In Loving Memory

9 years ago today, my beloved grandpa passed away after a year and a half battle with cancer. 8 years ago tomorrow, my loving grandma passed away from the same horrible disease. It was two of the saddest days of my life. The loss was devastating to my whole family. We were so close and our family did everything together. I was the only grandchild for 12 years so what can I say, I was spoiled! (: My grandma and grandpa were involved in every event in my life growing up. The earliest memory I have of them is playing at their house and spending the night with them. I even took trips with them, just the three of us. They were like a second set of parents to me. I felt so loved, so safe when I was with them. They always made me feel special, not just because I was their granddaughter but because I was me. Even as a young girl, I knew how rare it was to have such a special relationship with my grandparents and I cherished every moment.

My grandpa was a really neat guy. With his pure white hair and happy laugh, he was so much fun to be around. He was quiet but loved to tease. I remember my grandma would give him "the look" and say "Now, Ken...." when he'd make a funny comment about something or tease her. It was all in fun though and he would have all of us smiling. Another favorite memory I have of my grandpa is how whenever I'd spend the night at their house, we would always watch a movie and make popcorn. Grandma would make it in the old fashioned popcorn popper (not microwave!) and set it all out on this little tray to take it downstairs to the TV room. We usually watched some "chick flick" but Grandpa didn't mind. He just liked spending time together and so did I. I have such wonderful memories of my grandpa. I am so thankful that God gave me such a special one.

My grandma was a great lady. Godly, loving, caring, strong, wise, and thoughtful are just some of the words that describe her. She always put her heart and soul into whatever she did. She loved her family and friends but above all, God. She always had a kind word or a prayer for everyone she met, even total strangers. I remember how every time I said I had a headache or a big test coming up or something, right then and there, she'd say, "can I pray for you?", and we would, wherever we were. Some of my favorite memories of my grandma was going garage saleing with her and my mom. All three of us loved going out and "finding the deals". We'd check the newspapers and map out our strategy, usually hoping to hit a subdivision sale to maximize time! (: We had been doing it since I was a baby, up until that last summer before she died. It was just something we all loved to do and mom and I still go now with my kids. She was such a fun grandma and I am thankful for all the things we were able to do together.

Although I would have wanted many, many more years with my grandparents, I am thankful to have had the years and memories I did with them. They are still with me when I remember what they've taught me and the example they've passed down, and as I teach it to my own children. They left a wonderful legacy of fun, faith and love that will always be remembered.