Gramas Rock, make no mistake. They are the ones that love us and think we can do no wrong, no matter what we do or don't do or what expectations people have or what goes right or wrong for us in our lives. I will miss you.

My Grandma Gladys--

Busy kitchen smells envelop the house. With the stomping of feet and shuffling of coats at the door. Never too many to fit in the small house that seemed large when I was small. Simple rules-no chasing the kitty, stay out of the bedrooms, no pounding the piano. (watch out for the dog, she will bite you!)

The smell of lavender and rose glycerin soaps while the well water freezes through the pipes to wash up for dinner. All are seated, grace, gratitude, blessings. Plentiful food and no one ever leaves hungry.

Sneaking to water the African Violets while no one is looking, the watering can seems to be bottomless and is never empty!

Adults talk, children play. Checkers, tic tac toe, hangman, crayons and stuffed animals, plunking on the piano. Chopsticks!

Hugs that swallow you whole and wet cheek kisses, roses floating in the bowls on the table. Photo albums!

Everyone here for a picture, take another, I closed my eyes!

Lunch-cookies and cake, small sandwiches that tide Grampa over while he works outside. Red mustache Punch!

Can we go down to the barn? Can I push the lawn mower around? Can I have another cookie? please

Tending the flowers, canning the fruits, baking the cookies, writing the letters to keep in touch, Nursing. Organizing the photos in the albums, sending birthday cards, visiting friends, caring for family, praying for us all. Devotions.

Tornadoes on your birthday! Yes, it was loud, was all you had to say. Get on with cleaning up the mess it made, don't dwell on the tragedy.

Your quiet insistance that I remain a part of this family with post cards in the mail, keeping me close to your heart, a birthday never forgotten. Reminding me that I am a part of you whether I was at my worst or my best. Your sparkling eyes and smile when you opened the door. Your delightful laugh!

Your determination and hard work- not a moment was wasted on self-pity or regret. Acceptance for all.

A life well lived and well remembered. A spirit that will be missed by many on this plane, and warmly welcomed on the next.