Western Michigan Family

Days 27-32--From Sunday through Friday, we spent time with family and friends in Holland and Grand Rapids, Michigan. 

I (Lynn) grew up in Holland, a little Dutch girl. My 93-year-old mother still lives in her home in Holland, thanks to the gracious care that my brother, Tom, gives to her 24/7.

Although my mom has been legally blind for 25 years, she has a bit of vision. With large-print cards, our looking over her cards occasionally, and some coaching, she was able to play Skipbo with us every night. She won nearly half of the games, so she was delighted with that.

The walls of my mom's home are filled not only with photos of her life and her family but also of the paintings she did before she lost her vision. Having never taken an art class, at age 61 she enrolled in an oil-painting class and finished around a dozen canvases. 

We don't know how much time we will have with her on this earth. She is ready to die, or as she puts it, "I am ready to go Home and be with my Savior." Life is precious. 

Four and a half years ago my brother moved from Seattle to live with my mom and takes care of all of her needs. In his spare time he has designed and built two sizable windmills, one of which stands in the backyard of my mom's house. 

Bas' brother, Allen, and his family live near Grand Rapids, and we were able to spend an evening with them as well. 

For his entire career, Allen has worked in leadership positions with a Ford dealership in Grand Rapids. After working several decades for Ford, Tammy now reviews car loan applications for a major bank in Grand Rapids. They recently completely renovated a house in a lovely location on a lake north of Grand Rapids. Every night they walk a four-mile loop around the lake. 

For several years both Allen and Tammy cared for Bas' parents during the final, difficult years they were alive. Their dedication and commitment to Mom and Dad Vanderzalm had a great impact on our parents' lives. 

Allen and Tammy also spend significant time with their other three children and their five grandchildren who live in Michigan, Wisconsin, and Texas.

Our nephew Brian and his wife, Amber, were able to join us for dinner as well. For 15 years, Brian, a social worker, has worked with children's services and leads a 15-person office north of Grand Rapids. His son, Luke, is a bright-eyed, big-hearted little boy.

Brian's wife, Amber, is an early-childhood development specialist, who every day creatively invests in her children's growth--and daily shares their experiences with us on Facebook. Lindsey, who just turned three, is bright, creative, expressive, eager. A reflection of her parents' involvement.

As we were saying our goodbyes, I was able to get this photo of three of the five Vanderzalm men in my life.