Eileen Baxter (Dec 7, 1932 - Oct 22, 2010)

Friday night my sweet Aunt Eileen passed away. The simple things in life, that we all take for granted, were not simple things for her at all. Eileen was disabled her whole life, never walked, had to be fed, changed, was never able to do anything for herself. She was always dependent upon others, and was blessed with very loving parents, brother, and sisters, who cared for her the best they could. The night she was born, the doctors told my grandparents she would not make it through the night. God had something else in mind. She was so tiny they used a drawer lined with blankets for her bed. As a young child she went through several surgeries and had to be away from the family for periods of time. I believe my Mom said the doctors then said her life expectancy would be 35. God had something else in mind. We found ourselves at her funeral, celebrating her life of 77 full years, hearing report after report of the inspiration she was to others. Very common themes of, "always had a smile for everyone", "full of joy", "loved the Lord, and hearing His word read to her"...these are the very things I remember most about Eileen as well. Grandma was able to keep her at home and care for her for over 40 years, then she spent the rest of her life in two different nursing homes. She touched many lives and enjoyed seeing so many different people everyday. Everyone who knew her loved her, she had a constant flow of visitors, family and friends who loved her. Her life taught us so much. My Mom said it right when she said, "she was the epitome of patience". Always thankful, always kind, always full of joy. While we are sad because we will miss her so, we are rejoicing for she is truly "walking" with the Lord in heaven.