Tuesday, February 23, 2010

Febrero: Remembering 'Ell (and PaPaPa)

















































Lots of people think they have the greatest grandparents in the world, but in my case, it's actually true!! My Grandma Maurine left this world last week, at nearly 97 years of age, joining Grandpa at the big luau in the sky. She and my Grandpa Howard provided us with countless blessings. They were true examples of unconditional love. Unconditional love for each other, and for all of us who were lucky enough to be their descendants.

Having them both gone leaves a gaping void, but we are thankful to have so so many fond memories. Just a few of mine include: trips to Silver Dollar City, seeing Ray Stevens and Showji Tabooshi (I have no idea how to spell that), little Old English cheese sandwiches, chocolate chip cookies, driving the old Dodge with Grandpa (long before I was licenced), hours of recording ourselves using their little tape recorder with the microphone (I distinctly remember Joel's Howard Cosell impression), 'The Young and the Restless,' and Grandpa's storytelling (for those of you familiar with him, think 'broken speedometer' and 'we're farting with a traveling dog').

However, the thing I treasure most about having had them in my life was being able to witness a married couple that took such good care of each other and thoroughly enjoyed each other's company. I am so grateful to have had them in my life!