I have been lucky enough in my life to have had two wonderful men in my life that I could call father. I didn't bring old photos with we to Africa so I can't post pictures of them, but I can tell you a little about them!!
Lawerence Henry Gignac was my birth father. He died when I was twelve. I have wonderful memories of him. He always had a smile on his face, everyone loved him, he loved his children, he taught us how to fish and clean fish at a very young age. He loved the water and loved to sail, and was a charter member of Spring Lake Yacht Club. People loved to have him "crew" for them during races--they won lots of races and I remember lots of trophies at our house in Mich. Most summers we spent at the lake at his parents boat house. This is where we all learn to swim and to love the water. My brother Danny looks a lot like my Dad and has many of the same interests. Danny actually lives on the water, has a boat even though he lives in Arizona!
A year or so after my father died my mother met a wonderful man named Hilding Krusell.
He agreed to take on 4 children that were still grieving for their father.
He moved with us to Arizona--my brother was a severe asthmatic at the time and was in an Asthmatic school. After arriving in Arizona he married my Mom. I'm sure we weren't the easiest kids to raise especially with 2 of us being teenagers. He provided for us and loved us unconditionally. He taught me how to work on cars--I replaced a water pump and alternator on a 1952 Oldsmobile convertible that he bought me when I learned to drive. It was a bright yellow convertible with black and white checked interior. Oh how I wish I had that car now. It was a tank and I think that was why he bought it for me.
He had many struggles in his life but though determination he over came them. He had cancer twice and fought the battle and was in remission when a third type of cancer eventually took his life. He never complained or said why me. He was a deeply religious man even though he practiced no specific religion.
He is the only grandfather that my kids knew. He love them so much and they loved him
Now to the father of my children! Being a medical doctor, his life was very busy. He managed to coach our sons basketball and baseball teams. Attended their soccer games and all of Heather's dance recitals even though they were always on a play-off night. He read to them almost every night and instilled in them a great love of reading. He was their friend and took them on many fun trips that sometimes included humanitarian projects. He was always the first to go quad riding, start paint gun wars, race cars, go jet skiing or snow skiing or was setting up the "sling shot" always with the kids fun in mind. I am truly blessed to have married this great man!
Enough though he has taken to far away places away from my children and grandchildren --I STILL LOVE HIM!
I am proud to watch my sons becoming great fathers too!
Lawerence Henry Gignac was my birth father. He died when I was twelve. I have wonderful memories of him. He always had a smile on his face, everyone loved him, he loved his children, he taught us how to fish and clean fish at a very young age. He loved the water and loved to sail, and was a charter member of Spring Lake Yacht Club. People loved to have him "crew" for them during races--they won lots of races and I remember lots of trophies at our house in Mich. Most summers we spent at the lake at his parents boat house. This is where we all learn to swim and to love the water. My brother Danny looks a lot like my Dad and has many of the same interests. Danny actually lives on the water, has a boat even though he lives in Arizona!
A year or so after my father died my mother met a wonderful man named Hilding Krusell.
He agreed to take on 4 children that were still grieving for their father.
He moved with us to Arizona--my brother was a severe asthmatic at the time and was in an Asthmatic school. After arriving in Arizona he married my Mom. I'm sure we weren't the easiest kids to raise especially with 2 of us being teenagers. He provided for us and loved us unconditionally. He taught me how to work on cars--I replaced a water pump and alternator on a 1952 Oldsmobile convertible that he bought me when I learned to drive. It was a bright yellow convertible with black and white checked interior. Oh how I wish I had that car now. It was a tank and I think that was why he bought it for me.
He had many struggles in his life but though determination he over came them. He had cancer twice and fought the battle and was in remission when a third type of cancer eventually took his life. He never complained or said why me. He was a deeply religious man even though he practiced no specific religion.
He is the only grandfather that my kids knew. He love them so much and they loved him
Now to the father of my children! Being a medical doctor, his life was very busy. He managed to coach our sons basketball and baseball teams. Attended their soccer games and all of Heather's dance recitals even though they were always on a play-off night. He read to them almost every night and instilled in them a great love of reading. He was their friend and took them on many fun trips that sometimes included humanitarian projects. He was always the first to go quad riding, start paint gun wars, race cars, go jet skiing or snow skiing or was setting up the "sling shot" always with the kids fun in mind. I am truly blessed to have married this great man!
Enough though he has taken to far away places away from my children and grandchildren --I STILL LOVE HIM!
I am proud to watch my sons becoming great fathers too!
This is 4 days when the mission presidents and their wives get together for meetings (2 days) and two days of much needed rest and relaxation
Best of all we had a great time with these 11 Mission Presidents and their wives. We had to say our tearful Good-byes to Pres. and Sister Gaya -- Madagacar Pres. and Sister Packard--Moszambique , Pres. and Sister Bester--Zimbabwe and last but not least Pres. and Sister Livingstone --Congo who have finished their 3 years. They will all be returning home to their family and friends. You have done a great job and we well miss you!
