Gabby, my mom has always been more than just a mother and grandmother, she is our friend, our anchor, and the heart of our family. Starting in June, she began facing serious mobility issues. Slowly, she had to step back from our summer hiking group, and as her inflammation worsened, the pain became unbearable. Eventually, she could no longer go to the grocery store without an electric wheelchair, and her balance started to decline, needing to use a cane or have assistance to keep her balance. Watching her navigate this physical roller-coaster has been hard enough, but seeing the emotional toll it has taken on her has been even more heart-wrenching. A few years ago she had a complete knee surgery on her right knee, and now her left knee is starting to cause problems that affect her right knee. To address this, she will undergo a procedure on her left knee, which includes arthroscopy, partial removal of damaged meniscus (medial and lateral), smoothing of the cartilage (abrasion chondroplasty), and other necessary interventions to restore function and reduce pain. Even with all of these challenges, she refuses to step back from being the backbone of our family. She continues to support our children, keeping our homeschooling journey alive, and allows us to serve and do ministry with peace of mind. Her resilience, her love, and her unwavering commitment to us inspire and humble me every single day. This holiday season will look a little different for us, but we are deeply grateful for every moment we can share together and for the incredible example of strength and love she continues to show.