Dear Astbury Family, I have just now been able to sit down to send my condolnces. Your family was what I wanted for a family growing up. I was always thrilled when my parents announced we going to visit "Mike and Mary". Spending time there was and always has been a wonderful memory. Your famly has always had a wonderful walk with God. It took me years to achive the same faith and sense of love that comes with that discovery. I now pray on a regular basis, blessing all of you, with the realization that your family started me on that path. When my Mother was losing her battle with her disease, she would talk to me about what Mary had said to her. She told me Mary had expressed many times that she wanted her to go to the church. She was afraid that my mother would not be there in heaven when it was time for everyone to be there. As my mother got closer to the end of her life she expressed that she was afraid. She said that Mary had yold her that when this time came, it would be so much better, if she was living her life with God. She also knew the strength I have come to find, from my life, with my belief that we are truly God's children. When my son died I was angry with God. When I was not able to begin to heal from my loss it took me some real searching to finally realize I had abandoned God. My parents both supported my grief and the intensity on my loss. They got from your parents a better understanding of what I was going through. By turning away from God, I had put myself in a place that, until I opened my heart again, was going to be more painful. When this did come to me I was able to begin the true process of what I was to be focused on. I tried to help my Mother with believing that she would not be left behind, but loved and cared for. But she was still very afraid, I hurt so much for her... Your family continued to bless me when I came home to care for her. And for that I want thank you so very much...You know who you are, and how much I love you for it. You are in my prayers, as always. I know your beloved Mother is in the best place of all..with my Mother...old childhood friends "catching up". My heart sends out to you love and prayers, as you did for me. Suzanne