I am almost 64 years old, have a total of eight children, 13 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. I learned early on that we have to stick together, love each other, encourage each other and always ask God for help along the way.

When I had my fourth and fifth children (twin girls), their father had passed away only 24 hours before. My challenges were going to be greater than I had ever imagined. Whenever I heard, "I just don't know how you do all this!," I always responded, "The Lord and I do it together."

I knew that God would provide in many ways; through friends, our church and by having me meet a man who was kind, patient, loving and caring, with many more adjectives I could go on with.

Later we married and we have raised these children together and tried to be there for them as they make their way in life. My husband has been everything that a wife and children need. All of the children have extended their education and are raising wonderful families themselves.

The end of this essay is to make a simple point we have all heard, but some may find hard to do: Trust in God, take your children to church, love each other and never fail to say those words and give plenty of hugs.

To end on a smile, my husband once said when he first met me, "You and your family are the first people I know that would drive five hours just for a birthday party for a family member!"