Julia Blenkhorn never leaves the house without kissing everyone goodbye. She lost her husband, the father of her children, when he was only 32, and she knows that any goodbye could be the last.
Julia lives with her daughter, Millie Tucker, and her family. Around 15 years ago it became dangerous for Julia to live on her own because of her diabetes. More than once, her blood sugar dropped so low in the middle of the night that she didn’t wake up in the morning, and one of her daughters had to come to her aid.
Though she admits that it would be quieter and she would have more privacy if she lived on her own, she likes being a big part in the busy lives of her four grandchildren. Millie home schools them, so they’re always around. Every day, the family has a big lunch together at the dining room table.
Outside of the home, Julia supports her grandchildren in all that they do. Whether it’s Girl Scouts or basketball, Julia is there for every game and meeting. Faith is also important to the family — Julia wants to be sure that they are all together in heaven.
“There’s love in a church family,” she said.
Julia was raised by her grandparents after her parents divorced, and because of that she feels the need to be a big part in the lives of her own grandchildren. She can’t see it being any other way.
“Different things in life has happened,” she said. “But no matter what, love is there.”
