Happy birthday to our wife, mother, grandmother, Helen Manuel.

August 21, 1932 to

September 23, 2007

HeroA strong word not taken lightly.Once proven, its conspicuous being never fades.My hero is Grama.Not a hero from strength or agility.Neither brains nor looks.The hero blossoms from the heart,An endless labyrinth brimming with joy, showering over all.As one good deed passes, another steps forth.Neither shy nor timid bringing about this new birth.If one needs comfort, alone they will not be,Because Grama is there with a soothing touch.Her soul made of flowers.A technicolor beauty for her mind.Melancholy feelings are a "no no".Undefined and unwelcome with Gramas' caress.Strong willed for her beliefs.Benevolence and noble deeds beyond Mother Teresa.Oblivious of the world's hatred.Grama looks on the bright side of things.Even to the unknownShe gives a welcoming smile.To the poor — money, and to the sick — recovery.A bandaid for life's misery.Naught can pull her down, not ever.Her words of kindness and helping actions cannot be destroyed.Because heroes are strongAnd Grama is a hero.

Written by granddaughterOlivia Reddick