Since those early days, four generations of Armstrongs have walked and worked and loved that land. Grandchildren and great-grandchildren have walked up and down the long rock driveway, searching for crystals, quartz, and other treasures. Many family members have enjoyed the fruit of Henry and Mamie’s annual garden of green beans, potatoes, corn, and melons. A special favorite was Mamie’s homemade hickory nut pie, provided by the many hickory trees on the property. Mamie’s heart was full on those summer days, watching her grandchildren catching frogs and crawdads from the creeks that flow through the farm. Hearing their laughter always brought her happiness. Then, as the summer sun started to dip below the horizon, everyone would gather around the bonfire, as the thousands of fireflies that made the farm their home began their own majestic light show.

Tragically, in 2014, the Armstrong family’s faith was shaken when Mamie was diagnosed with late stage Alzheimer’s disease. Their son, David, who lived in Missouri at the time, made the life-changing decision to move back home to take care of his ailing mother and elderly father. A few months later, David’s son, Nicholas, also made the fateful decision to help care for his grandparents. Sadly, on December 13, 2017, just two days shy of their 68th wedding anniversary, Mamie lost her well-fought battle with Alzheimer’s. Shortly after, Nicholas’ mother, at age 54 was diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer’s and Primary Progressive Aphasia.