Among other feelings I have at this moment, I am feeling behind.
There are so many exciting things happening in our lives right now.
Since I am behind on my blog, there are some big events, like moving to Tulsa (at least Jordan has moved to Tulsa, I am tying up loose ends in Mesa), that have not been documented.
Since I am behind on my blog, there are some big events, like moving to Tulsa (at least Jordan has moved to Tulsa, I am tying up loose ends in Mesa), that have not been documented.
On another day, at another time, I will catch up on these events, but for now, I will speak of the matter at the forefront of our lives.
My sweet Grandma Perkins passed away tonight.
I have many emotions & thoughts.
In the last week, particularly the last couple of days, I have heard some wonderful stories of my grandma.
What a remarkable woman.
I don't think I will ever meet another who loves life as much as my grandma.
Things she taught by example:
Live in the moment.
At a particularly hard time in my mom's life, she decided to pack up her things & move to Washington. With her bags packed and the car loaded, my grandmother decided her daughter was serious. She said, "Give me 5 minutes! I'm coming!"
Be an advocate for your children.
When my Uncle would be getting an earful from his Father after misbehaving, his Mother would be standing behind her husband with her finger to her "Shh" shaped lips.
Be Patriotic.
Wear it, sing it, show it!
Make Lemonade.
When Grandma's back was out a few days before leaving with my family for Hawaii she declared, "I'm going!!! Even if you have to strap me to a board and float me across the ocean!"
Never forget a birthday.
Up until the month before her stroke, Grandma was sending birthday cards to every child, child's spouse, grandchild, grand children's spouses, great-grandchildren, great-grand children's spouses, & great-great-grandchildren. She did the same for anniversaries.
Be a Friend.
When my Aunt & Uncle first got married & had a newborn baby, they moved away from home. Grandma wrote to her daughter every.single.day. Diane said she would walk to the post office every day to retrieve Mother's letters.
Make quilts.
These hands...
have made hundreds of quilts.
For each & every grandchild, and great-grandchild, and great-great-grandchild.
Never complain.
My Mom, She Never Complained
My mom, she never complained
My mom, she never complained
and life wasn't roses with four kids with snot noses,
My mom, she never complained.
She worked in the maters, and worked in the taters,
and with service she gave all her life.
A mom and a friend, her smile never ends,
I know dad has got the best wife.
She tries to help all, her spirit won't stall
for she's the rock of this family.
And we love her so dear, for she brings us good cheer,
and life becomes easy you see.
For my mom, she never complained
and life wasn't roses, with four kids with snot noses,
My mom, she never complained.
She's always been there, when there's burdens to bare,
and her prayers have been felt deep inside.
And she never gives up, when times they get tough,
and her strength has helped when we've cried.
And I speak for us all, to a mom who walks tall,
May your life be happy and long.
And may your heart fill with joy, for two girls and two boys,
want each day, for you, be a song.
For my mom, she never complained,
and life wasn't roses with four kids and snot noses,
My mom, she never complained.
- - Norman W. Perkins 10/17/1983
I am comforted by knowing that right now, not too far away, there is a joyous reunion.
You lived a good, full, happy life.
Thank you for your incredible example!
God be with you 'til we meet again!
Sena Ruth Perkins
August 19, 1919 ~ January 31, 2011
August 19, 1919 ~ January 31, 2011
