Today, as I eat around the table with my family, I have the opportunity to reflect on all the ways my grandma Katie shaped my life. Most of all, I am struck by how the values she lived by are those that I hold most important in my life. A love for animals and humans alike, the value of civic knowledge and participation, a commitment to justice and honesty, and a quick, hot wit are the qualities that most define my grandmother in my eyes and are qualities I hope to embody in myself.
Among my most treasured memories with my grandmother was spending time in the backyard, feeding lettuce to her little colony of turtles. Her home was full of animals; in addition to the turtles, birds and squirrels frequented her feeders and birdbaths. I succession of small energetic dogs, and secretive, comtemplative cats inhabited her little brick house and garnered her fierce protection and love. From my grandmother I learned how to read and treat animals, and that has been an invalueable lesson applicableto to humans and people alike.
As we say goodbye to a remarkable woman, who lived a long and full life, I hope to embrace the values she lived by more completely in my life. I am so thankful for the opportunity to have learned from Katie, and for the opportunity now to gather and appreciate the positive influence she has had on each of our lives.
October 31, 2015
In the End
October 25, 2015
October 25, 2015
October 25, 2015
Katie with grandson Rio, at home
October 25, 2015
Katie, with grandson, Jesse Hibarger s graduation in 2001 with daughter Donna
October 25, 2015
Katie with grandson Cody, in 2000 at graduation
October 25, 2015
Katie with husband Don, Donna and Walt
October 25, 2015