The Rhoads family just celebrated their ‘best Thanksgiving ever’ for many reasons. For one, it coincided within days of Carol and Stan’s fifth wedding anniversary. It’s a miraculous milestone for the Rhoads, since Stan was told shortly after their marriage that he had only a few months to live.

Having now beaten the odds for five happy years, the couple took another big step the Monday before Thanksgiving -- Stan officially adopted Carol’s 30-year-old son, Lester. Carol’s son, who is mentally disabled yet highly functioning, says his Dad is his inspiration. “He’s got God in his heart,” Lester Rhodes said.

These are precious moments for the family. Stan’s health problems are progressing quickly. Still, the family has prevailed in tough times before, and Stan says the important thing is that a son has a father who “just loves him.”

Carol said, “Because of Quakerdale I learned a lot. You’ll always have ups and downs in life. God never gives us too much to handle. I just learned my husband may be lucky to live to Christmas. He is at peace, and he is not afraid. It’s hard to deal with, but God is giving me strength.”

Last July, Carol, Stan and Lester drove from their home in Oklahoma to visit Quakerdale. They are pictured in front of Tatum Cottage, where Carol (Wheeler) was a student from January 1971 to January 1972. The family was featured in the November 27 issue of The Oklahoman newspaper (www.newsok.com).

Congratulations to the Rhoads on becoming a ‘bigger’ family. They are in our prayers daily.