Who we are, the person we become, is colored and decided, in many ways, by the parents we have. We are a combination of the genetic pool of both parents, the result of the influences they have made on our upbringing, our sense of right and wrong, our outlook on life. Although I can not profess that my parents were in any way perfect, just as I can not claim to be perfect, myself, I am comforted in knowing that I carry some of the best qualities of each of my beloved parents... my father's thirst for knowledge, his open minded approach to all things unknown and unexplained..his stubbornness, his determination to see things through, whatever the cost...my mother's giving nature, her love of life.. her self sacrifice and belief in helping those around her, and her never ending love for those who meant the most to her, and loyalty to friends and family. I am proud to carry on, at least in some small way, those characteristics that made my parents so beloved, both by family, and all who knew them...

They were "Paw" and "Granny" to the entire neighborhood, and will be remembered with love and gratitude by all who knew them, and especially by all the children "adopted" into their extended family.

I love you, Mom and Dad...and until we meet again, on the other side of the veil, I will miss you so.

Paulette