I was sitting here tonight missing my grandma and this story popped into my head and made me smile thru my tears......Grandma and Grandpa took me for a drive.  We were driving down some back country roads when i was about 13 or 14.  The day was beautiful but windy.  Grandma insisted that i wear this scarf (she said it was a beautiful scarf) being 13, I thought it was hideous...i mean really a scarf over my hair, lol)  but i did it anyway and off we went.  we drove for a while and we saw this beautiful old red barn in the middle of this field.  With a grin on her face she said..."pull over arley, we want to go explore".  My grandpa pulled over and we all climbed out.  My Grandma leading the way she climbed over the fence...me a little more cautious looking all around...i soon followed.  Grandpa propped his boot on the fence rail and watched us go.  We walked all around that old falling down barn and we were having a blast.  Then we notice a big old bull....yup, we took off at a run, laughing and screaming and climbing over that fence fast.  We loaded up in the car laughing about our narrow escape.  All of a sudden grandma turns and looks as me and shes like where is your scarf, ohhhh kimberly you lost your scarf....that was one of my best ones, honey she said...turn around your gonna have to go find it...and he did......what a beautiful day, beautiful memory and such loving grand parents...i was so blessed.  I know she sent that memory to me tonight to make me feel better.  She frequently does things like that for me.  I miss her so very much!  I love you Grandma, thank you for the smile!  

HER JOUNEY'S JUST BEGUN


Don't think of her as gone away, her jouney's just begun, life holds so many facets-this earth is only one.  Just think of her as resting from the sorrows and the tears in a place of warmth and comfort where there are no days and years.  Think how she must be wishing that we could know today how nothing but our sadness can really pass away.  And think of her as living in the hearts of those she touched..for nothing loved is ever lost--and she was loved so much.  E. Brenneman  

Too many times to count Grandma and Grandpa and I would go fishing when I was very young and they lived down in Rockport. Most of the time Grandma would come with us and outfish Grandpa and I both. When she didn't though, Grandpa and I would always come back with our catch, clean the fish and the boat, and head back to the trailer. As soon as we would walk in Grandma would be there with handsoap first, then towels and bar soap. She would insist that we go clean up because we stank so badly. Grandpa and I didn't really think it was so urgent and would dilly dally around until Grandma practically shoved us out of the trailer complaining of the way we stank. When we arrived back after showering Grandma always had a nice dinner waiting for us and would smile as we ate. Any time I go fishing at the coast, I always think about that. And I promptly shower when I come back stinking.

This is Anna, my fourth child.  She is 3 years old now.  Of all of my children, I see my grandma in her the most.  I have never been able to capture it in a picture, but she does that little lower lip pout that grandma sometimes did.  It always brings a smile to my face and Grandma to my thoughts.  She has many of the personality traits of my Grandma.  She knows what she wants and she knows how to get it (and usually does).  She has a determined, very independent personality just like Grandma.  She also loves deeply and completely.  She's so much like her Great Grandma!

This video was taken in December 2011, just 2 months before Marie's death.  Though I had heard it before,  I wanted to capture the story on video for future generations to see.

Marie and Ruth were awesome friends.  We spend so much time together laughing, square dancing, touring (showing us northerners from Ohio what Texas was really like).  Marie loved to take pictures, was a wonderful photographer.  She was with me when we adopted our most special dog Candy from someone in Corpus Christi.  All the memories I have of her are so wonderful.  When she and Rob danced tohgether the love and caring radiated between them.  I am glad that I am able to be part of this tribute to her life.

I know this isn't a great picture of mother but it reminds me of a fun day with just me & her.  She wanted to go on an African photo safari with me but we settled for a drive through the International Wildlife Park near San Antonio.  We stopped in Borne for a picnic lunch beside the river.  We had a good time just relaxing, watching the river and ducks.

At the Wildlife Park we had a great time snapping  pictures of all the animals.  This one tried to get in the car with her.  She was saying "get out of here, you devil"!

I will always treasure the memory of this day with her.

Dalton is her first great grandchild and this is the first time she held him!  That's his Mom Kelsey with her.