My Grandfather

On Monday, February 6, 2007, my grandfather turned 89 years old. It was an emotional birthday for him because over the past 5 months, his health has been declining and he faces the reality of the fact that he may not live to see 90 years old.

Emmett Wilson Barker was born in 1918 in West Tennessee. He spent the majority of his life as a dairy and crop farmer. My mom says she can remember going into the barn on a Saturday afternoon/evening and my grandfather would have the UT football game on while he was milking cows. My grandfather actually attended UT Knoxville for 2 quarters before he had to come back home and help on the farm (and get married). He has 3 children- Emmett, Nancy and my mom- Phyllis. Last, but not least, he has a spunky, beautiful wife of 70 years named Rebecca Barker.

I am so thankful to have such loving grandparents like I do. Oh to be married 70 years and for my husband to still want to hold my hand. I pray that God will continue to bless their lives.

(Picture from July 2006 at 70th Anniversary)