The next part of the story is one I don’t know so much about. I am not sure how my family did it, but they went about their daily lives. I know that they had/have an amazing faith in God. I do remember my Grandma telling me about the first time they came to my parents home to get some more of my things. She talked about how extremely difficult it was to go into Cheri and my room and see Cheri’s toys and things in her crib as she had left them. My Grandpa took this especially hard. It’s hard to share this but I think the impact had to be incredible and it was the reality of the situation. Grandma would say that was just the worst thing.

For the next 5 months I believe they lived and got through the days as best they could. My Grandma was 56 and my Grandpa was 61 when the accident happened.

I have seen documents showing how my Grandpa had to go to court and to attorneys several times to gain custody of me. He also had to get my assets such as my parents money and home secured for me. I know they had an auction of my parents furniture and possessions. My Grandma did save a few personal items of my family’s for me. It was nice knowing those things had belonged to them, but as I will share later, sometimes it was a little heavy for me.

Then in October, 5 months after the accident my Grandpa had a heart attack and passed away. It hurts my heart to even think about this. My Grandma loved him so much and I know this had to be devastating for her. Not to mention the rest of the family. I also have thought about it alot and although I was only 9 months old, I think it had to affect me to lose one of my main caregivers. I can’t prove that but have always felt that way. Watch any 9 month old child and they are attached to their people.

At this point my Aunt who had started college at Kearney in the fall, quit school to come home and help Grandma with me. She told me once that when Grandma and Grandpa would take her to school on Sunday nights, she would hold me on the way over there. She said it was so hard to see them leave with me.

So for the next 2 or 3 years my Grandma, my Aunt and my Uncle who was at home farming, lived at the farm. For me, this is the part that I am totally overwhelmed by. I tease them that I was comic relief, but seriously, after all they had been through they put aside their grief to make sure I was happy and well cared for. My Aunt just says, of course they did. But I think it is overwhelming and incredible. I am smiling and laughing in every single picture taken at this time. I have always maintained that I had a fairy tale childhood. And my family is the reason for that feeling. I can’t say enough about all of my family. My Aunt Dee, Uncle Wayne and my cousins are a part of this too. Also, both my Aunt and my Uncle met and married their spouses at this time. I consider them as much family as my Grandma’s and Grandpa’s children. They also are a huge part of my happiness.

The information I got 3 years ago, as well as going on this trip has given me such a broader outlook on my life. I always knew I was blessed but this goes beyond all of that.

The following are just a few of the pictures I have from this time. I was so happy and I owe that 100% to my family.

Next I want to continue with how my Grandma handled things. She is my biggest hero and telling you about her will be my greatest joy. I absolutely love to talk about all the wonderful things I have realized she did for me.