21/08/2026
September 18, 2024 at our Annual Banquet one of our founders Gloria Gross brought a gentleman to me. "Carolyn, I want you to meet Jerry Wexelberg. Jerry, this is Carolyn Faulkner. She's the Executive Director..." Jerry had some health concerns and had not been to a banquet in years. I told Jerry, one of the four Abigayle founders, that it was a pleasure to finally meet him. We hugged. That's when this picture was taken of the three of us. Jerry joked about being in the center of two beautiful ladies. We laughed. It was as if he had known me for years.
2025 was Abigayle's 25th year in existence. That was huge to me. I wanted to do something special for our founders, Bill and Gloria Gross and Jerry Wexelberg (his wife, Karen, passed away years ago). I talked with our videographer and we arranged to have the three remaining founders come to Abigayle and tell the story of Abigayle's beginning. I have no words to describe the utter joy, admiration, gratitude and love I felt. "We are here because of them" I kept thinking. Hearing them reminisce about the early days touched my heart. Even the videographer felt it. It was indescribable. Jerry hadn't been to Abigayle for many years. His eyes welled with tears as he remembered and saw what their dream, hard work and prayers had produced. So did mine.
On September 13, 2025 we had our 25th Anniversary Gala and all three of the founders were there. Unbeknownst to them, we honored them that day. Jerry cried again. He was so appreciative. His family thanked me afterwards for honoring the founders. Honoring them was a very special moment for me. One I will always cherish.
Yesterday, I was informed that Jerry went home to be with the Lord. I left Jerry a message a few months ago. I had something for him that I forgot to give him at the gala last year and I wanted to take it to him. A small container of blue paint. (Jerry had shared a funny story about painting the dorm bathroom in preparation for opening. He told how he misstepped on the ladder and spilled a lot of blue paint all over himself and the bathroom! We joined him in laughter at the memory.) That paint will now have a home in my office, reminding me of Jerry, motivating me to keep pushing, keep serving, even through the mishaps.
Bill, Gloria, Jerry and Karen will always be a part of Abigayle. Their blood, sweat, tears and prayers are woven into this place. Hundreds of moms and babies have been blessed, lives changed, babies saved, generations built because of their obedience to God. To God Be the Glory for the Things He Has Done!
With Gratitude,
Carolyn
