Monday, May 27, 2013

FOCUS on Remembering

Today is Memorial Day in the U.S.A. It is a day set aside to remember those service men and women who have lost their lives in service to protect the United States and our freedoms. My father, father-in-law, and several uncles served in various branches of the military and I appreciate their service. I also appreciate the service of all who have served and their families; especially the families who had an empty seat at the picnic table for the cookout today because their loved one gave the ultimate sacrifice for my freedom. We are the "Land of the Free BECAUSE of the Brave"!!!

Saturday, May 18, 2013

Focus on Grandmother!

My tribute to Grandmother at her funeral:

D's Mom always says that I am just like Grandmother and then tells me it is not a compliment. I think being like Grandmother is the best compliment that anyone could pay me. Grandmother might have been stubborn, but she lived the life she wanted, the way she wanted. At 93 years old she still lived in her own home and by her own rules. Grandmother had many adventures with Duke, her sister-in-law and very dear friend. To have a family and friends that love me as much as Grandmother’s family and friends love her would be a wonderful life. I have heard stories of travels around the world and stories of trips for banana splits while popping balloons with her grandson. All of these stories were told with love and smiles. Grandmother loved to tell stories of her family and her last wish was to see everyone she loved. That even included D's brother lifting our dog, Soxy, up so that Grandmother could see her and know she was in the house.

Grandmother found her true love and had a wonderful life with him. She even wanted nothing more than to take her last breath in the home they shared together. She raised three wonderful children and has a multitude of grandchildren and great-grandchildren that love her very much. Her sisters came to visit every Sunday demonstrating a great love for her. People do not love someone that much who is not worthy of their love. If I could possibly have half the love and respect that Grandmother did while living the life I love and doing it in my own way, like Grandmother did, I will have lived a life worth remembering.

Grandmother was a very wise woman and passed on that wisdom to others. Just a few that she reiterated in the past week that will stay with me forever include that family is most important; to surround yourself with those you love and that love you; and that when you say you will love someone forever, there is no changing that. Those rules are even more reasons that those who knew Grandmother loved her and why so many people have come to say goodbye to her the last several days. But I prefer not to say goodbye because  I hope it is only 'til we meet again.

Tuesday, May 14, 2013

Prayers for D's Family

Please send prayers to D's family as his grandmother passed away this morning. She fell last Tuesday and broke her neck. She was 92 years old and still living on her own. His family needs prayers to deal with this as we are all reeling to some extent from the loss.

Friday, May 3, 2013

Officially Hooded as Dr. Kristin!!!


GRADUATION!!!

Today I officially walk for graduation! It will be official and I will be hooded as a PhD!!! Pictures will follow. It is finally here!

Now, hopefully my blog will get a little more interesting than just school updates. ;-)