Best Time Ever - Care Wisconsin

11th Annual 

Best Time Ever 

Art and Writing Contest for Middle Schoolers 

Capturing Best Times with 

an Older Adult or Person 

with a Disability 

Cover Art by Natalie Mae Hanson 

Forest Lane Elementary School

Thank you to our Best Time Ever sponsors: 

Thank you to our Best Time Ever judges: 

Community Volunteers: 

Andrea Behnke, Marquette County 

Department of Human Services 

Patti Chausse, Catholic Charities 

Sonja Coddington, Area Resident 

Renee Hoffman, Diverse Options, Inc. 

Nicole Galarno, Marquette County 


Nicole Knuth, Montello Care Center 

Jan Krueger, Marquette County Department 

of Human Services 

Debra Martin, Area Resident 

Brent Meyers, Montello Care Center 

Michelle Prellwitz, Marquette County 


Colleen Sengbusch, Marquette County 

Aging and Disability Resource Center 

Glenn Troost, Area Resident 

Alex Truell, Marquette County Department 

of Human Services 

Care Wisconsin Staff: 

Laura Aherns 

Denise Blackbourn 

Rachel Brown 

Carmen Gardner 

Becky Mulhern 

Heather Ries 

Deb Schumann 

Loretta Timmerman

Preface 

Care Wisconsin is proud to present the Top 100 best entries in the 11 th Annual Best Time Ever 

Art and Writing Contest for Middle Schoolers held in the fall of 2011. Within this booklet you will find 

unedited short stories and artwork that capture a memorable “best time” with a beloved older adult or 

someone with a disability. We hope that you enjoy these thoughtful, heartwarming, and often 

humorous, stories. 

More than 800 entries were received from students in 13 different counties throughout the 

south central region of Wisconsin. The contest’s winner, Andre Lirette, a 7 th grade student at Kettle 

Moraine Middle School in Dousman, was awarded the grand prize: a family gift certificate to 

Mt. Olympus Resort and Waterpark in Wisconsin Dells. The son of Patty and Steve Lirette, Andre 

entered the contest along with other students from Heidi Gelhaart’s reading/language arts class. See 

page 52 to read his inspiring story, “How I Explore My World,” about a best time with his grandpa. 

Community volunteers in Marquette County judged entries and selected the Top 100 best 

entries, which are listed in the Table of Contents alphabetically by each student’s name. There is also a 

list of the 28 middle schools that are represented on the next page. 

A special thank you to American Family Insurance for supporting the contest over the years and 

for providing a grant to cover expenses, including marketing and printing this booklet. You can 

download a copy of this booklet at www.carewisc.org. The contest is also supported by Culver’s and 

Capital Newspapers’ Newspapers in Education literacy program. 

Kids, teachers and parents like Best Time Ever because it: 

• Promotes diversity and strong intergenerational relationships 

• Fosters respect for the elderly and people with disabilities 

• Encourages creative story telling through writing and art 

We started Best Time Ever in 2001 to commemorate our 25th anniversary and to further 

strengthen our connections to the community and the people we serve. The contest fits with our 

mission as a homegrown nonprofit organization: To promote independence and quality of life by 

providing innovative solutions to health and long‐term care needs. 

Care Wisconsin brings together health and long‐term care services for frail elderly and people 

with physical and/or developmental disabilities who live in Wisconsin. There are over 4,800 individuals, 

and their caregivers, served through Care Wisconsin’s public Family Care and Partnership programs. To 

learn more about us, go to www.carewisc.org or call 1‐800‐963‐0035. 

Care Wisconsin | Best Time Ever Contest i

ii Care Wisconsin | Best Time Ever Contest 

Best Time Ever Top 100 

Participating Middle Schools 

School Number of Entries Page 

Adams‐Friendship Middle School 2 25, 55 

Badger Ridge Middle School 1 85 

Central Middle School 3 36, 44, 50 

Deerfield Middle School 8 16, 17, 18, 21, 28, 35, 64, 69 

Forest Lane Elementary School 5 10, 30, 45, 79, 91 

Gordon L. Willson Elementary 

School 

1 49 

Greenfield Middle School 1 40 

Kettle Moraine Middle School 4 7, 32, 52, 93 

Kromrey Middle School 2 65, 70 

Lake Denoon Middle School 1 54 

Lake Shore Middle School 10 19, 20, 47, 48, 53, 63, 92, 96, 102, 105 

Lodi Elementary School 2 73, 84 

Marshall Middle School 1 13 

Monticello Middle School 3 5, 38, 86 

Mt. Horeb Middle School 2 12, 29 

Parkside School 2 76, 90 

Parkview Junior High School 1 22 

Patrick Marsh Middle School 17 

Richland Middle School 4 27, 41, 56, 94 

River Bluff Middle School 2 62, 81 

Riverside Middle School 1 71 

Roosevelt Elementary School 1 60 

2, 8, 15, 26, 33, 46, 59, 66, 67, 68, 74, 77, 83, 

97, 98, 99, 103 

Silver Lake Intermediate School 10 3, 6, 11, 14, 42, 61, 75, 82, 89, 101 

Silverbrook Middle School 3 31, 72, 106 

Spring Harbor Middle School 5 4, 23, 37, 57, 88 

Waubesa Intermediate School 1 51 

Wayne E. Bartels Middle School 6 1, 9, 34, 43, 80, 95 

Whitehorse Middle School 1 78

Sakara Alberts 1 

Jonathan Alcantara 2 

Peggie Alexander 3 

Kiran Arora 4 

Cory Daniel Bauman 5 

Larrisa Blazek 6 

Aly Boettcher 7 

Liam Boswell 8 

Darius Bottorff 9 

Kelsey Broesch 10 

Silas Bruno 11 

Jacob Busher 12 

Alexis Butt 13 

Ben Carrao 14 

Miguel Chestnut 15 

Kailee Coffey 16 

Cera Connely 17 

Jamie Cwik 18 

Wardell Dodds 19 

Talia Eiseman 20 

Rachel Feit 21 

Cassidy Fitzgerald 22 

Meg Fitzpatrick 23 

Wendi Glancy 25 

Carson Gloede 26 

Morgan Goodyear 27 

Kara Green 28 

Scott Hall 29 

Natalie Mae Hanson 30 

Max Hardy 31 

Grace Hershberg 32 

Nick Horky 33 

Al Rickey Hughan 34 

Jessica Jacobs 35 

Brittany Jensen 36 

Christian Jimenez 37 

Courtney Kammes 38 

Sarah Karwowski 40 

Katelyn Keegan 41 

Table of Contents 

Melissa Kelly 42 

Brock Kiefer 43 

Grabrielle Kluth 44 

Bryce Koback 45 

Mercedes Kohlhardt 46 

Ari Krayzman 47 

Fotoula LaGalbo 48 

Rachel Lichte 49 

Rebecca Liesen 50 

Sienna Lippert 51 

Andre Lirette 52 

Isabelle Maleki 53 

Sullivan Maringer 54 

Dakota Mau 55 

Blake McCoy 56 

Hannah Metzger 57 

Leah Michaelis 59 

Claire Mikkelson 60 

Ethan Mikulak 61 

Janelle Minter‐ 

Swapsy 62 

Rachel Mortensen 63 

Jonathan Mundschau 64 

Lexi Nate 65 

Alexis O'Connell 66 

Michael Otto 67 

Jordyn Peterson 68 

James Petrick 69 

Madeleine Pflasterer‐ 

Jennerjohn 70 

Amanda Piel 71 

Mikayla Plaskey 72 

Emily Popp 73 

Carlie Rademacher 74 

Jason Reince 75 

Karina Rivera 76 

Kyle Rockwell 77 

Daniel Romero 78 

Ashley Royce 79 

Natalee Runstrom 80 

Emily Schauder 81 

Zac Scheunemann 82 

Mena Schmitt 83 

Ian Seidler 84 

Alankrit Shatadal 85 

Kaleb Shulka 86 

Sam Sieloff 88 

Evan Smith 89 

Katie Snyder 90 

Hailey Spaight 91 

Spencer Stastney 92 

Betsy Stellpflug 93 

Kelsey Stibbe 94 

Nicole Strong 95 

Juliana Strother 96 

Ethan Swenson 97 

Helena Szymborski 98 

Sydney Thomas 99 

Madi Vandenboom 101 

Olivia Wasserman 102 

Meghan Wilhelmi 103 

Lily Zall 105 

Victoria Zich 106 

Care Wisconsin | Best Time Ever Contest iii

iv Care Wisconsin | Best Time Ever Contest

[INSERT ARTWORK # 1] 

Maryland 2011 

The best time I ever had with my Great Grandma is when we go to Maryland to visit her. We 

spend time swimming at McKay’s beach and when the sun starts to set my sister, my grandma (meme) 

and I sit on the peer and watch the sunset. 

Sakara Alberts 

Age: 13 

Wayne E. Bartels Middle School 

Portage, Wisconsin 

Parents/Guardians: Kalani and Gary Alberts 

Care Wisconsin | Best Time Ever Contest 1

2 Care Wisconsin | Best Time Ever Contest 

Unexpected 

My grandpa came to visit in the 2009 summer. His dark brown eyes and smile was his everyday 

look. He arrived in the morning with my grandma in his old scratched up green truck. I could see his 

white hair coming out of the truck, as he took my grandma’s hand and slowly wailed to the front door. 

My little brother heard the doorbell ring. “They’re here!” he shouted. 

As we opened the door, we were greeted with a big hug and a “Hola” and “Como estas”? (This 

means hello and how are you.) 

We both responded saying the same thing “Bien,” which means good. 

We all started getting comfortable as the day started to come along to the fun part. 

My grandpa decided to take us fishing for a while but he forgot to bring his fishing supplies, so I 

let him borrow one of ours. We all got our supplies including my little brother and put them in the back. 

We got in the truck and drove to Monona Lake. On the way I thought this little trip was going to be great 

but as we arrived to the lake something was going to happen unexpectedly. 

I got off the truck and grabbed my pole and bait and found a bridge that spread across the water. 

I ran down to the bridge and went all the way to the end. I cast about 6 feet away from where I was 

standing. I waited for a while as I saw my little brother running down the bridge. 

“BE CAREFUL,” I yelled but it was too late. 

He lost his balance and fell head first in the water. I dropped my pole and ran towards him. I 

reached for his hand but he was far too deep in the water. My grandpa came running and dived straight 

in the water. He started to swim towards my little brother and grabbed his hand. He got him out as I 

grabbed my little brother’s arm and took him to the car. 

“ARE YOU OK”? I asked. 

“YESSS,” my brother said as he started to cough out water. 

My grandpa became his hero and I never looked at him like I did before. This day wasn’t like I 

hoped it would be, but it put something in mind that would never go away. 

Jonathan Alcantara 

Age: 12 

Patrick Marsh Middle School 

Sun Prairie, Wisconsin 

Parent/Guardian: Maria Alcantara

Grandpa’s Boat 

“Ready to go fishing?” my grandpa said as he pulled out the box of worms from the cooler. 

The shimmering waves crashed against Grandpa’s yellow pontoon boat, the sun was shining 

down at us, adding more heat to the 80 degree day. My grandpa cast my line into the depths of Lac 

LaBelle. There, I, my dad, my grandpa, and my brother Peter sat patiently on the white stiff leather 

chairs. Quietly, we snacked on Oke‐Doke cheesy popcorn. The smiley face bobber danced with the 

waves, tricking me that I caught a fish. I was dozing off, until my line snagged. 

“You caught one!” my Grandpa exclaimed. I could tell he was proud of me. He came over to help 

me reel it in. Together we tugged on the pole. I was only 5, so it was a little too strong for me to pull in 

myself. 

“I think I caught a shark!” 

I then looked up at my grandpa, studying his face. I felt his warm breath against my hair. My gaze 

lasted only a little, until we yanked up my fish. Its scales glimmered in the sun. The tiny blue gill’s tail 

twitched, as it failed to drop into the dark water below. My grandpa smiled at me, his shallow wrinkles 

moved with his lips. 

“Your first fish, Peggie, what do you want to name it?” The smile stayed on his face, while he was 

unhooking the helpless animal. 

“Ummm… Bubbles,” I replied back. 

He laughed quietly to himself, staring at the fish. The latch clicked open and my grandpa gently 

put Bubbles back to his home. Bubbles swam away quickly. I looked up at grandpa and smiled at him. 

I’ll always remember the great time we had with grandpa, even if he’s not with us anymore. 

Peggie Alexander 

Age: 12 

Silver Lake Intermediate School 

Oconomowoc, Wisconsin 

Parents/Guardians: Terri and Mark Alexander 


Where is the Good in Goodbye? 

Not only did I get her height but I got her spicy sweet personality. She is my dad’s mom and my 

grandma, my dadi. Dadi is 5’2 and she has bright orange red hair that is forever in a perfect bun. That 

short, spicy, sweet woman was going home today. She stepped into the kitchen with her hair in a perfect 

bun ready for the 17 hour flight back to India. 

“Kiran,” dadi called. 

“Yes,” I answered from my room as I tried not to cry over my dadi and dadoo going home for at 

least a year. I ran downstairs and into my dadi’s arms. I was lost in memories of card games on starry 

nights, garage sales on lazy Saturdays, spicy vegetarian dinners on hungry nights and walks in the sunny 

afternoons around the neighborhood. Why did she have to go? 

“I’ll miss you,” dadi said as the wave of memories retreated. 

“I’ll miss you too,” I managed to get out before my voice cracked. The only thing I was thinking 

about was dadi and dadoo picked up their bags and left was that spicy sweet woman that would be back 

soon but not soon enough. 

“Goodbye,” was the last thing dadi said to me before she left. Where is the good in goodbye? 

Can you tell me? 

Kiran Arora 

Age: 11 

Spring Harbor Middle School 

Madison, Wisconsin 

Parent/Guardian: Leigh Arora 

4 Care Wisconsin | Best Time Ever Contest


The Best Time Ever 

The best time ever was when I was with my grandpa one day at his chicken farm. The first thing 

we did was eat breakfast. Grandpa and I had pancakes, eggs, sausage, and bacon. Then we went out to 

the barn. Right when grandpa and I got there, we started collecting eggs. After we were done Grandpa 

and I went and took a break. We sat on the lawn chairs and I said, “So far this has been the best day 

ever.” Grandpa said that he thought it was too. When we were done talking, we went and fed the 

chickens. When we were done feeding them, we cleaned their cubbies. With the chores done, we went 

back to his house. That was the best day ever! I am very sad now because he passed away on November 

19, 2006, and I miss him a lot. 

Cory Daniel Bauman 

Age: 11 

Monticello Middle School 

Monticello, Wisconsin 

Parent/Guardian: Denise Bauman 


Larrisa Blazek 

Age: 10 



Parents/Guardians: Jenny and Dean Blazek 


[INSERT ARTWORK # 3]

Jenga 

We were at the mystical castle of Zaria (aka my house) and we were playing the game that 

decides if we live or die… Kidding my grampy would never let me play a game like that. I wouldn’t even 

want to play a game like that. We were actually playing Jenga. You are only supposed to have one hand 

touching the tower at all times but he likes to make sure the thing doesn’t fall with his other hand but 

that’s cheating. So when he cheats his wife, my grammy, has to yell at him and when she does say, hey 

your cheating take one of your hands off the tower, he does this funky hilarious grin. Like he thinks it’s 

funny to cheat. Well I don’t think it’s funny that he cheats but that grin is really strange and funny. But 

what’s really funny is sometimes he doesn’t know he’s cheating so he’s all surprised when he gets yelled 

at. 

My grampy is so funny and I love him. He likes to make my sister and me laugh. 

I can’t wait until the next time we play Jenga! 

Aly Boettcher 

Age: 12 

Kettle Moraine Middle School 

Dousman, Wisconsin 

Parent/Guardian: Andy Boettcher 



The Rocket 

Most 12‐year‐old boys don’t get a chance to ride in a 48 Willies army jeep. I got to build one with 

my grandpa. My grandpa is truly a hard worker. He isn’t tall but he is super strong. I have never seen him 

give up on anything to this day. He owns and maintains a carwash. Some of his hobbies are 

woodworking and craftsmanship. One big accomplishment of his is that he built his own house. 

“Hey, Liam,” my grandpa said over the phone. “How would you like to build a jeep out of some 

spare parts I have?” 

“Um that would be great.” 

“Great, I’ll get started,” replied my grandpa. 

A week later, I was at his house in the Pennsylvania countryside. About two days after I got there 

we started. But first we went to a lot of sheds back and forth getting parts. We spent almost every other 

day I was there working on it. During that time I learned to use so many different tools, (hammers, 

wrenches, bolts, and screw drivers) and much more I couldn’t believe it. The thing I remember most is 

sitting in this old rusty chair watching the Today Show while grandpa worked on the jeep and asked me 

to bring different tools to him. 

Then all the sudden I heard the sound of the engine for the first time and knew that was the start 

to something great. That is how I had the best time ever with my grandpa. Now my grandpa has had 

100+ passengers ride in the jeep, which we call the rocket, and had all of them sign the jeep with a 

sharpie. It is called the rocket because my brother thought it went really fast. 

Liam Boswell 

Age: 12 



Parents/Guardians: Bill Boswell and Sharon Sumner

Darius Bottorff 

Age: 13 



Parent/Guardian: Jill Bottorff 





The Best Times ever spent with my Grandma 

She lives at the age of 59. Her birthday is on March 14 th . 

She loves going to Mexico with her friends and family. When my grandma, mom, and me went, it 

was the best time I ever spent with my grandma. 

The ocean waters flowed through our fingers. 

The smell of salt water stings with every breath, sand between our toes. 

We lay beside and watch the clouds go by. 

Laying in a hammock on the beach watching the sun go down as it glows on our skin. 

At night we watch the stars reflect on the endless blue ocean. 

It was paradise with her every sunrise. 

Kelsey Broesch 

Age: 11 

Forest Lane Elementary School 

Montello, Wisconsin 

Parent/Guardian: Kelly Broesch

Grandpa’s Helicopter 

I heard my cousins playing and my aunts and uncles talking as I sat next my grandpa. We were 

watching Battle over Britain. As we watched the movie we recited the airplanes that were in the movie. 

“There is a Meshcershmit over there grandpa. Did you see it?” I yelled excitingly. 

“I did see it. Look it’s a BF‐2 Fortress,” he croaked out delighted at the sight of the giant metal 

titan. We went on to reciting the airplanes until finally the movie was over. 

My grandpa slowly stood up and walked over to me with something in is his hand. There was a 

tiny helicopter on the landing pad. The propellers on the helicopter began to rotate really fast then he 

let go. The helicopter flew in that air for several seconds before descending into my grandpa’s meaty 

hand. The landing pad and helicopter were dropped into my tiny bony hands. 

“Here you go Silas, it’s yours,” grandpa cheerfully said. 

My eyes welled up with tears as I hugged him with all my might. 

Silas Bruno 



Parents/Guardians: Karen and Joe Bruno 


The Best Time Ever With my Friend Paul! 

“Rap,” my friend Paul says with delight. 

I sigh, being one card away from a royal flush. 

15 minutes earlier… My grandma, my brother, my friend Paul and I sit at the kitchen table. 

We munch on popcorn and sip root beer while we are playing a round of rap poker. The object of 

the game is you get dealt 5 cards and you keep trading cards from the deck until you get a great hand. 

Then you knock on the table and say rap to show your good hand to everybody. 

I get dealt a queen of diamonds, a king of diamonds, a jack of diamonds, a 10 of diamonds and a 

2 of hearts. All I need is an ace to finish my victory deck! 

First Paul is up. I hope he doesn’t have an ace of diamonds or I am dead. He draws a card, not 

acting too suspicious. Now it is my turn. I reach the card carefully hoping for an ace. 

“Darn,” I shout in my head. 

All I got is a 6 of spades. My brother and my grandma went. But by the look on their faces I think 

I’m in the clear. Next up is Paul. 

I am so nervous that I am pleading in my head saying, “Don’t say wrap!” 

But as soon as I see him pick up the card with a devilish look on his face, I realize that my whole 

deck crumbles like a burning building. 

“Rap!” he says with delight. 

I say, “Good game.” 

Then I sigh, being one card away from a royal flush. 

Jacob Busher 

Age: 12 

Mt. Horeb Middle School 

Mt. Horeb, Wisconsin 

Parents/Guardians: Mary and Dave Busher 


The Best Time Ever I Spent With Max 

The best time ever was going to Skelly’s Pumpkin Patch with my cousin Max who has a terminal 

disease called Mucopolysaccharidoses, so we cherish everyday with him. My other cousin, Max’s brother 

Kevin, died from the same disease two years ago. The first thing we did was to play with the ducks and 

Max really liked playing in the water, splashing it and then we saw the new playground! Max could not 

get on because it was too hard for him to climb around so we found a large wooden tractor on the 

playground and we pretended Max was driving us. My sister Maddie really wanted to ride the real 

tractor around so off to the wagon ride we went. When we got on it Max was screaming and having a 

blast! Next we went to get some donuts because we really like them and Max loved them! After eating 

we dressed up fake people and Max was laughing ecstatically and throwing clothes at us. Next we all 

looked at pumpkins, helping Max’s mom picking out the perfect one for her and Max. We saw two dogs 

that were so nice and they gave Max a few kisses but he didn’t care, he just laughed. Lastly we went 

through a kid maze because the impossible maze they had was really impossible for Max to walk 

through or be pushed in his wheelchair. My sisters and I did end up going through the maze with Max 

watching us and laughing at us because laughing happily is his favorite thing to do. The maze was kind of 

hard, but lots of fun. Finally at the end of our day we took some family pictures and headed home. 

Those pictures are ones that our family will treasure forever. 

Alexis Butt 

Age: 11 

Marshall Middle School 

Janesville, Wisconsin 

Parents/Guardians: Shelly and Matt Butt 



The Best time ever 

My cousin Haley was born with Hemagioma’s. They were in her neck and face and her intestines. 

She had a stroke when she was just a few months old. The right side of her body is disabled. She beat all 

the doctors’ odds. They said she would never walk or talk. She is so smart and she is doing great in 

school. She can keep up with the rest of us cousins when we are running around. Haley is in 6 th grade 

now. She is such a miracle. My brother and I are very protective of her because we love her so much. 

Being with her is so fun. She’s one of the funniest people I know. She is so nice. Me and Haley have a lot 

in common. We like to play sports like baseball. The biggest one I think we have in common is being 

outdoors with friends or family or playing games together. 

One of the best times ever with Haley is when we went up north. We went to a resort with 

Haley’s family, mine and are other uncle and his family. It was really hot and there was no cloud in the 

sky. Then we went down by the water and there was a raft that we have. So we decided let’s go 

swimming. So we ran back to the cabins to get our suits on. Haley was done waiting for me and my older 

brother David. Me and David ran and down without stopping. 

We swam to the raft. Then we got on the raft and said, “You coming Haley?” 

No answer. 

I could tell she was a little nervous. So my brother and I encouraged her. Then she jumped and 

swam out. 

“Hey Haley nice job,” I said 

“Thanks,”’ replied Haley. 

Ben Carrao 

Age: 12 



Parents/Guardians: Sue and Tim Carrao

Boat Trip 

I remember it was a warm spring night. My grandfather had taken me and my cousin out fishing. 

“All right, ya’ll ready to go fishing?” My Grandpa said, while scratching his gray mustache. His 

broad shoulders set, his plump belly faced the lake. His short, curly hair was under his fishing hat. His 

hazel eyes determined on catching a giant fish that day. He walked onto the raft like boat. 

“Ya’ll don’t need to be scared! It’s just water. It ain’t gone hurt ya!” he bellowed. We got into the 

boat with him. 

“Now I know none of ya’ll know how to row a boar, and ya definitely aren’t strong enough to row 

both oars so I’m gonna show you how to row a boat then I’ll have you row us back? Deal?” My cousin 

Tony that was with us said deal. He rowed off into the center of the lake, and he made it seem easy, like 

he had done this before. And then we stopped. He said… 

“All right, your lures are tied for ya, and the fish should be swimming” about at this time. Throw 

your lure into the water like this and wait for a bite!” He threw the lure far out into the water without 

any struggle whatsoever. And so did my cousin Tony! I failed a few hundred times. After I finally got my 

lure into the water my grandfather pulled out a Bass! It looked humungous compared to my size, since I 

was five at the time! He lifted it up like it was some type of dumbbell! Then he threw it back in the 

water. Then Tony hooked a fish and it snatched the fishing rod right out of his hands! 

“Well that’s a fishing rod lost. Let’s head back. The fish aren’t going to be biting anymore.” Right 

then I caught a fish on my lure, and when I pulled it I thought it would be a big one and yanked as hard 

as possible and I had tipped the whole boat over. My Grandpa put the boat right side up and then went 

under to get me before I drowned. My cousin Tony knew how to swim though. After we were all on the 

boat, Grandpa started rowing us back to the shore. When we got out of the boat and started walking 

back to his SUV, Tony said… 

“Well now we know why Miguel doesn’t go fishing!” We all laughed. 

Miguel Chestnut 

Age: 13 



Parent/Guardian: Janice Chestnut 



The Best Time I Ever spent with 

Great Grandma Berniece 

I am writing to you about my great grandma Berniece, sadly she died when I was in 5 th grade, I 

miss her truly. I will never forget the times that my brother, family members, and I shared with her. 

Here are some of the memories I have of my great grandma Berniece. My grandma’s favorite 

thing to do was play the card games rook and the game spoons. The day that I found out she was dying, I 

knelt by her bed and said, “I will never forget the times we had playing rook, and I’ll miss you and, I love 

you.” When I got home from school the next day my mom told me that she died. 

I will never forget when she always called me Hailey, my mom said it was Kailee, but she still 

went on with the whole Hailey thing. That got old really fast so my mom started calling me Hailey, Later 

that day when my grandma heard my mom call me Hailey, my grandma said “that’s not Hailey, it’s 

Kailee” so I thought that was funny. 

Well now you know about my great grandma and about the great memories we shared. I hope to 

hear about your grandmas too and, always I Love You Grandma. 

Kailee Coffey 

Age: 12 

Deerfield Middle School 

Deerfield, Wisconsin 

Parents/Guardians: Jill and Tory Coffey

The Best Time I Ever Spent with My Grandpa 

It was a warm summer day when I was in Colorado Springs, CO, visiting my Grandparents. They 

had recently moved there because my Grandpa, who was a retired Marine, got a job as an instructor at 

the Air Force base. 

They took me to Garden of the Gods, which was not too far from their house. We climbed 

around on the rocks. 

Afterwards we went to the base. He told me all about the Academy and all about being in the 

Marines. He inspired me as he told me about the training that the Air Force and the Marines did, and 

how proud he felt serving the country even though some parts were scary. I interrupted, “How Scary?” 

He said, “Scarier than most rides like the Tower of Terror.” “Wow, Grandpa you’re brave!” I replied. 

Now my uncles are following in his footsteps and are also Marines. I see how scary it is from just 

watching the news. I can’t imagine how scary it would be for me if they weren’t around. 

Grandpa, Ryan, and A.J. if you read this, I want you to know that I love you for who you are. I’m 

also glad that you are protecting me, our family, and the rest of the Country. Just watching a movie 

about war, I get teary eyed when one of them is dying or getting hurt. I can’t help but think that could be 

you. I love you guys more than anything in the world! 

Cera Connely 

Age: 13 



Parents/Guardians: Rani and Rex Connely 


One Ordinary Place… One Extraordinary Day… 

One fine spring day, with a chill in the air, and the birds singing away like angels in harmony, my 

Grandpa and I went to McDonald’s for lunch. My parents and Grandma went too, but they are not the 

stars of this story! 

Soon we were off, and by the time we got to McDonald’s, my Grandpa and I were starving! So 

quick as a flash, we found ourselves a booth that was as squishy as a sponge. 

Once we were all settled in our seats, we strolled up to the counter, and a worker asked us what 

we would like to order. I had always been a fan of French fries with ketchup ever since my Grandpa 

hooked me on them. 

The man at the cash register looked down at me and asked me what I would like. I looked up at 

my Grandpa and started smiling. Then he told the worker in an entertaining voice that still makes me 

laugh today, “She’ll have some French fries with lots of ketchup!” The man smiled, and gave us our food. 

We sat down, ate, and giggled. 

Once everyone was done eating, we all got back into the car and headed for home. During the 

car ride, my Grandpa turned around in his seat, held up a McDonald’s bag, and told me that he had extra 

fries with lots of ketchup! I nodded, laid my head back on the seat, and put a grin on from ear to ear. 

Then I thought to myself, “This will be a day I’ll never forget.” 

Jamie Cwik 

Age: 12 



Parents/Guardians: Natalie and Douglas Cwik 


The End

Taking my grandpa out to eat 

“Knock Knock” are you home? My grandpa and I are going to a restaurant called Mykonos. We’re 

taking his green Buick. The ride was about 15 minutes long. When we got there the waitress said, “How 

may I take your order?” 

I took my grandpa out to eat with my birthday money. He ordered liver, and I ordered a 

cheeseburger. He was about 79 years old at the time. He said his food was good, and took a to go box 

home. Then we both ordered dessert, and the bill was about $26.69. He said thanks and I paid the bill 

and we left. On the way home he said funny jokes in the car. 

Overall I was happy that my grandpa had a good time. We both ate good at a nice restaurant. I 

will take him out to eat again if I have enough money! 

Wardell Dodds 

Age: 11 

Lake Shore Middle School 

Mequon, Wisconsin 



The Time I Will Never Forget 

According to Webster’s Dictionary the word grandma means mother’s mother or father’s 

mother. My grandma, or whom I call my Nonny, means much more to me than just my mom’s mom. My 

Nonny loves to knit and she is amazing at it. She knits for me, my brothers, my cousins, and even my 

mom. She travels all over the world with my Papa or Grandpa. They have been to Spain, Italy, and even 

Brazil. Overall, I always look forward to spending time with my Nonny when I can. 

Most people have just seen The Little Mermaid on DVDs, but I have seen it in New York live on 

Broadway. I traveled to New York with my Nonny for a whole weekend. We went to the Broadway 

Center and saw The Little Mermaid right in front of us. My Nonny and I also went to see my little cousins 

at their apartment before they moved to Chicago. I loved going to New York and spending time with my 

Nonny. 

I think that it is great that I got to spend a whole weekend with my Nonny. Spending time with 

my Nonny was the best time ever because we had a ton of fun together. It meant a lot to me that my 

Nonny was able to get me a plane and show ticket. I loved going because my Nonny and I got to see my 

cousins and spend a lot of time with just her and I. I was very fortunate to have my Nonny be healthy 

enough to take me because she has been sick for the last couple of years. 

Talia Eiseman 

Age: 11 



Parents/Guardians: Robyn and Marc Eiseman

Isabelle’s Friend 

Isabelle lived on my street. 

She went to my school, too. 

I imagine that not many kids were willing to be her friend 

because of her inability to do certain things other kids could do. 

I didn’t realize quite how much it meant to be her friend. 

I just played with her. 

We watched movies and made food in a little plastic kitchen. 

We even had a picnic in her front yard with a couple of her neighbors. 

She didn’t have a huge physical disability, 

But her condition was still sad to see. 

I was happy to be able to give her my friendship. 

I hope that more people will find it in their hearts to be friends with Isabelle. 

As a page would be to the story of life, Isabelle is to everybody else. 

Rachel Feit 

Age: 12 



Parents/Guardians: Jennifer and Tim Feit 

She deserves all that everyone else deserves. 



Grandma Creagan 

Ice cream lover 

Contagious laugh 

Love to play cards 

Good bridge player 

False teeth 

Prankster 

Loves her family 

White curly hair 

Garage sale queen 

Hates to cook 

Loves to garden 

Not a good singer 

Would do anything for family 

Funny goofy loving grandma 

Loves to dress up on Halloween 

Always needs hearing aids in 

Likes to take me shopping 

Likes birds 

Favorite bird is the humming bird 

Life is devoted to grandchildren 

Loud mouth 

No one could ever replace her 

She is one of a kind 

Cassidy Fitzgerald 

Age: 13 

Parkview Junior High School 

Orfordville , Wisconsin 

Parents/Guardians: Michelle Mathewson and Jack Fitzgerald

The Little White Two‐Story House 

My Grandma was not a great person. At least she was not the kind of person we would study in 

school. When I would walk up the snow drenched driveway to the little white two‐story house, my mom 

would open the garage door and we would scamper up to the plain white door. 

As I would walk in carrying all the presents for my cousins, I would hear, “Oh you’re here.” 

Grandma’s frail arms would be coming to give me a warm hug. She was so small; she was only about 

four inches taller than me. Her gray curly hair would brush up against my cheek and she would give me a 

kiss before moving on to my Mom. 

I would walk into the kitchen where the honey‐like smell of Christmas cookies was in the air. 

When I opened the oven to peek I would see the Santa and bell shaped cookies baking. 

Beyond the kitchen was the mall dining room, filled with the beautiful table and china cabinet 

that my grandfather had made. On the table was a vase of daisies, lilies, and roses. In the cabinet was a 

set of amazingly polished set of dishes with pink roses on them. The glass on the china cabinet was put 

together in a leaf‐shaped pattern. 

I would calmly walk into broad living room where Grandma Stanke and my mom were sitting and 

talking about things like how they had been. My mom would say, “Mom, how have you been feeling 

lately?” Grandma Stanke would reply, “Oh, fine,” but then start complaining about how loud her 

neighbors are. In the living room there was a big floral couch, a chocolate brown leather recliner, and a 

little soft pink chair. Grandma Stanke liked to wear capris and layered sweaters. As soon as Grandma 

Stanke said, “Who wants to help frost some cookies?” we all gathered into the kitchen to make the 

frosting. The kitchen had a little oven on one side of the room and a dishwasher on the other. The 

counters covered most of the side of the room the dishwasher. I got out the milk and sugar and my mom 

got out the other ingredients. Because it would take a while to make the frosting, I went upstairs to the 

guest bedroom where my mom and I would be staying. In the bedroom there was a little crib with a 

small blue bunny stuffed animal that I loved dearly. I would play with it for hours when I was little. 

I peeked into Grandma Stanke’s room. It was pretty much all pink. I wasn’t even sure if she liked 

pink. Seeing the bible on her night stand, it reminded me of when we would go every winter to the 

cottage that my Grandfather had made. We called it “The Little Red Barn.” At the cottage, when I was 

going to sleep in my bunk bed, I would see Grandma Stanke in the platform bed next to me looking at 

the bible and almost falling asleep. She would always pick up that same bible every night; she must have 

read it a lot of times. I guess she never got tired of it. 

As I remembered, I started to hear my mom and Grandma Stanke coming upstairs. They 

(Continued on next page.) 


went into Grandma Stanke’s room, so I followed them. Grandma Stanke was showing us her new “hip” 

shoes. We wondered what new shoe she had gotten this time. 

Hungry we all went down stairs to check on the cookies. The cookies were done cooling, so my 

mom got the frosting out of the fridge. We started to frost the Santa cookies using spoons and butter 

knifes. I when I would frost the Santa cookies. The Santa didn’t even look like Santa anymore. But when 

Grandma Stanke would frost them they would look as beautiful as flowers. Looking at mine she would 

give out a little laugh and then would give me a big Grandma hug. 

My Grandma is not a great person, or at least not the kind to put in a book, but she is just as 

awesome as any other cookies‐decorating Grandma!!! 

Meg Fitzpatrick 

Age: 11 



Parent/Guardian: Faith Fitzpatrick 


Remembering Grandpa 

My Grandpa had an oxygen tank and he had to use it all the time. It was hard for us to go places 

with him or to do anything as a family, because we had to make sure we took enough oxygen for him. I 

remember when I use to sit in his room with him and watch wrestling and football; it was the best times. 

Whenever one of the kids got yelled at grandpa made sure we got out of it very quickly. I miss 

having him around. He died three years ago, the day before Christmas. I got him and my grandma 

matching mugs, but he never got his. I still keep his mug and hold it every once in a while. I do this just 

to remember how wonderful he was. I can almost put myself right back in the days when he was here. 

I remember when one night he asked me to come into his room with him. All the other girls got 

mad because he only wanted to see me. He gave me lots of candy and then I combed his hair for him 

and scratched his back for him. We watched baseball, it was a fun night. When we moved to Wisconsin 

from Florida he stayed there with my aunt and uncle. I missed him and wished he could have come with 

us. When we got the call from our aunt, I didn’t know what was wrong. After grandma told me I went to 

the Christmas tree, grabbed the mug and wrapped it for him, and held it for a while to remember the 

fun times. I get his mug out every year on Christmas and wish he could come back for just one more 

time even for just a minute so I could say goodbye. 

Wendi Glancy 

Age: 12 

Adams‐Friendship Middle School 

Adams, Wisconsin 

Parent/Guardian: Barbara Duffman 



Driving a Convertible 

My Grandma Gloria isn’t like a typical grandma. Instead of doing puzzles, knitting, and playing 

BINGO, Grandma Gloria does a lot cooler stuff. You might be surprised that my grandma golfs, travels, 

kayaks, and even drives four wheelers. 

One day I had the chance to experience how fun my grandma really is. First she gave me a ride 

around the course on her big red 4 wheeler that she got 3 years ago. Then she let me drive! She made 

me go 15 mph pas the other houses. (Later her neighbor was mad because we were going too fast and 

scaring deer!) But when we go into the open road, I went 25 and I hit all the bumps! 

“Why do you have a 4 wheeler?” I asked. 

“I love the wind in my face. This is my convertible,” she replied, and “I can go everywhere I 

want.” 

We kept driving for another mile then we got to this old farm that had a Ford Mustang in it and 

turned around. One the way back we saw a doe, a fawn, and a little garter snake. I almost ran it over! 

When I got back to my grandma’s house she asked me if I had ever been four wheeling before. I 

said, “Yes, but nothing this fun! The other times I drove I almost flipped it over on a turn!” 

Driving grandma’s convertible really rocks, just like her. 

Carson Gloede 

Age: 12 



Parent/Guardian: Stacy Gloede

The Best Time I Ever Spent With my Great Grandma 

The moment I walked in the funeral home, I could feel the sadness of everyone. When I was 

almost up to say goodbye my eyes started to tear up. My grandma came up and put her arm around me 

saying, “It will be ok.” When I got up to the casket I started to remember the day I fell down and scraped 

my arm. 

I was really little, I had fell down and scraped my arm. I remember falling down and not being 

able to move my arm for a while. 

My great grandma was the first to come and take me in the house. 

When I got in the house I laid down on the couch and five minutes later my great grandma 

brought me this huge bowl of ice cream! 

The ice cream was topped with hot fudge, sprinkles, and a cherry. I could just feel the hot fudge 

running down my throat. 

on! 

When we finished the ice cream we turned on the TV and my favorite show Bob the Builder was 

My great grandma said that she didn’t have TV when she was growing up. 

My jaw dropped straight to the floor. And I said, “How could you live without TV?” She said, 

“Well TV didn’t exist back then!” My eyes grew wide and I almost fainted! 

From then on I always asked my great grandma how she lived without TV! Her answer was 

always we had to be outside all day! 

Whenever I think of her now, I just want a huge bowl of ice cream and some random story 

coming from her mouth. 

I will always remember the time we spent together. 

On the day of the funeral I just wanted ice cream covered in chocolate syrup, sprinkles all over 

the top, and most of all the famous cherry that she always put on top. 

Morgan Goodyear 

Age: 12 

Richland Middle School 

Richland Center, Wisconsin 

Parent/Guardian: Tammy Goodyear 


The Best Time I Ever Had With You 

The ways you looked at me while lying in bed made me dread 

The way you spoke so soft so light 

The person you are and the person you use to be are two different people 

I didn’t think he’d take you from me before I said goodbye 

But those nights we spent together made me feel so alive 

You are my hero 

Although you are not alive 

But you make me feel good in and out, in and out, in and out of time 

Your whisper of secret 

Your time of despair 

It all came together and let me know you were still there 

Me sitting here wondering where 

Makes it seem not all there 

The sound of your voice during that time let me know you were still alive 

But now that you’re gone my life is a lie 

Although there’s not telling why 

I love you more and more every day and I can’t wait to see your smiling face in heaven with 

Wayne and my baby brother 

I dearly love you guys so! 


R.I.P. 

Great Grandma Edna Dish 

1934‐2009 

I miss you grandma. It’s been a long three years without you! 

Kara Green 

Age: 12 



Parent/Guardian: Connie Rynes

The Best Time I Spent With My Grandpa 

The best time spent with my grandpa was when we went to a program at UW Madison called 

Grandparent University. We got to stay in a dorm room with each other and take college classes. The 

class we picked was dairy science, so we got to milk cows and clean stalls together. Also, every day we 

ate meals at a campus cafeteria and the food was delicious. A few times he and I even walked down to 

Memorial Union and got ice cream at Babcock Hall. 

When we were in the dairy science class, one of the things I remember best is putting my hand 

inside a cow’s butt. We learned that this is the way dairy scientists can look at the uterus, to do things 

such as an ultrasound. Even after learning this, my grandpa had no interest in participating. One other 

thing we could do was put our hand in a cow’s stomach, and my grandpa and I both partook in this 

activity. It was really cool because the food they eat just sits in a cow’s stomach, but near the bottom it 

turns into a warm liquid. I know it sounds gross, but my grandpa and I agreed that it was an excellent 

experience. 

I really enjoyed everything, but most of all I liked it because I got to spend time with my grandpa, 

and we learned more about each other. My grandpa is very active, and he is 67 years old. He lives in 

Janesville with my grandma, and we see them about once a month. I’m very lucky to have him as a 

grandpa and I love him a lot. I can’t imagine living without him. 

Scott Hall 

Age: 11 

Mt. Horeb Middle School 

Mt. Horeb, Wisconsin 

Parents/Guardians: Amy and Steve Hall 




My Grandma and Grandpa 

The best time I ever spent with my grandparents was when I spent the night with them. When I 

spent the night at my grandparent’s house we picked raspberries from a raspberry bush. My grandma 

makes the best raspberry jelly. My brother and I can’t get enough of it. Picking the berries was fun. I 

loved it! 

When I spend the night at their house, they always have fun things planned. They let me stay up 

past my bedtime until I get tired. They serve me big meals and ice cream or pumpkin bars for dessert. 

That always fills me up! Being at their house is always a blast! 

Natalie Mae Hanson 

Age: 11 



Parents/Guardians: Shirley and Mark Hanson

My Favorite Person Over The Age of 50 

One of my favorite things to do in life is to just talk with my Grandma Hardy. She is so nice; she 

basically lets me do anything. When I go to her house she asks if I want a soda or anything to drink even 

if it’s 9:00 in the morning. When I go to her house she always has candy sitting out for anyone to eat. 

When she comes over to visit of for a special occasion, she always brings 3 bags of M&Ms for my 

brother, my sister and I. I think it’s kind of like a tradition because she has done this since we were little 

kids. She gives us my favorite juice when I go to her house, which is apple juice. My grandma and I 

always have some good laughs together. When we see each other we both crack each other up. My 

grandma and I always put smiles on each other’s faces. I love my grandma so much. My Grandma and 

Papa got into a fight with my parents when I was young. I didn’t see them for 6 years. It was pretty 

tough but when we saw each other after that we were so happy. Knowing that I get to see my Grandma 

again makes my whole life so much happier. 

Max Hardy 

Age: 13 

Silverbrook Middle School 

West Bend, Wisconsin 

Parent/Guardian: Kristen Hardy 


Grace Hershberg 

Age: 12 



Parent/Guardian: Ann Waile 


When They Stare 

When they stare at her I want to cry 

I want to give them the devil’s eye 

She’s a sweetie but they don’t know 

How much she thinks or what she knows 

When I read to her I smile 

Just knowing my sister inside has a heart as long as a mile 

Her face lights up as she reads a long 

Autism doesn’t slow her down no, she’s strong 

Reading is our way of life 

It’s what bonds us 

So what if Maddy has autism 

She’s still my sister and I still love her 

And reading is our great time 

When they stare 

I wonder what runs through their mind

The Big, Blue Blanket 

Do you remember times with your Grandma? I certainly do. My Grandma is an amazing person 

who tries her best to come to all of my concerts. She also tries to get down to Sun Prairie for holidays or 

just regular weekends. She is excellent at chess and knitting. 

This event took place at my 12 th birthday party in my basement. She had totally surprised me by 

coming down from Eau Claire. I had just remodeled my room and it was very boring, with not a lot of 

color. For my birthday, I had asked for stuff to put in my room. When I opened her present, I jumped up 

and gave her a hug. It was a big, blue, knitted, blanket!!! Blue is my favorite color and she must have 

taken months to make it. I felt very special knowing she had made me a blanket with her hands. 

This is one of my many special times I shared with my grandma. I feel very blessed to have her in 

my life. 

Nick Horky 

Age: 12 



Parent/Guardian: Lori Horky 


Al Rickey Hughan 

Age: 13 





The Best Time I Ever Spent With Kimberly 

When Kimberly was just two years old, her parents found out she had cerebral palsy; a condition 

that causes difficulty in walking. She also has autism. 

Two years ago, on Fourth of July, my family and I went over to Kimberly’s house. First, she led me 

to her room. She made her way over to the toy box, struggling to get there, walking with her legs turned 

inward. As I watched I felt sad and proud at the same time. She brought back a puzzle and finished it 

with me. 

Next we watched the fireworks. Kimberly began crying and started pleading to go inside. Her 

mom opened the door for her and was about to go inside when I offered instead. 

After she calmed down we started coloring. Kimberly colored a cow and I colored a cat. Soon it 

was time to go. We hugged and said goodbye. As we were driving away, I saw her smiling face through 

the window, her blond curls framing her face, her big blue eyes sparkling. I saw her say “Next time,” 

before she turned around. I felt glad knowing I would come back next year. 

Two years later, Kimberly is eight years old and has just had surgery on her legs to try and help 

her walk better. She is always happy and teaching everyone she meets, especially me, to live life happy 

and to only think of the positive. She has taught me to be thankful for what I have, especially to be able 

to walk and play like everyone else. Most importantly, Kimberly has taught me to never give up no 

matter how difficult something may be and thanks to her, I won’t. 

Jessica Jacobs 

Age: 12 



Parents/Guardians: Mark and Brenda Jacobs 


The Best Time With My Grandma 

The best time I ever had with my grandma. We were up north and we were going fishing on a 

boat. I was about nine years old and we were going up north for a vacation away from the house and so 

we went where I wanted to go. That was up north because I wanted to be with my grandma. It was 

pretty cold out but really nice to go fishing so I asked my grandma if we could go fishing on the boat. 

When we went fishing she was making fun of me because the wind was making my line go all over the 

place it went left and right and even under the boat. We had the best time out there, I would have 

stayed on the boat all night if I wanted to. My grandma said that we could go on the boat the next day if 

we wanted to, to see if the wind would let down. It did but it still was windy out just not as windy as the 

other day. My grandma is the best grandma in the whole world she stayed on the boat till I caught my 

first fish. It took a wail but I got there I only caught a sunfish. I was really happy that I caught my first fish 

that day. I went to get the camera when my grandma put the fish in the bucket with some water, so the 

fish would not die. We had to let the fish go but I did not want to let it go because I love fish and going 

fishing. That was the best trip I ever went on. My grandma and I are like always stuck together. When 

I’m with her I’m always next to her never away but next to her. I love my grandma so much if I wanted 

to I would live with her for the rest of my life, that’s how much I love my grandma. 

Brittany Jensen 

Age: 12 

Central Middle School 

Waukesha, Wisconsin 

Parents/Guardians: Leann and Ken Jensen 



My abuelito is very special to me. He arrives in a red Ford truck and parks in front of the brown 

brick walls. Out come my grandparents, walking towards the two sliding doors. They come in the apt 

#204 and there they are. I come sprinting across the house and give them a hug so big they can’t 

breathe. I haven’t seen grandpa in a long time. He is very tall and is the bravest man I know, always plays 

with us. He is super brave because he always is willing to do anything like he can still ride a bike. He 

always wears buttoned‐down shirts, and wears some glasses, and is old and wrinkly. 

When I saw my abuelito Nacho he (of course) was wearing a buttoned‐down shirt and some 

sunglasses. The funny thing was that my sister had only ever seen him at a very young age and doesn’t 

remember him, so she was very scared. She was so scared she ran to the bathroom and looked like the 

roadrunner. That same day she got to meet him and now we want to see him all the time. 

My best time ever was. It was a very sunny morning and my coffee‐breath abuelito woke me up 

to go walking to the park. We walked over to the park witch was about two or three blocks. The park 

smelled like grass and dew and believe it or not there were no people at the big park it looked like it 

wasn’t going to rain, and of course it was green. At the park we played soccer. My abuelito Nacho is very 

energetic. After playing he won because he is like a pro. That day I walked home wary energetic and 

proud about bonding with my abuelito. My grandpa is super special to me. 

Christian Jimenez 

Age: 12 



Parent/Guardian: Esmeralda Rodriguez 




The First Time at Grandma’s 

I’ve enjoyed spending time with my grandma. The first time I went over to her house, I thought it 

wouldn’t be fun. I love my grandma; it’s just that I didn’t think Grandma would like to do what I like to 

do. But it turned out to be really fun! Grandma helped me make a fort, which surprised me! hen we 

made my favorite peanut butter cookies. While we were eating them, grandma and I got out a puzzle 

and completed it! It was really pretty when it was finished. 

While grandma went to the grocery store, grandpa took me to the park. He pushed me on the 

tire swing; I went around really fast! He would watch me go down a really big slide. I was scared at first, 

so he promised he would catch me at the bottom, and he did. Afterward, we went to his garden to pick 

some fruits and veggies. Later that night, grandma, grandpa and I put some in our ice cream. It was so 

good! After we had ice cream, we brushed our teeth and went to bed. I got the guest bedroom! The 

room had the really big bed! I went to bed, and grandma kissed me good night. Zzzz. 

(Continued on next page.)

The next morning we made jam so we could have jelly and toast. We got really sticky and messy. 

The toast tasted so much better than the one we get in a jar from the store. Now they send us pumpkin 

bread and homemade jam all the time. That was the best time ever! 

This was truly written for them. I love you more than anything in the world. 

Love, your favorite granddaughter! 

Courtney Kammes 

Age: 11 



Parents/Guardians: Anjie and Tony Kammes 


The best time I ever spent with my grandma 

This story is about the time my family and grandparents went to Florida. 

It all started when it was their 50 th wedding anniversary and our whole family decided to do 

something special. We decided to treat them to a vacation in Fort Myers Beach, Florida for Easter Break. 

We found a beautiful house to rent; it had the biggest private pool on the whole island!!!!! 

I thought about it and realized, I don’t spend a lot of time with my grandma, so I dedicated my 

first day of vacation to her. 

I got up and I told her my idea and she was so excited. So first we went to the beach. We found 

starfish and sand dollars, but they were alive, so we had to put them back. We even saw stingrays and a 

guy there let us have some food he had so we could throw it in the water to feed them. 

After that awesome time at the beach, we rode our bikes into the town square and went to lunch 

at Pete’s Time Out. We both ate until we couldn’t anymore. We both had seen something we had never 

seen before when we came out of the restaurant. It was a guy with a parrot on his shoulder!! His name 

was Sherbet and he even let my grandma and me hold her. 

My grandma and I rode our bikes on the beach back to the house. 

We grilled out and played pool volleyball. It was my cousins and I against my grandma and uncle. 

We won of course! 

That was the best day of my vacation. I learned that you can get caught up in life with school and 

activities, but you have to try and make time to spend with your family. 

I love you grandma!!! 

Sarah Karwowski 

Age: 12 

Greenfield Middle School 

Greenfield, Wisconsin 

Parents/Guardians: Kathy and Dan Karwowski 


The Best Times I Ever Spent With my Grandpa Bob 

My grandpa was a remarkable man before he passed away five years ago, just seven days before 

New Year’s Eve; his 77 th birthday. My Grandpa Bob passed away on Christmas Eve in 2006. That turned 

out to be a very sad Christmas. He died a very peaceful death with his wife of over 49 years and seven 

children surrounding him, this included my dad. 

My Grandpa Bob was a very successful man. He graduated from UW‐Madison and was a 

successful lawyer for fifty years. He was also involved in City and County government. My grandpa was 

involved in Keegan Implement, a business his father started, for over seventy years. He was a 

hardworking man. 

I remember how grandpa would always ask me, “Whose little boy are you?” I miss that. He loved 

joking around. 

One of the best times I ever spent with Bob is the “Memory Walk” in 2005. Keeg’s Crew entered 

the walk to help raise money and awareness for Alzheimer’s disease. I remember how it smelled like 

hotdogs and hamburgers there. Bob had Alzheimer’s disease. He also had Parkinson’s disease, but he 

still knew how to make everyone smile. 

My grandpa loved the Wisconsin Badgers. He had season tickets for both Badger football and 

hockey. I was too young to ever go to a game with him, but I’m sure if I’d been old enough I would have 

loved going. 

We also went camping and boating on the Mississippi River. I remember we would boat for a 

while and then go out to eat. We ate in a different town each time. I remember how bob loved going to 

homemade ice cream and fudge shops. I liked it too! 

My grandpa was a positive man who worked hard and played harder. I miss him. He will never be 

forgotten. 

Katelyn Keegan 

Age: 13 



Parents/Guardians: Anita and Patrick Keegan 



That’s My Papa 

I step into the large and bright white nursing home. A fresh new scent hits me as I walk towards 

the desk. We waited until the lady behind looked up. She had a smile on her face and a kind look in her 

eyes. 

“Hi welcome! Are you just visiting?” she asks warmly. 

“Yes, we’re here for Charles Kelly.” mom replied back. 

“Ok, right this way.” She got up and guided us to his room. There was a quiet click and then the 

slid op silently. 

I took a peek in to see. Papa’s room was small and cozy. The lights dimmed so the only light you 

saw was a flashing TV screen. It looked almost like a college dorm. Only it was a bit bigger and more for a 

grown up. He also shared a room with someone else, but he wasn’t here at the moment. On his side was 

a bed, small closet, a TV and dresser, and a rocking chair placed in front of the TV. Sitting in that rocking 

chair was my Papa. 

“Why, who do we have here?” He greeted us, smiling as he turns around. 

“Hi Papa,” I greet back and walk up to hug him. Mom comes over and takes my place and hugs 

him a bit tighter. That’s when the visit starts. 

It gets harder to come up to Missouri, but when we do we always go see him! Mom and he catch 

up on things, as grownups do. They talk, laugh, and smile all the while. It’s been a while since we’ve seen 

him and it’s a nice time to visit, but the visit had to come to an end sometime. 

We all start to get up and walk out. We get closer to the exit and suddenly our arms are hooked 

close together. Mom was on his left and me on his right. 

Some folks walk by smiling and Papa says, “That’s my granddaughter.” 

I smile shyly and then we all step outside. Hugs and kisses are passed and then we walk towards 

the car. We turn to wave back and smile and he returns the wave. That’s my Papa and I’m his 

granddaughter. 

Melissa Kelly 

Age: 12 



Parent/Guardians: Kim and Tim Kelly

Brock Kiefer 

Age: 13 



Parent/Guardian: Brian Kiefer 



Gabrielle Kluth 

Age: 13 



Parents/Guardians: Micheala and James Kluth 



The Best Time Ever!! 

The best time I ever had was with a kid named Noah. My dad and I took him bear hunting for a 

Safari Wish. We take disabled kids on hunts. Noah and I went bear hunting for 3 days. He always talks 

about wanting to hunt. We got there on the 15 th of September. We started hunting on the 16 th . We 

didn’t get anything. On the 17 th he got his bear! He was so happy! Noah’s disability is Morquio 

Syndrome, that’s where the bones stop growing and the organs keep growing in his case. 

We started back home on the third day and we named him the Bear Slayer. He got a small bear, 

but he didn’t care. When we got back we played Big Game Hunter on the PSIII. 

My dad and I do these Safari Wish Hunts for Kids that have disabilities. My dad and I are taking 

Tristen elk hunting in December. It’s through SCI (Safari Club International) and USSA (United Special 

Sportman Alliance). 

I think it’s great to take these kids on hunts. I’m helping to make their dreams come true. 

Bryce Koback 

Age: 11 



Parents/Guardians: Kathe and Joe Koback 



Sweet Ice Cream 

“Thank you, Grammy!” I said with a smile. My Grandma is a little old lady, as I call her, but really 

she’s only 53. She has thin brown hair that is impossible to braid due to the length. When she smiles, it 

looks like her rosy cheeks are smushed against her turquoise glasses. Every summer we go on a vacation 

and this is the story of our first one. We were going to South Dakota. 

An eight‐hour drive is crazy with grandma driving. We went to many places like the Corn Palace, 

Custer State Park, Mt. Rushmore, Cosmos, and Wall Drug. I have to say Cosmos and Wall Drug were my 

favorite. My grandma’s favorites were Mt. Rushmore and Custer. When we went to Wall Drug, we ate 

delicious burgers and chicken strips. 

For dessert, there was chocolate soft serve ice cream. It was a hot day, so we sat outside. We 

found a dark green bench in the shade to sit and relax. We sat for probably fifteen minutes eating our 

ice cream and talking. After I finished the last little corner of the cone, “That was good!” I said. 

Just sitting on a bench eating ice cream with my grandma is important to me because it means 

that grandma and I can have fun just talking. Some people think that having fun means going 

somewhere fancy and expensive. Just remember, even the littlest thing, like eating ice cream, can be 

really sweet. 

Mercedes Kohlhardt 

Age: 12 



Parent/Guardian: Kasey Kolhardt

The Lost Car 

Cha‐Ching. That’s the sound of the cash register made when my grandpa paid the cashier. We 

were at May Fair mall and were eating at Panda Express and it was really good. When we were done we 

went outside to get into my grandpa’s Honda Civic but we couldn’t see it anywhere. We started walking 

around the giant parking lot but still couldn’t find the car. While we were walking around we were 

talking and joking and strangely having a good time, it was in the middle of January and it was freezing. 

We kept walking and walking and strangely still couldn’t find the car. After 40 minutes had already 

passed we were starting to worry that something had happened to the car when my grandpa pressed 

the unlock button on the keys for the fiftieth time and there it was about 50 feet away with the 

headlights blinking. We were so happy. After we finally found it we got in went home and made some 

hot cocoa and both ended up having a great time! The lesson I learned from my grandpa that day was 

that if something bad happens in your life it doesn’t mean that you can’t have a good time. 

Ari Krayzman 

Age: 11 



Parent/Guardian: Svetlana Voskoboynik 




“Can we go grandpa? Can we go feed the geese?” I said. 

I was the age six when my grandpa and I would go feed the geese at the park by the lake. We 

would go often and that was my absolute favorite thing to do. 

Every time my grandpa and I would go to the park we would bring a loaf of bread and sit on a 

bench that looked out onto the lake. 

Now, let me just say that my grandpa and I are the most alike out of anyone in our family 

because we had so much things in common, like how we both like and hate the same food, and 

especially we are not loud like the other one hundred people in my family. 

Anyway, the first thing we would do is throw all the bread on the floor and just wait. As time 

passed we would just watch and talk to each other for the whole time. I will never forget when we 

would throw bread on the grass and a flock of geese would come flying down. It was like standing in the 

middle of a zoo. 

I could always feel the cold air brush against my face. Let’s not forget how we would laugh about 

each other’s jokes. But the one thing that sticks out in our time together is how we would watch the 

geese and my grandpa would tell me stories about when he was my age, and how different his life was 

from mine. I learned a lot from my grandpa and I learned history about him that I will never forget. 

Fotoula LaGalbo 

Age: 11 


Mequon, Wisconsin

Rachel Lichte 

Age: 10 

Gordon L. Willson Elementary School 

Baraboo, Wisconsin 

Parents/Guardians: Gail and Dan Lichte 



Rebecca Liesen 

Age: 12 



Parent/Guardian: Jodi Liesen 



Sienna Lippert 

Age: 11 

Waubesa Intermediate School 

McFarland, Wisconsin 

Parent/Guardian: Gretchen Lippert 



I love exploring th his world aro ound me. Sometimes 

witth 

the compputer, 

but mostly 

I like too 

explore 

wwith 

grandpa. 

I love his st tories from the t past and d I always leaarn 

from himm. 

One day d we were walking through 

the wo oods when I heard someething 

hard tthunking 

agaainst 

a 

loog. 

I said, “Is someone cu utting down a tree?” 

“Listen 

carefully, after a one of the thunks you y will heaar 

chittering, ,” my grandppa 

told me. 

I listen ned. Thunk, chit‐chit‐chi it‐chit. “That t’s a woodpeecker 

lookinng 

for food inn 

rotting wood,” 

he 

wwhispered. 

Th hen I saw the 

bird. This taught t me to o look into tthings 

beforee 

judging. 

As we e neared the marsh, ther re was white e sticking out 

of the watter. 

As we walked 

towarrds 

it, I 

reealized 

it wa as deer antle ers. When we e picked it out o of the waater 

it lookedd 

like sometthing 

gnawed 

off the 

tips. 

My grandpa 

told me e when antle ers fall of dee er they are ffull 

of calciumm 

and animals 

chew on them for 

nutrients. 

He taught me another a less son, use things 

from youur 

surroundinngs 

to help yyou, 

nothingg 

should 

be 

wasted in life. He lives s this way da aily. 

When n we came to o the pond, it i looked low w. We walkeed 

along the bank to findd 

a problem. . There 

wwas 

an opening 

that had been washe ed away. Gra andpa told mme, 

“We neeed 

to fix this if we don’t want to 

flood 

the fore est more.” 

Worki ing with gran ndpa, he sho owed me tha at you need to start with 

small brannches 

and sticks 

then 

wwork 

your wa ay up to logs s and stones. 

I learned when w you fix a problem yyou 

have to tackle the smmall 

thhings 

first, th hen work yo our way up. 

My gr randpa has taught 

me many m meaningful 

things in 

life. I can’tt 

wait to learn 

and exploore 

more 

wwith 

him. 

Andre e Lirette 

Age: 13 1 

Kettle e Moraine Middle 

School 

Dousm man, Wiscon nsin 

Parents/Guardian 

ns: Steve and d Patty Lirett te 

52 Car re Wisconsin | Best Time Eve er Contest 

How w I Explore 

Myy 

Worldd 

Grand PPrize 

GRAND 

Winner! 

PRIZE 

WINNER

Texas Hold,em 

Have you ever done something really fun with your grandparents. Well I have. In Door County I 

played Texas Hold,em with my whole family. 

One of my favorite times I had with someone over 50 was the summer of 2011 playing Texas 

Hold,em. I was playing with my brother, my dad, my aunt and my grandpa and grandma. Every time my 

grandpa had a good hand he would say, “Oooooooooh… you’re in trouble!” 

One thing to know is my grandpa is an awesome poker player. My dad only one about two 

rounds out of 300. He was so close to winning so many rounds. I played really well considering I only 

played a couple of games before this one. I won about 150 rounds. 

Closer to the end of the game we all got annoyed when my grandpa kept saying “Oooooooooh… 

you’re in trouble!” and putting in all in a lot of chips. 

We decided to take control and kept saying, “Nope, you check.” 

In poker language check means you skip your turn. So we skipped his turn almost every time. 

That was one of my favorite times with someone over 50. 

Playing Texas Hold,em with my grandpa and grandma and my family was so fun. Even though we 

didn’t get to finish the game, I will never forget this moment. 

Isabelle Maleki 

Age: 11 





Untitled 

The best day I ever spent with my cousin, Ben. He has Muscular Dystrophy. Muscular Dystrophy 

is a disease that destroys your muscles. He is always in a wheelchair. It is an electric wheelchair and Ben 

uses his hand to make it go. The best time ever happened at his sister’s Graduation party. 

There were so many kids at the party that we decided to play baseball. I felt bad for Ben because 

he could not play. A kid thought of an idea that Ben could pinch run for the leadoff batter. 

After the ball was hit Ben zoomed around the bases like he was getting chased. He was going 

faster than normal. He had a huge smile on his face when he crossed home plate. We all congratulated 

Ben. That was the best time I ever spent. 

Sullivan Maringer 

Age: 10 

Lake Denoon Middle School 

Muskego, Wisconsin 

Parent/Guardian: Carrie Maringer

My Brothers Kyle and Matthew 

I have two little brothers who have Autism. They’re five, and really smart. Some people think that 

Autism keeps people from learning but actually they’re smarter than about all the kids their age, they 

just don’t know how to use it in the right way. 

I love them so much, every day they come home on the bus every day after I get home and run 

down the drive way screaming my name! We go inside and we play B‐B game (It’s really just Wii sports 

but they call it that). Their favorite game is bowling. They will make you play that game for hours on end. 

After that we usually eat dinner then we unbuckle them from their chairs, if you don’t do it fast enough 

they freak out; one time I was unbuckling them from the chair and I didn’t do it fast enough so he 

screamed as loud as he could, “HURRY UP NOW KOTA!” He scared me to death. 

Then next we gave them a bath and then we read them their bed time stories and they go to 

bed. Their favorite bed time story is If You’re a Monster and You Know It, and Chicka Chicka Boom 

Boom. 

I love my brother so much and I know they love me. 

Dakota Mau 

Age: 12 

Adams‐Friendship Middle School 

Adams, Wisconsin 

Parent/Guardian: Heather Mau 


The Best Times I’ve Ever Had With 

Grandma 


Teach me to love 

Help me to grow 

Tell me everything you know 

Let me come over to stay then chase the scary monsters away 

Play princess, and doctor, and put on a show, then hug me, and hug me, and never let go 

Sing my favorite songs with me, and read me a simple book, and spoil me every time 

I give you that sweet little look 

Let me tell you all about school and how girls rule and boys drool 

Paint my nails, and curl my hair, and I’ll teach you how to play “Truth or Dare” 

Sit and listen while I walk and be the path on which I walk 

You 

Taught me to love 

Helped me to grow 

Told me everything you know 

Blake McCoy 

Age: 13 



Parents/Guardians: Harlan and Robin McCoy

As Usual 

My British grandmother, AKA Nana, is much like me. She is organized, she worries about 

everything, and she does not like change. We even share the same middle name of Ruth. We go to her 

house around once a month on Friday evenings for a sleep‐over. She lives only five minutes away, so it is 

a short trip. 

As usual, my sister, my mom, and I walk up to the black screen door on the small, welcoming 

brown house. Not bothering to knock, I walk right in. As usual, I can smell our “breakfast dinner” of 

blueberry and banana pancakes and I can hear the bacon sizzling. As usual, you can see my Nana 

through the entrance with short, neat, gray hair, a floral t‐shirt, and comfy sweat pants. She never wears 

jeans because “they’re too uncomfortable.” 

As usual, the second we walk in, Nana flips one more pancake and turns around to come greet us 

with her warm smile. 

“Hi, Sweeties,” she says in her British accent. As usual, she gives me a huge hug. I hug her short, 

skinny body. I slip off my shoes and put them next to her well‐worn blue Crocs. Behind her is my Papa. 

He is very tall with just a little bit of white hair left and is wearing his red fleece vest. 

As usual, I hug my mom goodbye, knowing that I will not see her until the morning because we 

are sleeping over. My younger sister Leah and I walk into the cozy blue‐walled kitchen. It is dimly lit 

because of their solar powered lights. I glance at our colorful artwork all over the fridge. Nana will put 

any artwork of ours that she finds on the fridge. It doesn’t matter if it is just a giant blob of paint on 

scrap paper. 

As usual, Leah starts making the scrambled eggs adding a generous amount of cheese. As if it 

were my own home, I go into the drawers to get silverware and start setting the table in the bright 

yellow sunroom. From the room I can see about 100 bird feeders and 1,000 different kinds of flowers. 

That’s my Nana, bird expert and flower genius. 

As we got ready for our dinner, Nana asks us all kinds of questions about things like school and 

church. I help set the food out on the table. 

“So how is school going? Did you do well on that big test Hannah? Be careful. The pancakes are 

hot,” she worries as I put them on the table. 

As usual, we all sit down to dinner. There are so many foods that we can hardly fit them on the 

table. There is bacon, eggs, fruit, various things, butter and syrup, and of course the pancakes. It smells 

like heaven and my mouth is watering. 



As usual, my Papa says a short prayer in his British accent. I love their accents. Sometimes things 

they say sound normal, but sometimes they sound totally different. Like when my Nana says 

“Strawberries,” it sounds like “Stroh‐breeze.” 

After praying, we dig in, it all tastes amazing. As usual, I put butter and syrup on my pancakes 

and when I cut into them, the cooked blueberries burst under my knife and ooze onto my plate. We say 

things like “Pass the eggs, please,” and my Nana says, “These stroh‐breeze are so good. They were on 

sale at Copp’s this morning.” 

As usual, we clear our plates and Papa does the dishes. Nana gets out some craft stuff, beads and 

clay. Leah, Nana and I all make creations. She tells us how good our clay sculptures look even though 

Nana’s is clearly the best. We add them to our collection in a display case in the living room. 

When Papa is done with the dishes, we play Ping‐Pong, Banana Grams, Five Letter Words, and 

Master Mind. They’re all thinking games that Nana has taught me to love. Nana usually wins. 

Eventually, Leah and I settle in for bedtime. Nana puts us to bed. She prays with us, gives us one 

more giant hug, and tucks us in. We have our own room at their house. We sleep in a bunk bed that 

Nana lovingly made up with inviting, decorative, bedspreads and neatly tucked sheets. Leah’s bottom 

bunk had blue comforter. My top bunk has pink comforter. They are so fluffy and soft. I reflect on the 

day as I lie in the top bunk. 

Going to Nana and Papa’s house isn’t anything amazing or different, but like I said, my Nana and I 

don’t like change very much. Our favorite words are “as usual.” It isn’t anything amazing or different, but 

that’s how I like it. Sometimes the simple things in life are the best. 

Then I fall asleep… as usual. 

Hannah Metzger 

Age: 12 



Parents/Guardians: Matthew and Rachael Metzger 


Great Days With Grandma 

The kids are playing outside, it’s a hot day and my Grandma Bonnie and I are sitting inside 

enjoying our time. It’s great to just sit, relax, and enjoy our time together. She’s a person who’s always 

happy and joyful. It always puts a smile on my face to see her. She still has a bounce in her step and 

always is a person to help others. 

She’ll put a smile on anyone’s face. To the movies, out to eat, shopping, out for ice cream are just 

a few of the wonderful things she does for my sister and me. She’s a very caring person, even when 

she’s not having the best day, she’ll still cheer anyone up. We’ll just be sitting in her house, laughing and 

having a good time together. She teaches me a lot too. She’s always really helpful. 

I always have a great time with her. She asks my sister and me what we’d like to do. It’s always 

great to come to her house and see that big smile, with her ‘ready to go attitude.’ She’s so nice and 

caring. I love to know that she’s always there for me, and I can tell her anything. I appreciate her so 

much for everything she’s done for me. It still puts a smile on my face to see that bounce in her step and 

a smile on her face. 

Leah Michaelis 

Age: 13 



Parent/Guardian: Donna Michaelis 




My Great Grandpa Elmer 

My great grandpa loved me and I loved him. He was my hero, he was my star. He loved to do lots 

of things. One of them was fish and my favorite time with my great grandpa was fishing at the cabin he 

owned. 

We would sit on the dock or in the boat and fish. Sometimes for just 30 minutes or for hours, but 

it was fun to sit with my cousin and my grandpa and talk while fishing. 

When we caught a fish he would say, “There’s a lot of meat on that one!” 

I loved my great grandpa. I wish I could see him again. That is my best time ever! 

Elmer Knudsen 

1913‐2010 

Blue Earth, MN 

Claire Mikkelson 

Age: 11 

Roosevelt Elementary School 

Janesville, Wisconsin 

Parents/Guardians: Katrina and Erik Mikkelson

The best time I ever spent with Grandpa Ed 

It was a hot summer day and the water was crystal clear at the Okauchee boat launch. I could 

smell the dirt and worms in the container I was holding. I was 4 years old at the time and didn’t know 

much about fishing. My grandpa was taking me fishing for the first time. I could feel the heat rising of 

the cement as we got out of my grandpas maroon ford truck. I remember waiting for grandpa to put the 

worm on the hook for me. Then he handed me the pole. “I can feel them nibbling!” I exclaimed. Before 

he could even cast his reel, ZING! I caught a fish. I screamed, “Grandpa I got one!” We fished and we 

fished. We used all the worms and when it was time to go we packed up and took the fish home. My dad 

met us there and then we ate the fish. After my grandpa grilled the fish and I took my first bite I yelled, 

“This tastes amazing!” That was the best time I ever spent with my grandpa. Now he has Alzheimer’s 

disease and he doesn’t remember me. The only person he remembers is my grandma. She visits him 

regularly at the home he is in. This is my story about the best time I spent with my grandpa. 

Ethan Mikulak 

Age: 12 



Parents/Guardians: Andrew and Shannon Mikulak 




To my grandmother with altimers, 

For the very first time since I was little, I saw you with my very own eyes. You were 

beautiful, and you smiled just for me. I walked over and held your hand, as I told you how I’ve 

been. You whispered a few words to me and suddenly I’d felt as if I’d known you forever. 

Janelle Minter‐Swapsy 

Age: 11 

River Bluff Middle School 

Stoughton, Wisconsin 

Parent/Guardian: Mary Jo Minter


My Grandpa and I in Florida 

When I’m swimming on the swim team I picture my grandpa saying, “Keep trying.” My grandpa is 

the best person in the world. My grandpa is 75 years old, he’s awesome. He is very nice and loves to 

hang with my brother and I. This is my sweet caring grandpa of a lifetime. 

Have you ever had the best day ever spending time with your grandpa? Well I have! At the start 

of the day my grandpa and I went out to breakfast at a cool restaurant. After breakfast we went to the 

dog park. Last we went to the beach and saw stingrays in the water, but they were small. This was my 

awesome adventure in Florida with my grandpa. 

Here are a few reasons why my best day ever was spending time with my grandpa. My grandpa 

and I both love the beach. Also we both love dogs and all we did at the dog park was play with dogs for a 

whole hour. Last we saw the stingrays and it was so cool. At the dog park there was a white Husky 

named Bear. That is why my grandpa and I loved the day in Florida. 

Rachel Mortensen 

Age: 11 



Parents/Guardians: Dale and Mary Ellen Mortensen 


Care Wisconsin With My Grandma 

The best time I ever spent with my grandma was when I stayed at her house for a week last 

summer. She made my favorite foods and had lots of fun things to do. I also got to do something very 

special with her on this visit. 

My Grandma volunteers at St. Vincent de Paul to give food to people who need it and I got to 

help deliver the food. She delivers food a lot but I’m not always there to help her so she has to do it with 

my grandpa. We only delivered once that week but she can deliver multiple times a week. 

We went down in the basement and got some food. There were tons of food, there were 

refrigerators full of meat and shelves and boxes full of cereal and soup and rice, etc. We had certain 

things that we had to give to people but we could also pick from groups of items. We put food in bags 

and carried it out to the car. 

Once we had the food we delivered it to a lady’s house. I helped carry the food inside. The lady 

looked really happy because we had delivered the food to someone who needed it. 

I like spending time at my grandma’s house because it is always fun and special but that day was 

even more special because we got to help people who needed food. 

Jonathan Mundschau 

Age: 12 



Parent/Guardian: Joe Mundschau 


Grandma and Grandpa 

Grandma and Grandpa 

Are always there for me 

Coming over to my house 

And treating us perfectly 

Grandpa watches the football game 

While grandma bakes for me 

Corn Starch Cookies, Strawberry pies, apple cakes plus more 

Pudding Cups, Jello Cups and Cherry Cake Galore 

We go to the movies 

We go to the zoo 

Cooking Hotdogs on the fire 

And S’mores too 

I play puzzles and games with grandma 

While watching football with grandpa 

Packers, Lions, Bears, and Seahawk’s 

Passes, Punts, Kicks, and runs, watching football is so much fun 

Lexi Nate 

Age: 12 

Kromrey Middle School 

Middleton, Wisconsin 

Parents/Guardians: Jeff and Tani Nate 

I love my Grandparents 

Just the way they are 

Encouraging me and showing me 

How everything is done 



A Hidden Miracle 

Only 1 out of 150 people of this world have Autism, and I am blessed just to know one of those 

people. 

Mike Andrews is a bright, 7 th grade friend of mine. His baby blue eyes sparkle against his fluffy 

blond hair when he giggles his special laugh. His peach skin glows with happiness. He is blessed with the 

disability of Autism. Most people think Autism is a burden on a life, but he is the funniest, sweetest boy I 

have EVER met. He gives autism a whole new meaning. Some people look at him like he is so much 

different than you and I, but actually that’s what makes him so special. He has a way to touch you heart. 

I know that according to my experiences with Mike. 

Mike invited me to his 12 th birthday party in January of 2011. It was at the new Sun Prairie High 

School’s swimming pool. It was so much fun! We jumped off the diving board and played Marco Polo! 

Just by the look on Mike’s face, I could tell he was having a blast and that made me happy. By the time 

we finished swimming, all of our hands were shriveled up like prunes. Once we dried off and put our 

clothes on, we took their HUGE van over to Glass Nickel’s Pizza where we had cake and dinner. Just the 

ten of us ate three HUGE pizzas! Taco, cheese, and pepperoni pizzas. We were almost too full to eat 

cake, but it was too good to resist! After we had finished eating, I thought I wouldn’t have to eat for 

another year! 

We all finally managed to get ourselves out of our chairs. When we did, we all saw Mike’s little 

brother pretending to be a manikin in the restaurant’s window looking onto Main Street. We all decided 

to join him! We got so many weird looks from drivers, but it was so worth it! I could tell Mike was having 

a great time! I can still close my eyes and see his baby blue eyes sparkling against his fluffy blonde hair as 

he giggles his special laugh. It was so touching to me to be able to spend those memorable moments 

with Mike. Mike taught me something so valuable that I will never forget it. I learned that anyone can 

turn a burden to a life into a miracle. 

Alexis O’Connell 

Age: 13 



Parent/Guardian: Cyndi O’Connell

Word War 

“Are you KIDDING ME!!?” I complained. My Scrabble letter tray was full of letters that would 

never find a home on this already crowded board, including the infamous Z, Q, and J. My grandma’s 

nimble eyes scanned the board like a copy machine and without hesitation she rearranged my letters 

into a variety of words that any average person would never think of. Oh, and my grandma is NOT 

average!! After hundreds of hours of us playing Scrabble, she is now a walking dictionary. She should be 

labeled BARBARA BLACKBURN: ADVANCED SCRABBLE DICTIONARY. So I placed my little misfit letters and 

racked up 20 points! 

“Nice job Michael! Now the score is 229 to 170!” she beamed. 

“UUUGGGHHH!” A long strained groan left my mouth followed by a huff and a puff. 

I’m never going to win! I thought. Finally! I was done with my excruciatingly long turn. 

I slowly placed my hand into the ominous grab bag, pondering on what letters it will give me 

next. My mind was racing with thoughts of what to get and not to get, already planning ahead my words 

for certain letters I could draw. I finally came back to reality when I heard the clack of letters and the pen 

scraping the bleached notepad. 

“32 points!!” grandma exclaimed as the sound of joy echoed around the compact kitchen. 

“Come ON! I doubt I will ever win this round!” I whined. 

“The point of the game is to have fun, not winning! You can’t win every game or I would be the 

one whining!” my grandma pointed out. 

Because of this day, I learned that everything in a game is not about winning; it is about having 

fun, and thanks to my BARBARA BLACKBURN: ADVANCED SCRABBLE DICTIONARY, I will always 

remember that. 

Michael Otto 

Age: 12 



Parent/Guardian: Kristi Otto 



Losing to the King of Cribbage 

My Grandpa’s eyes were as deep as the sea and as blue as a Sapphire gem. His gentle hands 

caressed his board, his ever‐precious Cribbage board that now belongs to me. Picking up his maroon 

peg, he scanned the board for five seconds before dropping it in a hole a zillion spaces away. My poor 

Grandma had lost again to the King of Cribbage. 

“Grandpa, I want to learn how to play cribbage. Will you teach me how?” 

“Sure, Jo‐o‐o‐o‐ody! Grandma can help me.” 

“OK!” 

On and on we went, practicing, learning, practicing, learning. Finally, after hours on end, I 

understood. (NOT!) So we decided to play a real game, one where I could maybe beat him. (Definitely 

not!) 

Watching his big clunky glasses moving back and forth across his array of cards always made me 

feel wonderful. His shiny watch would tick away the time it took for him to beat me and his big round 

beer belly would jiggle as he laughed. 

The game went on, me beating him, him beating me until we were down to the last round and I 

was winning! I dealt our cards, confident that I had it in the bag. I guess I thought too soon though 

because only seconds later, he had moved twenty five spaces ahead and beaten me by two. I had lost to 

the King of Cribbage. 

Jordyn Peterson 

Age: 13 



Parents/Guardians: Scott and Marti Peterson

Fun with Grandma 

The best time I ever spent with someone over 50 years of age was when I played basketball 

against my grandma. I enjoy doing things with my grandma because she is always so happy and great to 

be around. It’s extremely fun to do things with my grandma because she always has tons of stories and 

memories about when she was younger to tell everyone. 

It all started one day when she was coming over for a weekend to see her grandchildren. She got 

out of the car, unpacked her things, and asked me and my sister Ali if we wanted to play something and 

we both said basketball. After a while my sister got tired and it was just grandma and I. 

We played basketball for a long time but neither of us scored very many points because we were 

laughing too hard as we played. 

Afterward, we went inside and had some refreshing lemonade and laughed even more as we 

reminisced about the game. 

I love my grandma and I can’t wait until she visits us again so we can play basketball some more! 

James Petrick 

Age: 12 



Parents/Guardians: Kim and Doug Petrick 


Madeline Pflasterer‐Jennerjohn 

Age: 13 

Kromrey Middle School 

Middleton, Wisconsin 

Parent/Guardian: Sarah Pflasterer 


Grandma 

This poem is to my grandma 

Smart, Loving, Caring 

Always willing to do stuff with me 

Making do with what she has 

Looking always at the positive 

I remember on winter break 

Going shopping on State Street 

Shopping for Christmas gifts 

And then came the snow 

We walked and walked in the snow 

Like we would never see it again 

We finally went into a store 

And bought hot chocolate 

That day I learned 

That family is one of the 

Most 

Important things in life 

And no matter what you go through 

They are there 

So I write to you grandma 

To tell you that I am very grateful 

That you are in my life 

And that even when 

You and me 

Are busy or we haven’t seen each other 

In a long time 

That I am still thinking 

About you 

And hoping to see 

You soon


Some of my most treasured memories are when I go to the grocery store, because I get to go 

with my grandpa. I feel special because it is just me and him. I fell special because he gets me any treat I 

want sometimes a cookie from the bakery. Other times a candy from the checkout line either way it is 

special. He even lets me get stuff for my cousins!!!! 

He also lets me push the cart or ride on it that is a lot of fun. He never yells at you for throwing in 

something you want he says “only today” but we all know that isn’t true. When we are at the store he 

says everything backwards just to make me laugh. He also asks a lot of questions such as where is this 

and is this expired. In the checkout line he always tries to get done quickly so no talking!!! 

On our way home he sometimes lets me put my hands on the steering wheel, you either do it 

right or don’t do it at all. As we head back to his house he lets me mess around with the radio and it 

doesn’t annoy him. When we get home we have to put away the groceries to finish our “trip” up. It is 

sad that it is over but I also can’t wait till the next time when me and my grandpa go on another grocery 

store “trip”. 

Amanda Piel 

Age: 11 

Riverside Middle School 

Watertown, Wisconsin 

Parent/Guardian: Connie Piel 



Untitled 

The best time that I had spent with my great‐grandma is when she taught me how to knit. When 

I went over to her house in Milwaukee to visit, I asked her if she could. My nana tried to teach me but I 

could never get the hang of it. When my great‐grandma showed me, I got it right away. It was extremely 

special to me because she hasn’t knit in a couple years due to her old age. She is really good at it too. I 

still have the blanket she made me when I was born. The blanket has bears painting on it. I will have it 

forever! Even though, I’m not the greatest at knitting, I’m starting to get it. Hopefully, one day, I will be 

as good as her. I just need to practice more often but it is hard since I have school and homework. When 

I’m done with those things, I’m usually too lazy to do it too. I hope I don’t forget how to do it. My great‐ 

grandma won’t be around much longer so I need to be able to do it before she passes away. She is the 

only person who can teach me because she is more experienced than my other family members. The 

best time that I had spent with my great‐grandma is the day when I finally learned how to knit. 

Mikayla Plaskey 

Age: 13 



Parents/Guardians: Kate and Chad Plaskey

Untitled 

The best time I ever had with Poppa was when we went to a flea market together. It wasn’t 

much; just junk that people were trying to get rid of. But it was fun just being there with him. He had a 

way of finding treasures that nobody else saw. “Look” he would say, pointing at an old ornament. “Now, 

that beadwork must have taken weeks to do!” Or he might show me a blanket with pieces of hair woven 

into it. As we walked past a stand with many wind chimes in it, he would look at a wooden one and tell 

me, “Now, this one makes really neat sounds!” and demonstrate for me, letting loose pleasant, chunky 

sounds into the air. As we listen to a man talk over a loudspeaker, Poppa pointed up, high in a leafy tree 

where the speaker was hidden among the branches. We passed a cage with a fluffy, off‐white kitten in 

it. I pointed at it. “Look Poppa. Can we get the kitty?” “Oh no, I already have a cat, remember Brandy?” 

“Oh yeah” I said. “Hey! Look at the beanie baby stand!” We looked at the beanie babies until we found 

one with my birth date. We left the stand and just stood there in the sun. He shows me a sculpture of a 

humongous, rusty robot, standing guard over the flea market. It reminded me of Poppa. It was old, but it 

loved the field that it watched over. Just like Poppa loves me. And I love him a lot. 

Emily Popp 

Age: 10 

Lodi Elementary School 

Lodi, Wisconsin 

Parents/Guardians: Kurt and Mary Popp 



My First Cow 

“Hurry up Carlie, we have to go!” yelled Grandpa. 

“I’m coming,” I shouted. 

Papa Keith is a tall, tan, 63 year old man. He is a wonderful tractor driver. He can drive almost 

everything you give him. Plus he has two torn shoulders. He loves to farm and when something goes 

right or if something doesn’t go right, he still smiles a mile wide. My grandpa works as hard as a 21‐year‐ 

old boy. His motto is “To Get Done” or “Give Me Dirt and I will make it Work.” Grandpa loves to help us 

in any way he can. For example I was going to show my heifer and she would not walk. So grandpa got in 

the loader and tried to walk her, but it didn’t work. That is my grandpa, and I love him the way he is! 

We were at the Milwaukee Stock Yards. I’m only eight, so I had to go behind the bars because I 

wasn’t old enough. Grandpa had to go to the selling part, and I had to go to the break room/ the food 

room. “I’ll be back just drink your milk shake,” Grandpa said wanting to stay here and eat breakfast too. 

“Okay, Grandpa, I’ll be fine. Just get good price on our cows,” I said calmly. 

“I’ll try Carlie,” Grandpa said. 

“Morning.” That’s what Grandpa said to everyone he walked passed to be friendly. 

Then I drank my cool, chocolate milkshake. 

Grandpa came running and said, “Come we have to go.” 

The next thing I knew, we were standing in front of a middle age man and two of his boys that 

were about my age. The stranger man said “How much you have?” 

I replied, “Only seven bucks.” 

“Okay, that’s enough for this jersey cow,” said the man in a calm voice. 

I was jumping for joy!!!!! All I could think about is what is my dad going to say, but I didn’t really 

then. We got her on the trailer, and were both smiling a mile‐wide‐smile going home. That’s when I 

knew my grandpa and I were farmers together forever, and just started our herd!!! 

Carlie Rademacher 

Age: 12 



Parent/Guardian: Nikki Rademacher

The Best Fishing Trip 

As we sat on the water for the third day in a row I and my grandpa were waiting for a bite from 

any fish. “Got anything?” he questioned. 

“Not yet,” I replied. 

“We’ll head home in 10 minutes,” he exclaimed. 

Suddenly I felt a tug on my line, it’s just weeds I thought. But then it pulled again and again. I 

heard my pole bending and that’s when I realized that this fish was too big for my eight year old body. 

“Can you help me?” I asked my grandpa. 

“Sure, but get the net!” he shouted. 

I grabbed the net and waited for the fish to be close. Then I heard a splash and felt a drop of 

water hit my face. I quickly scooped it in the net. What was flopping around as I pulled the net into the 

boat was the biggest fish I had ever caught. We measured it and it was a total of 24 inches. 

“That’s the biggest bass I’ve ever seen in this lake!” my grandpa yelled. 

We placed it in the live well and headed home to show it to my grandma and sister. I had a very 

good time that day. 

Jason Reince 

Age: 12 



Parent/Guardian: Alta Poalih 




I was five when Grandpa took me fishing to Lake Rowland in the U.P. of Michigan. My first pole 

was Grandpa’s first pole. It was made of bamboo. He also gave me my first fishing cap. 

We went out in his rowboat. Grandpa showed me how to bait the worm so it would stay on. I 

remember crying and telling Grandpa that I didn’t want to put the worm on because it was gross. Then 

Grandpa Tino gave me a fake worm instead. He put the bobber on for me, and we started to fish! 

After a while the pole was almost pulled out of my hands. Grandpa came over by me with the net 

and helped me bring in my fish. We got it into the boat and Grandpa weighed it and measured it. It was 

a 2‐pound bass about 13 inches long. Grandpa said that I was a great fisher girl to be able to get such a 

big fish. After that Grandpa and I caught two more fish. He caught a 6‐pound walleye, and I caught 

another bass. Those were the biggest fish I ever caught! 

I will always remember this time with Grandpa. Because of him, I found a hobby that helps me 

relax—Even though I’m a girl. Grandpa is in his sixties now, but he still fishes every day. And every day 

that he goes, he catches something. I still have his pole and fishing cap, which I would use over all the 

poles in the world. 

Karina Rivera 

Age: 12 

Parkside School 

Wautoma, Wisconsin

Patience is a Virtue! 

My grandpa’s name is Gary. He’s funny. He always tells you jokes, and if you say one word, he 

can make a joke out of it. He’s a really friendly guy and I’m pretty sure he will be the funniest guy you 

will ever meet. Every time he comes to Wisconsin, I ask him if we can go fishing because I rarely see him 

anymore because he lives in Nevada. 

So we went up to the B.S.F. (Boston School Forest) and that’s all the way over in Portage. We 

went to the B.S.F because my dad’s wife’s mom lives there. So I asked him, “When are we going? I’m 

getting bored.” 

“Soon,” he said. 

Later that same night around 8‐9 o’clock we headed out to go fishing. My grandpa taught me 

how to tie a bobber. So I cast my fishing line out, and waited and waited until it seemed like forever. I 

asked my grandpa, “When are we going to catch a fish, or are we even going to catch one?” 

“It takes patience,” he said quietly. 

So I waited and waited… Nothing. I caught absolutely nothing, so we still kept waiting and 

waiting. Then I saw my grandpa struggle and I heard him yell, “I GOT A FISH.” It was the size of my 

forearm. 

“Finally!” I screamed. 

“See it takes patience like I said,” he responded. 

I will never forget this moment that I had with my patient grandpa. 

Kyle Rockwell 

Age: 12 



Parent/Guardian: Tanya Hill 


The Best Time I Ever Spent with My Grandma 

The best time I spent with my grandma was on her birthday. We went to Ski‐High in Baraboo. Ski‐ 

High is an apple orchard/apple store. We go there every year. I guess it’s just kind of a tradition. They 

have all sorts of apple goods from pie to caramel apples. My grandma and grandpa, my cousins and my 

aunt and uncle were there too. First we went in and had some delicious apple pie with ice cream. It’s 

homemade from the apples they grow. There is a big hill in the front of the place so we played Frisbee. 

There is also a big log cabin that was built in the 1800s that sits on the lawn. My Grandma loves the color 

of fall leaves. They were all around. Baraboo is a great place to see fall trees because of the hills and 

heights. After Ski‐High, we went to Devils Lake. At Devils Lake, we went to the beach and went fishing. 

We didn’t catch anything. She had a fun time. Afterwards we decided to go on the ferry in Merrimac. My 

Grandma wanted to go to the Nitty Gritty for her birthday. We watched a Brewer game while we were 

there and had a lot to eat. Finally they sang the Nitty Gritty song. It was a great time I spent with my 

grandma. I will never forget this birthday. 

Daniel Romero 

Age: 12 

Whitehorse Middle School 


Parents/Guardians: Kim and Juan Romero 



Me and Grandpa!!!!!! 

The best time I ever spent was with my grandpa, who is now in his upper 70’s or lower 80’s. He 

has a disability known as Alzheimer’s disease. He can’t walk either. He’s also blind in one eye. It was 

Thanksgiving. My Mom, 2 brothers and I were all going. At first, I was nervous and a little shy, but then 

me and him made paper airplanes, and flew them everywhere. It was awesome! Then we played with 

Brutzy, my great grandma and grandpa’s dog. She’s a Jack Russell. Me and my grandpa had so much fun 

that day. My mom said before he lost his memory, he was really funny and told jokes left and right. That 

was the best time I’ve ever spent with my Grandpa! 

Ashley Royce 

Age: 11 



Parent/Guardian: Jennifer Royce 


Natalee Runstrom 

Age: 13 



Parent/Guardian: Jodi Runstrom 



Beloved Beau 

My cousin Beau does not have a right leg. He also has a short arm. You might wonder what 

happened to him. He was born that way. Our family accepts that and I hope other people do to. 

Beau lives in Iron Mountain Michigan where most of my dad’s sides live. Right now Beau is a 

freshman in Michigan State University. Beau got three scholarships and Michigan State was the one he 

chose. He is studying business. Beau is really nice and smart. 

Last summer I went to my family reunion close to where he lives. When we went down to the 

lake I was surprised he had his swimsuit on ready to swim. When I saw him go in the water I was 

confused. I didn’t realize he could swim and my dad said Beau used to be on a swim team! I was so 

stunned! 

I am happy Beau is part of my family because now I realize how people with disabilities have a 

hard life. But that doesn’t mean you have the right to judge them and say, “I’m not going to be his friend 

because he doesn’t have a leg.” And that’s why Beau is beloved. 

Emily Schauder 

Age: 12 

River Bluff Middle School 

Stoughton, Wisconsin 

Parents/Guardians: Brandt and Kim Schauder 


The Best Time I Ever Spent With My Grandma 

The sound of waves gently lapping against the shore and sliding over my toes filled me with joy. 

The cool moist breeze blowing into my face gave me goose bumps as I walked to the pier. The crisp 

smell of lake bombarding my nose was filling me with excitement. My Grandma on one side of me and 

Lake Puckaway on the other, the warmth from the setting sun was slowly fading as it slipped beneath 

the tree line on the far end of the lake. My Grandma and I walked out to the end of the pier and sat on 

the bench so we could watch the day turn to night. 

As the sound of boat engines and seagulls slowly died down the lake became incredibly calm. 

“It’s so beautiful and peaceful,” I exclaimed in awe. 

“It truly is,” my Grandma whispered. 

It was now almost pitch black and we watched as the stars slowly emerged. 

“When I was little my Grandma would always watch the sunset with me before 

she passed away. I took it for granted and now I miss her so much,” my grandma murmured. 

There was a long silence. 

“Thank you for doing this with me,” I replied. 

We then walked back to the trailer 

My grandma recently had a stroke that paralyzed the left half of her body. She’s recovered a little 

but she’ll never be the same. That was the best time I ever watched the sunset with her, and that was 

the last time I ever will. 

Zac Scheunemann 

Age: 12 



Parents/Guardians: Walt and Deanna Scheunemann 


Slimy White Stuff 

There’s a little fly swatter, on my grandparent’s fridge that says, “For the little things in life.” 

Grandpa Bob use to be a fanatic grandpa. However one thing hurt him, age. 

Ole Grandpa is a sixth generation farmer. He took brothers and me o the snow train. He winked 

at us in the eye when we did something funny, or laughed that funny laugh. 

One day when I was four, my grandparents and I went on a brunch on the farm. We walked up to 

the white tent with “Got Milk”; the company was taking photos of whoever wanted one. So my grandpa 

volunteered us. They put this oily, disgusting, slimy white stuff over my grandpa’s upper lip. I thought it 

looked like a silly mustache. And as they came to me, I kicked, screamed, and was NO way letting that 

sickening white mystery liquid on my face. So grandpa understood that I was not letting anyone EVER 

get that awful, dreadful white stuff all over the top of my lip. So they carried on with the picture and I 

got my photo without a milk mustache. 

To this day the picture of grandpa and me sitting on that bale is still on my grandparent’s fridge. 

And with that I realize the trouble I was for them. Still thinking I miss my Grandpa Bob because he’s in 

the nursing home with Alzheimer’s disease calling me Cindy. All I want back is my grandpa without 

Alzheimer’s disease, and it’s the “little things in life.” 

Mena Schmitt 

Age: 12 



Parent/Guardian: Cindy Schmitt 



Untitled 

The best time I ever had was when my family and me went to Disney World. Sean my younger 

brother is six and has autism (which is a thinking disorder). We drove for two days in our car and 

stopped around ten times. Sean was never scared and Sean never complained in the car. When we got 

to Disney the first ride we went on was called “Big Thunder Mountain Railroad.” Sean didn’t like that 

because it was a roller coaster that went real fast, and he didn’t like roller coasters anymore after that. 

Sean did like the “It’s a Small World” ride because it was slow and on the water and there was a lot to 

look at and he liked the song and all the things to look at. 

The next day we went to Animal Kingdom. A ride that Sean and l loved a lot was called “Safari” 

because it was a nice easy ride with a lot of animals to look at and Sean wasn’t scared at all. When we 

had lunch Sean said, “I love being here.” Then I said, “I love being here with you!” 

The last day we went to Hollywood Studios. Sean still didn’t like going on the rides because they 

were sometimes scary and sometimes the motion hurt his eyes and ears because of his autism, but he 

liked some of the easy rides. My favorite ride was the Tower of Terror but Sean didn’t want to go on that 

at all and kept saying, “I’m not gonna go on the Tower of Terror, ok?” 

It was great spending time with Sean. I learned a lot about how he thinks and feels and things. I 

love my brother 

Ian Seidler 

Age: 10 

Lodi Elementary School 

Lodi, Wisconsin 

Parents/Guardians: Jenn and Mark Seidler


My grandpa comes to my house during the summer. It’s very important to me because his house 

is in India and he comes to visit only sometimes. His name is Jagdish. He stays at home with me during 

the day, and I take him to the library and other fun places. I wake up, get ready, and then greet him and 

we spend the day together. The best times I have had with him were really rewarding to me and to him. 

My grandpa is a wonderful artist. He creates paintings, and last summer, he gave me really great 

tips. Now we paint and draw together. This year we put together an album of all of our work, so we can 

look back at it next summer. We also went to golf. We both were mainly trying to get the holes faster 

than the other, and we ended up playing field hockey. Another place we went was to the zoo. I gave him 

entire tour, and he was fascinated by all the different, varied animals there. He was proud of me, that I 

could show him everything. 

But the best time I have ever spent with him was over a large period of time. I taught him how to 

play Mariokart on the Wii! It took a lot of work because he is not used to remotes and playing interactive 

games like that. But this past summer, when he visited, we competed against each other during races 

and we each took different characters. I took Luigi, the man with the green hat. He took Mario, the man 

with a red cap and the moustache. We talked competitively, but really were having oodles of fun, seeing 

how the other was doing. My grief is ebbing; hopefully I’ll see him soon. 

Alankrit Shatadal 

Age: 12 

Badger Ridge Middle School 

Verona, Wisconsin 

Parents/Guardians: Shalini and Pankaj Shatadal 




Camping with Grandma Jones 

One fine morning, I was bored out of my mind. Suddenly, the phone rang! I answered it, “Hello?” 

It was Grandma! 

She asked, “Hi honey. I’m wondering if you want to mow my lawn?” 

I said, “Ummm… Sure.” She began to laugh, I laughed too; I’m not sure why though. 

She said, “I’m pulling your leg. I’m wondering if you want to go camping?” 

I was excited, “Sure!” I waited for her to come get me. 15 minutes later, I heard a knock on the 

door. Someone said, “Open up! This is the police!” Sure enough, it was Grandma Jones. As I opened the 

door, we were both laughing. 

She asked, “Got your sleeping bag?” 

I said, “Yep.” 

“Got your boots?” 

(Continued on next page.)

I said, “Yep.” 

“Got you underwear?” 

I started to laugh. 

“Got your brains?” 

I said, “I hope so!” She started to laugh, so did I. We were on our way to her house talking about 

how much fun we’d have tonight. 

She asked if I was hungry. I said, “Yah!” So we stopped at the New Glarus Bakery for a cinnamon 

roll. Once we got to her house, I saw a tent in the front yard. I was puzzled! 

She asked, “What, never camped in a front yard before?” 

I said, “Nope.” Around 7:00PM we started a fire. We roasted hot dogs and made s’mores for 

dessert! We each told ghost stories. The scariest one was about a man who always wandered around 

Grandma’s woods with an axe. After that, I went to bed. The smell of eggs woke me up the next 

morning. Crawling from the tent, I saw Grandma cooking omelets. After breakfast, mom came. I gave 

Grandma the biggest hug and kiss ever! 

I said, “Thank you for the best time ever!” 

Kaleb Shulka 

Age: 11 



Parents/Guardians: Lauren and Brad Shulka 



My Grandpa 

My grandpa is not a great person. At least not the kind of person you would do a history report 

on. But to me he is just as great. He has these big blue eyes. He also has huge hands that are three times 

the size of mine. On his finger he wears his wedding ring, and he has never taken it off. Grandpa is about 

6 feet tall and gotten skinnier as he aged. He has glasses with big frames. 

The front door is usually open so I walk in. I look from my grandma’s china to my grandpa in his 

snazzy electric recliner that reclines at the push of a button. He calls me “his best medicine” because he 

has a hard time with cancer, but, when I come to Florida, he feels better. I love how he teases me every 

minute. 

As I breathe in, I smell the salty sea water. They live in Pompano Beach, Florida, not far from the 

Atlantic Ocean. My grandma shuffles out from the kitchen. She is about five feet tall and weighs only 

eighty‐some pounds. She has a little weight because she is allergic to dairy. He isn’t allergic to dairy but 

he has an oxygen machine because he can be short of breath. 

Today after we got done unpacking my parents and grandma went shopping for food. My 

grandpa and I were the only ones left in the house. My grandpa took me out to his garage. His two car 

garage is far from ordinary. He has tons of tools from saws to hammers and everything in between. 

When I was five, grandpa made me a wooden barn with working doors and everything. He can make 

anything out of a piece of wood, a hammer, and some nails. 

On this day we got to his garage, he said, “Let’s blow some bubbles.” Since we didn’t have 

bubbles, he used dishwashing soap. I asked him how we were going to blow the bubbles, and he said, 

“You’ll see.” So we walked around the back of the house to my grandma’s fountain. It was taller than 

me. My grandpa poured dishwashing soap into the fountain and we walked away. When my grandma 

came home, my grandpa led her around to the back of the house. Seeing the fountain, she was a 

mixture of mad and shocked. Bubbles were now spewing out of the fountain and onto the lawn. Like I 

told you, my Grandpa is not as smart as Albert Einstein or Thomas Edison, but he’s special to me. 

Sam Sieloff 

Age: 11 



Parent/Guardian: C. Sieloff

The time my Grandma climbed a tree 

It was a perfect November day. The crisp air slightly blew the banner outside our house that 

read: HAPPY BIRTHDAY. 

“What do you want to do?” my cousin Connor asked. 

“What does Jack want to do?” I responded. 

“I want to go outside!” Jack exclaimed. We walked outside into my back yard, family members 

greeted me with simple “Happy B‐days.” 

“Hey guys want to climb our tree?” 

“Sure,” Jack and Connor said at almost the same time. We sprinted over to one of our many 

trees. It took me a couple of tries to get up onto the limb I was aiming for, because it was taller than me. 

I hung from the limb hanging on by a leg and an arm (like a sloth). 

“Cool!” Jack said excitedly. 

“Happy Birthday Evan,” a warm voice said from behind me. I came down from the tree to see 

that my Grandparents had joined the party. 

“Thank you Grandma,” I said as I gave her a hug. 

“What are you guys up to?” she asked. 

“I was just climbing this tree,” I explained. 

“Like this?” 

I had only turned away for a moment, but when I looked back she was hanging from the tree. I 

never would have imagined that my grandma (who is over 65) would be climbing a tree. The moment I 

saw this I was Inspired. When I get that old, I want to still be able to climb a tree—I thought to myself. 

I looked around to see family members taking pictures as Jack’s jaw dropped. It was one of the 

coolest feelings I had ever experienced. How many people’s grandmothers could climb a tree? Mine 

could and just proved it on the day I turned 9 years old. 

Evan Smith 

Age: 12 



Parents/Guardians: Pat and Lisa Smith 




Have you ever tried to tell someone something when they can’t understand you? If you ever try 

to go swimming with someone who needs hearing aids, you would know how hard it can be. My good 

friend, Freddy, is autistic and was born deaf. He used to live in my apartment building. On hot summer 

days, we would go swimming together at the apartment’s pool. 

In summer when the temperature was about 100 degrees, Freddy would always ask to go 

swimming. My friends Bill, Trent, my sister Emily, and I would take him swimming because he really 

wanted to go. Going swimming with him was tough because he needed to take his hearing aids off. It 

was hard to try and use hand signs to communicate. Sometimes the hand signs would work, but not 

always. If you needed to get his attention, you would need to tap his shoulder. 

When we went swimming, Freddy kept splashing Emily. Trent and I would try to tell him to stop, 

but he would splash the chlorine in our eyes. The burn felt like sprinkling salt over an open cut. While 

feeling the hot sun burn on our backs, Trent and I chased Freddy around trying to get him to stop 

splashing. I thought it was fun trying to stop him because it was more complex than just saying, “Stop!” 

You needed to do your best to act things out. 

Just because someone can’t hear you, doesn’t mean you cannot have a fun time together. It may 

be complicated, but it feels good to know that you can work around the challenge that is hard when 

someone can’t hear. Helping him have fun felt good because we did something good for someone else. 

Katie Snyder 

Age: 12 

Parkside School 

Wautoma, Wisconsin 

Parents/Guardians: Vicki and Lew Snyder


The Best Time I Ever Spent With 

My Grandpa Dan 

Grandpa Dan has a tractor that is a Farmall and it is red. I was six years old and we were living on 

a farm. Grandpa and I were riding Big Red. While I was on grandpa’s lap, grandpa controlled the gas and 

I steered but grandpa helped. Grandpa took a picture as I still have the picture. Now Big Red is going to 

the mechanic to be fixed. 

The end. 

Hailey Spaight 

Age: 11 



Parents/Guardians: Leana and John Spaight 


Hiking With Grandpa Henrickson 

The best time I ever spent with my Grandpa Henrickson was when we were just hiking in his 

backyard like we do every morning I am there. My grandpa owns many acres of land on a mountain in 

Montana with my grandma. While we were walking, I kept on running ahead because he wanted to see 

if I was faster than my cousins. When I ran up once, a tree to my right shook. I looked at grandpa and he 

must have heard it too. So he pulled out his gun and told me to walk back slowly. Right then a baby bear 

popped out of the woods. He looked like he was lost and didn’t know how to walk well yet. My grandpa 

dropped his gun and sat down to watch the baby bear only about a foot and half tall fall, get up, then 

waddle a few steps, then fall. I could tell that moment reminded him of his children and grandchildren 

like me. When the bear left, I helped him get up and he told me stories about when my mom was a baby 

and all of my cousins and siblings. That was the best moment with my grandpa and one of the best 

moments of my life. 

Spencer Stastney 

Age: 11 



Parent/Guardian: Lucy Reeve 


The Angel in Angelina 

My cousin Angelina means a lot to me. She always knows what to say. She shows me that 

nothing is impossible if you try. She shows me that fear can be overcome. Even though she doesn’t have 

a leg, that will not stop her from anything. That is why I admire my cousin Angelina. 

There was one time when I had gotten mad at her twin brothers and went outside to calm down. 

Then she came outside. Soon I found myself in her arms. 

“Thank you,” I say. “That is just what I needed.” She smiles as if she was an angel. 

Angelina means a lot to me because she shows me that nothing is impossible. One time we were 

all on their boat and had stopped at a beach. We decided to swim back to the boat. I climbed up the 

back ladder near the motor. Trying to be independent like me, she followed. When she started to climb 

up, her dad yelled, “You can’t climb up that way, go around.” 

“Why can’t she climb up the back?” I ask. He answered quietly as if it were a secret, “It is because 

of her leg.” As we turned around, she was standing there grinning. 

“I told you I could do it,” Angelina said to us. 

“Yes, I shouldn’t have doubted you,” he muttered. 

My cousin Angelina shows me that fear can be overcome. Like the time she was three, and was 

terrified of her family’s four‐wheelers. But when I took it slow with her, Angelina’s fear was soon gone. 

She still loves their family’s four‐wheelers today. 

So you can see why my cousin Angelina means a lot to me, because I am convinced there is an 

angel in Angelina. 

Betsy Stellpflug 

Age: 12 



Parents/Guardians: David and Sally Stellpflug 




My grandpa Harold passed away two years ago on January 31, 2009. He was sixty‐seven years old 

and was paralyzed and had to be put in a wheelchair. He got into a farm accident in November of 1989 

and couldn’t farm anymore. 

“You wiggle worm” is something my grandpa used to say. When I was younger my grandpa used 

to give me rides on his wheelchair. I would sit on his lap and he would drive me around the farm to look 

at cows. The reason my grandpa used to say “you wiggle worm” is because he always thought I was 

squirmy when he was giving me rides. 

I spent a lot of time with my grandpa. He used to come to all our family gatherings and one of 

the grandkids’ birthday parties. My grandpa and my grandma used to babysit me while my parents were 

at work and we would always play hide‐n‐seek. My grandpa used to have false teeth and he used to take 

them out and ask me where they went. We used to do everything together, like walking around the farm 

to see the calves and to see my dad in the barn. My grandpa came to the fair every year to watch me 

show my calves and he came to all my dance recitals. 

My grandpa inspired me to do what I love, which is showing cattle at the fair. Every time I’m in 

the show ring showing my cattle I always think about my grandpa and that he would want me to try my 

best, work hard, and to succeed. 

My grandpa Harold was my best friend. Even though my last words to him were goodbye I know 

that he’s always going to be my best friend. 

Kelsey Stibbe 

Age: 12 



Parents/Guardians: Brent and Sarah Stibbe


The best time ever was when I baked pumpkin pies with my Grandmother. 

Nicole Strong 

Age: 13 





Circus World 

Yes, I knew we would be stopping on our trip to Adams County. No, I had no idea where we 

would stop. But when we pulled into Circus World, I knew Grandma and Grandpa’s arrows had found 

the bull’s‐eye on the target of awesome. 

The second I arrived at Circus World, I was attached. Grandma, Grandpa, my cousin Gaby, and I 

walked into the extremely old building which had several colorful outfits and wagons in display cases. 

But also there were clothes you could try on so Gaby and I sampled the most absurd outfits you can 

imagine. Outside and pre‐shows we went after that including a magician who nearly sawed me in 

fourths. Grandma was about to jump off the bleachers to tell him to stop when he changed his mind. 

After that excitement my grandparents, Gaby, and I enjoyed a lunch of corndogs and hotdogs and 

prepared for the circus. At the circus there was excitement all around from opera to acting, elephants to 

a horse doing tricks, and “pretty ladies” to an amazing trapeze artist from Milwaukee. All tired, our 

fellowship drove off into the bright summer sun to start a new adventure. 

Concluding, my trip to Circus World with Grandma, Grandpa, and of course Gaby was the best 

time ever. I can’t wait to bring my Grandparents there when I’m older. They’ll probably ask me, “Do you 

remember the time we brought you here?” 

“Sure thing,” I’ll reply. 

Juliana Strother 

Age: 11 


Mequon, Wisconsin

Football Fever 

This is a narrative paragraph about my grandpa and I playing football. First I am going to tell you 

about my grandpa. He is 64 years old, and he works at First Supply in Madison, Wisconsin. His favorite 

sports are football, baseball, basketball, and fishing. His most favorite sport like me is football. He is 

good at making one‐handed catches. I call the one‐handed catches the Donald Driver catch. And that’s 

all I need to tell you about my grandpa. 

This is the football paragraph. My grandpa and me are football lovers! This is how it started, it 

was a sunny Saturday morning and my grandpa and me thought we should play football. We played for 

about an hour or so, and what I thought was awesome is that he made a one‐handed catch! In the end it 

was fun. How I felt in the end is that he loves me and that he cares about me. 

Ethan Swenson 

Age: 12 



Parent/Guardian: Glen Swenson 



The Catch of the Day 

“Do I have a bite yet?” I asked with anticipation. 

We were out on Patrick Marsh early that morning. We had driven down the driveway that 

morning loaded with all our worms and poles and after a, “Don’t stop at any garage sales!” from 

Grandma we were on our way. Now, it was nearing 8:15 and my grandpa was advising me on my 

somewhat correct fishing habits. My grandpa has a passion for garage sales/bargain hunting, making 

monstrous apple pies, and being the most reliable man on the planet. 

“No, but I think he’s playing with you,” Grandpa reported. (I couldn’t figure where he got that my 

bobber wasn’t even moving!) 

“It’s so beautiful out today,” I commented as I stood still and waited. The meager waves danced 

across the fertile soil the way a sip of lemonade would to my tongue. It was so unearthly quiet, so with a 

flick of my wrist and the crack of my line the snap it made seemed deafening. The restlessness it had was 

breathtaking with the thick vegetation and the wind each colliding with every movement. 

With confidence, my grandpa turned toward me and proclaimed, “Helena, you’ve got a bite!” 

“What?” I almost didn’t believe him. I jerked my pole towards myself and pulled hard. 

“Reel ‘em in!” 

“Grandpa, can you help me?” I felt the heaviness and strain coming from under the moving 

water and hoped, “this must be a big one!” I yanked it up and saw the pint sized fish dangling, the worm 

saying, “Hey, who asked for my opinion on this?” still stuck in the fish’s gullet. 

“Good job, Helena!” 

I will always remember fishing with my grandpa. I know he believes in me. Which is why when I 

am mad at myself, I think of my grandpa, and know if he believes in me, I should. 

Helena Szymborski 

Age: 12 



Parents/Guardians: Leslie and Dennis Szymborski

Stuck in the mud 

The sun shined brightly over mine and my Grammys head as we walked across the slightly brown 

lawn. The log cabin’s shadow loomed behind us. 

“What are we going to do when we get to the river?” I asked swatting a bug away from my face. 

We can enjoy the nature, all the beautiful birds and we can talk,” she answered as we walked 

down the freshly made boardwalk we had built earlier in the summer. I always loved walking through 

the woods; it felt enchanting how the trees canopied above me but still let in sunlight. It reminded me of 

a jungle with all the strange plants, and the way their leaves always had dew on them. They were big 

and exotic looking. 

When we got to the river the sun shined brightly onto my face as I unfolded out chairs. 

“It’s such a nice day I want to jump into the water!” I said peering over the side of the 

boardwalk’s edge. 

“I bet it’s pretty nice but still cold even for summer, but that shallow area looks nice,” just then 

my tiny puppy came running towards us, tongue hanging to the side. 

“Come on Dash are you ready for an adventure?” I patted my leg to motion for the puppy to 

come, and pushed through the brush. Dash followed close behind as I neared the river’s edge. 

“Are you going to go in?” Grammy asked brushing her short bangs away from her face. 

“I don’t know…what if a fish comes?” I laughed half serious. 

“The fish is more scared of you then you are of him,” she stated matter‐of‐factly. Slowly I 

stepped forward placing my black polka dotted rain boot into the glistening water. 

“Hey this isn’t scary and I don’t even see any fish!” I laughed to Grammy who was sitting on the 

dock, her short reddish brown hair standing out against the green leaves. “I want to go farther this is 

fun!” I tried pulling my boot up but it was stuck. I tried harder, but I still couldn’t get it out. “I’m stuck!” I 

yelled frantically wiggling back and forth trying to free myself. “Grammy I can’t get out and I’m sinking!” 

She got up and pushed through the leaves straight to me. 

“Quick jump out of your boots and I’ll grab your hand,” she said holding out her hands. 

I’m scared it’s creepy over by the shore and what if I see a fish, worse leeches!” She just held her 

hands out to me. “Promise it will be quick?” 



“Promise, now hurry you’re sinking faster!” I pulled my soggy feet out of my boots just as water 

poured in. I squished through the mucky water and grabbed her hands as she helped me out. That’s 

what I love about my Grammy she’s adventurous but if anyone she loves is in trouble she’ll get them out 

of any mess. 

Sydney Thomas 

Age: 13 



Parent/Guardian: Lynn Thomas 



“TOUCH DOWN!” I hear my dad yell as he jumps up from the couch. 

My grandma and I were in the kitchen hovering over the counter cutting up apples and sprinkling 

cinnamon over them. The smell of the apples was almost delicious themselves, it was so tempting to eat 

them right then and there but I couldn’t, they would be better baked. 

Every year my grandma comes up to our house just because, and every time she comes, she 

brings with her a bag of apples picked right off the trees. She uses them to make apple sauce. Personally, 

apple sauce isn’t my food to eat but her apple sauce is to die for. You can eat it cold or warm but either 

way it tastes fresh, like it was just made, not artificial. 

“Make sure you skinned the apples before you put them in the pan or else they won’t be easy to 

mash,” my grandma reminds me, her eyes trained on the apples. 

“Sure thing grandma,” I say smiling. 

I stood back for a minute taking it all in—the smells of cinnamon and apples, and the smell like it 

just rained. The feeling of steam raising off the pan as some of the apple slices baked, the way my dad 

was about to jump out of his chair again as the Packers raced down the field. 

“We’re almost done sweetie,” my grandma said interrupting my day dream. “Now we just have 

to let them bake and then we are good to go.” 

I looked up at her and smiled, and I gave her the biggest hug. It is these small moments that I 

remember with her because it is the ones that we did because we wanted to and there was no other 

reason. 

Madi Vandenboom 

Age: 13 



Parents/Guardians: Donna and Kris Vandenboom 



Being With My Granny 

The best time I ever spent with my Granny is when I sleep over at her house. We play cards, 

bake, and have a lot of laughs on the way. It is so much fun because we get to do whatever I want such 

as go swimming in her pool or go out to dinner. When we go to the pool it’s a lot of fun because she 

tries to do tricks in the pool like hand stands and even cart wheels. My favorite part is when she tries to 

do a flip and her hair goes all over her face. After that we go out to dinner at Wayne’s Drive In. My 

grandpa drives my Granny and me in his Austin Healey which is a very old car that my grandpa loves. 

When we get there we enter raffles and play in a hula hoop contest. We never won anything but we still 

have a great time. When the day is done, we go back home and play cards. My favorite card game I play 

with her is Jin and Double Solitaire. I always beat her in Double Solitaire, but she beats me in Jin. When I 

start to get tired we get ready for bed. I sleep in her guest bed room with my own bathroom. When I’m 

all ready to go to sleep she would tell me stories when my dad and uncle were my age and even 

younger. They were always so funny and I would laugh so hard that I would make her tell me the story 

again so I can laugh some more. After that she would give me a kiss good night and I would go to sleep. 

I will always cherish my Granny for what she does. I love her more than anything in the world and 

I hope I can spend more time with her again. 

Olivia Wasserman 

Age: 11 



Parent/Guardian: Lucy Reeve

The First Norwegian Cooking Day 

Do you celebrate any traditions in your family? Well, I bet you a million dollars you don’t have a 

Norwegian Cooking Day. My grandma is the one that makes it happen each year. She cares so much 

about everything and is VERY organized which helps a lot. I love this tradition so much and spending it 

with my grandma makes it 10 times better. She has such a set mind towards things to get them done. 

That is just the beginning of my story. 

“Hello?” I called out as I slipped my shoes off watching a little chubby dog waddle 

towards me. 

“In the dining room!” my Aunt Sue called to my mom and I. 

“Hi Brooks! How are you?” I exclaimed in a puppy dog voice while kneeling down. 

“Hey Meg. Hey Birdy,” My grandma said with anticipation. 

So, are we going to get started right away?” I said very anxiously. 

“Sure, let’s get to work,” said my Great Aunt Dee. 

I looked at the counter. Many appliances I had never seen before spread out like a blanket along 

with different baking ingredients. As my thoughts scrambled in my head, my grandma and my Aunt Dee 

interrupted and started to explain how to make the food to everyone. They explained how to make 

lefse, rosettes, krumkake and much more. Once she finished I realized this would be much more of a 

challenge than I thought it would be. Everyone looked confused in my aunt’s beautiful kitchen. 

“O.K. I think I understand…,” I said unsure. 

“Don’t worry only do what you want to do,” she said in the most comforting tone ever. 

You see this is what I love most about my grandma she is so easy‐going. She didn’t make me do 

anything. What I decided on doing (and discovered that was easiest) was cooking the lefse. My cousin 

Lorene and I worked together. While we were working on the food, my mom, aunts, cousin, my 

grandma and I were laughing, telling stories and just catching up with each other. We talked for so long 

that I didn’t even realize all the yummy food that was made. I walked to the table with all the new food 

on it. 

“Wow…,” I said in amazement. 

“Wow is right. I didn’t realize how much we made!” my grandma said in astonishment. 



“Yeah! I can’t wait to eat it all!!” I said excitedly. “Where did you learn how to make all this food 

anyway?” I asked anxiously. 

“My grandmother had these recipes when I was little. She would make the same things we are 

making like rosettes, lefse and much more,” she explained. 

“Wow that’s pretty cool,” I said still staring at the food. About 12‐20 minutes later we were done. 

We ended the day by eating the delicious food with my dad, grandpa, and uncle Kipp (who didn’t help at 

ALL!). 

That day I realized that my grandma and the rest of my family are really important to me. Also 

doing that “holiday” brought my grandma and I a little bit closer. Maybe one day I will share those same 

recipes with my grandchildren, just like my great grandma did with my grandma and how my grandma 

did with me. 

Meghan Wilhelmi 

Age: 12 



Parent/Guardian: John Wilhelmi 


Matzo Ball Soup With Big Ma 

I walked into my great grandma’s kitchen with a big smile on my face and ready to cook. I made 

the dough with the family recipe. I was very excited to be making matzo ball soup with great grandma. 

I took the cold and sticky dough and rolled it into a ball, just as my great grandma had been doing 

for many years. Together we were making matzo ball soup. Every year it is a tradition in my family to 

make matzo ball soup with my great grandma, who we like to call Big Ma. My Big Ma passed away a year 

ago but her recipe is still with us today. I am very lucky I had the chance to make the matzo balls with 

her. I remember every step she taught me. First you make the dough. Then you grab a chunk and roll it 

lightly into a ball to make it nice and fluffy. Drop into the boiling soup and let them sit for twenty 

minutes and then they are ready to eat. Yummy! 

I always have the best time making matzo ball soup with my Big Ma. If she was still with us today 

I’m positive she would continue to make the best matzo ball soup and my sisters and I will be right by 

her side. Now my Grandma, mom, sister, and I are happy to continue following her recipe every year. 

When we eat our soup it warms our hearts and our tummies. 

Lily Zall 

Age: 11 




Main Office 

2802 International Lane 

P.O. Box 14017 

Madison, WI 53708-0017 

www.carewisc.org 

© 2012 Care Wisconsin First, Inc.


Untitled 

As I sat there watching my adorable little brother, Cole, play with his race car track, I couldn’t 

help but break into a smile. Cole is a five‐year‐old boy who was diagnosed with epilepsy at the age of 

one. He is unable to talk but is getting much better and learning more each day. The best time that I 

have ever had with him would have to be the day he got his race car track. We had just gotten to my 

grandma’s house and Cole was really cranky. No matter what we did to cheer him up, nothing worked. 

So we finally shoved him in front of the TV to occupy him. While he was in front of the TV, I had gone 

into the toy room to look for something for Cole to play with. I had seen the race car track and thought 

that it might be fun for him to play with. So I grabbed the track and a couple of cars and went to the 

living room. My grandma and I set up the track for my brother to play with. At first he didn’t even bother 

to notice that we had set up the track. But once the race cars started to go, it immediately got his 

attention. He had started to laugh and tried many times to grab the cars, but never quite could. Cole had 

been the happiest that I have ever seen him. It made me really happy that even though he can’t express 

his feelings or thoughts with words, he is still able to show his happiness and joy with his obnoxious 

laugh. 

Victoria Zich 

Age: 13 



Parents/Guardians: Trisha and Matthew Sherwood

Best Time Ever - Care Wisconsin

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