Thinking upon my childhood growing up across the street from the Van Story family, I have many wonderful memories of Al and Joyce always saying hello and asking us how we were doing. We were always invited in during the holidays. I loved having my Physical Science class in high school with Avery sitting right behind me. I think we talked more than worked in class. We rode the bus every day after school for years until Avery got his blue "fish bowl". We loved having Alyssa come come over to swim and play. As the years have flown by, it has always been a comforting thought that Joyce and Al were there in the neighborhood. And now that Al has gone ahead of us, it makes me realize how much I took their kindness, their gentle presence, for granted. I am very grateful to know the Van Story family and grateful for all the love, kindness, and generosity they have shown me over these many years. I will always remember each of them with love and respect.
