I was thinking about grand-mom the other day. I remember when she took me to 'take your daughter to work day' at Penn State. The university had a whole event planned and a big reception in the morning. She held my hand walking in because I was scared of so many people and then got me a muffin from the buffet table. I remember that muffin so clearly, no idea why haha.

She showed me her lab and introduced me to her coworkers. I remember thinking it was so cool that women could be scientists like this. She showed me some of the slides they were working on under a microscope. (I asked my parents for a microscope that year too after this)

We walked around the university and she showed me all the different departments. I remember being very fascinated with the radio station and studio equipment.

She was a big influence on me growing up trying to figure out my place in the world. I'll never forget this day and how much it meant to me.

We just returned from a walk on the Adopt A Stream trails here in Everett, WA It was a beautiful day; but, what made it greater was sharing it with 2 of our grandchildren. 

These special times always remind me of my conversations with Karen in Victoria, BC. Every 3 months or so I'd take the ferry to BC and meet Karen at a restaurant or her home and we'd sit and talk or walk the inner harbour. Invariably, she would talk about all the fun adventures she had with her children/grandchildren- the picnics, the stomping in the puddles and so much more. She was so proud of ALL of you and loved you all so much!! 

Even though I was 8 years her junior, Karen never made me feel unwanted. She talked with me and listened to my thoughts. In the summer she would come home from college and she'd take me canoeing through the 5 connected lakes in the center of Minneapolis, MN. She taught me how to trim the bushes the way our mother wanted so that when Karen left to make her own home someone would be left to do the bushes the "right" way! (I still trim our bushes here in Everett, WA, the way she taught me!)

There's so much more to say; but most importantly, I love her very much! I miss her! I thank God every day for having Karen in my life. 

You have been on my mind and a part of a lot of my conversations this week. Then, I find out that today is the anniversary of your birthday! How funny is that?! I wanted to share a feeling that I had for you more so than a story this year. Everyone has that grandparent that they connect to more than others. The one that gets them, understands them, and the one they feel they can confide in. For me, you were that person. We had something unspoken, a bond that made me feel so loved and this emanating warmth. I still feel that same warmth and connection with you to this day. You are so missed and loved. Happy Birthday <3

Just the other day I was thinking about one of the times I spent the whole day with grand mom Glyde, just the 2 of us. I must have been 12/13 years old. I just got a new cookbook and I was excited to cook something from it. She took me to McDonald's, bought me a McFlurry, and let me choose one that we could make together. We walked to the store afterwards and bought all the ingredients. When we got back to the house we gathered everything together and she helped me make the dinner and dessert I picked out. While we were waiting for things to cook she taught me how to crochet. I remember thinking it was so cool that you could make clothes out of string with 2 sticks. I asked for a crochet kit that year for Christmas.
It was a fun, easy day. One I will never forget.
Happy birthday grand mom. I love you.

Happy Birthday, Mom. You are missed a lot. The good guidance you provided me with will serve me always. I often reflect on the life you lived when thinking about my path - I still remember the day you gave me that book "What color is your parachute?" as a thing to help me figure myself out in college. Thanks for your blessings in life.

I have such fond memories of my sister-in-law, Karen. I first met her when she came to our marriage in 1986. From the first instant that we met, I sensed her tremendous warmth. Although we had just met, it seemed like we had been good friends for years. Every time that I was blessed enough to see her, I sensed this same warmth in her soul. I miss Karen. May she rest in peace. Great pictures!!!

This is awesome. Thanks for setting this up Dad! I miss her a lot, loved those hiking trips and just spending time with my grandmother. Some of my best childhood memories were spent with her. I didn't get to see her much for the last 10 years of her life and I wish I had to chance to talk to her as more of an adult than a child. It would have really added to relationship.RIP grandmother, I'll treasure the memories always.

P.S. Great added pictures dad