Tonight, as I sit with my husband and dear friends, enjoying a delicious steak dinner that we cooked on the grill, I am struck with the thought that 238 years ago, America secured  its hard-won independence.  For some reason when I think of the American Revolution, I always think of  Valley Forge, how the men were freezing cold, their feet were frostbitten and bleeding.   Somehow despite those horrific conditions, George Washington encouraged them onward.  One day, when I get to heaven, I want to personally thank those men for not giving up on me.  

My name is… Judi Manis. Yes, I am getting used to my new name. I love it. I am part of a new family. At our wedding last month my niece, Emily, who is 10 years old got to meet Rick’s granddaughter Nicolette who is 10 years old. They were chatting excitedly when Emily exclaimed, “I am getting a new uncle!” To which Nicolette responded, “I am getting a new grandmother!”