Joy, Sorrow and Abiding Hope (A Family History)

Book excerpt: Some families, it appears, cruise serenely through life with very little turmoil and tragedy while some others experience a host of disasters and catastrophes as their story unfolds. It is for these that the author has written. She and her family have lived through many tragedies; it seems that they are either just getting over some upheaval, or they are heading into one, but there have been some very joyous times for her as well. Perhaps the mountaintops have been higher because of the valleys. Even now, as these words are written, there is illness and worry going on, but with faith in God and hope always in her heart, the joy of living remains. Thanks be to God.