Sandy A.

Bill shares: “At 98 years young, Sandy Abeler can be claimed as "Mom" and "Grandma" by more than her six grown children, spouses, 24 grandchildren, and 21 great-grandchildren. In earlier years there were sixteen foster children (mostly teens) who found a fill-in "Mom" for a week to three years and for one, a lifetime. Because in her generous heart there is always room for one more, she has also "adopted in" multiple family and friends who may have lost their own "Mom." But wait – there's more! Living out her life verse in Mark 14:8 ("She did what she could"), Sandy became Camp Lebanon's beloved "Swimming Grandma" dedicated to helping kids pay for Camp. “I just wanted them to come so they could hear about my precious Jesus," she would simply say. In eight swims across Cedar Lake (the first at age 85!) and one final headfirst plunge off Camp's iconic diving raft at 97, she raised over $110,000 for scholarships. A thousand campers were blessed! Mom is slowing a bit these days, but her love is as active as ever. Scores of birthday cards (with money!) are delivered on time and Valentines with $1 bills continue to treat grands and greats alike. She also spends an hour or more each night on Facebook keeping up on her ever-growing family. Her greatest gift? All would agree that faithfulness to her dear Savior lived out in the everyday is her sweetest legacy. Thanks Mom!! We love you lots and lots. Happy Mother's Day!”