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My Great Grandma, Pauline Shanks, is another of those who has been greatly influential on my life. She passed away when I was quite a bit younger, but I have never forgotten her example. I couldn't help take this picture. I thought it was cool that Grandma was reflected near her mother's picture.

Grandma and Grandpa Honey have been staying with my parents for over a year now, since they gave up their home in Gold Beach. Of course one of the things prominent on my mind this year is a bit of sadness that we will not be traveling to Gold Beach for Christmas this year - probably never again. Of course it is important to note that my grandparents are now far more accessible, right across town. Nevertheless, the Gold Beach experience will be sorely missed. Grandma's house has been accessible my entire life. Now Grandma's house is my parents' house. No separate, special entity to itself. The trip was half the fun too. We had our traditional stops along the way, eating at Dairy Queen in Gold Beach, walking along the pristine surf, going to Corner Drug for the after Christmas sale, and so on.

My Grandpa, Rev. Ward Honey, is in what appears to be physical and mental decline. He has always been challenged with his eyes and ears. In recent months he has become almost completely blind and deaf. He also struggles greatly to get around. The most recent manifestation has been some times of "mental check out". During these bouts, it is as if Grandpa is in another place.

Grandpa is in the hospital right now. My Grandma is beside herself with worry because of the separation... and of course it is nearing Christmas. After the doctors make some assessments of Grandpa's condition, it is likely he will go through some weeks at a secondary facility for physical therapy. After that, it will have to be decided if he is in a condition where he can return to my parents' house. It may soon become necessary for him to live in a long term care facility near my parents.

I admit freely that it crushes me at times to see this painful stuff going on. I love my grandparents very much. Their life together has been a great and shining example to me. Grandpa Honey's 40 plus years of ministry are one of my strongest inspirations. I hate to think what type of person I'd be without such a priestly example. I look up to Grandpa greatly, for he is a exemplary man of God who knows the Bible and lives humbly like few others can.

I would ask those who know my Grandpa and Grandma, Ward and Eunamae Honey, to pray for them fervently in the coming weeks and months. Even those who are not acquainted, please consider how much you care for your loved ones and pray with me for mine who are in much need. Yet all is not hopeless and a loss. Far from it! My God is faithful to the end, even if the rest of us blokes are not! He will be faithful to His servants, even, if not in particular Grandma and Grandma. Yahweh is Lord and Father of all!