Love, Always

Recently we've experienced heartache in our family. We've found ourselves unexpectedly saying goodbye to one of the most interesting, loving women anyone could have the privilege to know, Sam's Grandma Jeanne.

This picture is from a few years ago and I thought it exemplified just exactly how she was, a happy, hard worker who made the best of things in any situation. The Lake house has a septic system, so when the tank was in danger overflowing, Jeanne would simply take the dishes out back and wash them on the stump with the hose. Sam and I both owe his Grandma so much. She was instrumental in who Sam is as a person, husband and father. She taught him faith in God, to study the Bible, the value of work and how to think positively. Sam remembers getting up each morning to her "to-do" lists that were lovingly written as reminders for Sam, signed with her signature smiley faces. She also did her part to help him enjoy health food and all kinds of crazy vegetables, to enjoy reading, and acclimate him to musicals, ballets, plays and road trips.
Granny, always trying to keep everyone hydrated at the lake.

Anyone who's met Jeanne knows what force of energy she is. She's been a wonderful example to me of living life fully and trying new things. Just some of her interests were, (but not limited to) Dancing, singing, drumming, (she had a set of drums in her bedroom), pottery, learning new languages, being physically active, theater, travel and of course her family. Jeanne has for many years made the trip to Alaska each Feb/Mar to be a volunteer at the Iditarod. She truly was a woman who grabbed life fully and looked to what she could make of it.

Some of Sam's memories include traveling through Yellowstone with just the two of them, also driving up into Canada sightseeing. She was fearless in her little Subaru as long as it was stocked with plenty of water and healthy snacks. Sam also remembers her coming to his swim meets wearing her specially made T-shirt that read "Sam's Gram". He remembers her always believing in him and telling him he could've been a dancer or singer (or anything in the world he wanted) with his long legs and beautiful voice.

She also loves her great grand kids very much and would often refer to them as her lambs. She was quick to praise and made it a point to tell me how thankful she and Grandpa were that I had come into their family. Through each of her life's trials and those of her children, Jeanne has been an incredible example of unshakable faith. I don't know if there could be a mother who's prayed on behalf of her children as much as she has. Jeanne has been an amazing example of endurance and keeping her faith throughout her life. For this we thank her.
We love you Grandma, and we have no doubt we'll see your smiling face again.