In Minnesota, there is a young man in his mid-30’s whose great- grandparents were Nellie & Byron Grismore. They lived in Kingman, Indiana. Nellie & Byron were my grandparents and my father was this young man’s grand uncle. His father was named after mine.

So we have that connection, although I’m sure I’m much more familiar with the genealogy of it all because I’m in the older generation category.  There are all sorts of stories about my dad taking this young man’s dad with him here and there  – my dad a soldier home from WWII and his dad a young boy.

And now the story evolves to encompass illness – the illness of this young Minnesota fellow.  His dad is my cousin and father’s namesake; his aunt is my cousin who is for part of the year my age and for the other part, nine months younger. It’s sort of a joke between us. But, of course, we’re not joking now. She emailed me in relation to what is happening and said: P—— has learned to deal with chronic illness since his childhood and make the best of his health.  I am praying the desire of my heart which is for a miracle of healing.  But, I also can rest in the assurance that even though this life is full of uncertainty…God is constant and always here.