A Victory: Wesley Biddle Notgrass (1915-2007)

In many ways, our providing curriculum for homeschoolers has created an extended family. Our family seeks to help your family, and your family blesses us by being our friends and supporters. Ever since we have been sending these e-mail newsletters, we have signed the names of the nine family members who live in our home. Our family group now numbers eight, and I wanted to share some thoughts with you about this transition.

My father, Wesley Notgrass, went to be with the Lord on March 19. We see his passing as a victory in many ways. He lived 92 full, happy, blessed years. He received the reward that the Lord promised and that he had always lived for. The suffering and the difficulties that he endured during the last years of his life have ended. We have received many affirmations about the life of this good man from many people. We were blessed to care for him in our home for over seven years, and now we can say that our labor of love has been completed.

Many of you who read this have taken care of an older parent or grandparent in your home. Many others of you will do so in the future. It has not an been easy task, but it has definitely been worthwhile. It has made us aware of the needs of others. It has allowed us to serve without worrying about recognition. It has made us grateful for the days we have with each other. It has been real home education: it has broadened the typical definition of a home, and it has given us all an important education. I feel a deep and special bond with others who have carried out this meaningful service.

I am thankful for my dad's life and influence. I learned from him much about life and how to live it well. I cherish his devotion to God, his love of books and history, his wonderful sense of humor, his pride in having served our country during World War II, and his gentle nature. I will forever be proud, happy, and grateful that this great man was my daddy.