turns teasing each other in a healthy back and forth, always with a chuckle...
