Somehow it seems like yesterday, but forever ago we were leaving Frankenmuth in my rental car on your 90th birthday, after our day together at Bronner’s and the fried chicken place (even though neither of us wanted, nor got, fried chicken). Remember the waitress was absolutely adorable and took our photos for us, and even surprised you with fudge, so you wouldn’t have to walk down the stairs to the shop? What I wouldn’t give to go back and stir food around my plate one more time across from you. It was never about the food, it was about the adventure, making memories, and being together.

You grabbed my hand as we pulled out of the parking lot. I remember you weren’t feeling too well, I think we overdid it a bit. But you laid back in the seat and with the sweetest smile on your face, and your eyes closed, but turned toward heaven, you made me promise that I wouldn’t be sad when you were gone. You said that we (your kids, grandkids, great-grandkids) had given you the most amazing life and you couldn’t ask for anything more. You said you accomplished everything you wanted to, and you were ready to spend eternity with Jesus whenever he was ready for you. Oh to have your unwavering faith (which, thankfully, you HAVE given to so many of us!)

I don’t have to drive to/ from OC/ LA nearly as much these days, but I sure do miss our late night phone visits when I did. You were willing to stay up until midnight in Michigan to keep me company my whole drive home. In fact, they even put a cell tower in the pass, so now I wouldn’t even have to tell you I’m about to lose you and I’ll call you back in 2 minutes.

You wouldn’t believe how big all the little ones are getting – every photo on Facebook is missing one “like” from you, with your comment about how precious or how much joy each of them brings you.

Georgie is amazing. You would just love her. I like to take credit since she looks just like me (never mind the fact that her dad and I are practically twins). And I’m sure you have seen our newest Chonk, August. You’d get a kick out of him too, such a smiley, happy little guy. I promise they will grow up knowing all about you, and how we are who we are because of you.

Perhaps what I have missed the most recently is your constant and unfailing prayers. So many things coming my way where I’ve looked at Brian or texted Daniel and just said “I wish I could call Grandma and ask her to pray for this”. It finally hit me the other day – as I was talking through a tough situation with a dear friend – that perhaps the greatest gift you gave me of all was showing me how to pray. The trait I most admired in YOU, can become part of my legacy too.

So tonight, as I snuggle up with my dog (oh, yeah – we actually got a DOG, can you imagine that?), and raise a cup of (protein) ice cream for dinner to you, I promise you I won’t be sad. Instead I’ll thank God for each moment we had. For every extra FaceTime sunset we shared. For all the IHOP International Breakfast Specials. For the Sandy Pines trips. For the Golf Cart Driver’s Ed. For the trip you made to Palm Springs to watch me get married. And for all the times you encouraged, interceded, and upheld me in prayer.

Thank you for showing me exactly the kind of Grandma I need to be…you’ve set the bar so high! Happy Happy Birthday, I know Heaven is celebrating you today!

Lots of love,

Kim

Philippians 4:6-7

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.