When Millie came into my life, she was to be my "Step-mother." My father and her married on Friday the 13th, which just shows that superstition is not truth. It was our lucky day. She had three grown kids of her own; Vivian, Michael and Patrick. After marrying my father on 3/13/87, she inherited seven more, Romeyn, Marlene, Ron, Patricia, Mary, Pamela and me. At the time, we did not expect that God had handed us such an angel. She showed unending patience with me when I was unsure of where to place her in the family and in my heart. She shared her family with us and gave us more extended family than we could come to know.

As time progressed, she became "Grandma Millie" to all of the grandchildren. Always ready to lend a hand; she loved babysitting, baking or sewing for her family. Her biggest strength was her ability to be positive and support everyone throughout their endeavors. She attended countless birthday parties, dinners, graduations, baptisms and weddings. All the while keeping us posted on her kids and grandkids. We were all family, even though separated by miles. Her last couple of years were painful to her, but she still came to every event she was able to and never showed how much she suffered.

Her relationship with God was important to her, and she tried to live her life by example. When we lost her in August, a big part of our hearts went with her. The one thing that we will always know is that Millie is up in heaven looking down and watching over us. A piece of her is in all of us, even though we did not share any blood ties.

The word "Step-mother" was/is too inadequate to describe my relationship with Millie. She was my "MILLIE", a cross between mother, friend, auntie, grandmother, and mentor. She provided me with more than I can ever explain to anyone. I know that God had a plan when she came into our lives and that he has a special place for her now.

I miss her!