I’m hoping to write up a little report from our homeschool convention this past weekend, but for now, I’d like to dedicate a post to my dear Grandma, who passed away one year ago today.

Grandma was one of the most beautiful, gracious, hospitable women I’ve known. She had increasing difficulty hearing in the past several years before her death, so we corresponded back and forth via letters. Even though we lived hundreds of miles apart, Grandma’s influence upon my life was tremendous. Equally at home at a formal dinner, or serving meals at a community event, or performing volunteer janitorial duties at church, or helping with  Special Olympics athletes, Grandma modeled what it means to be a true lady. This is the tribute I wrote to her last year:

Grandma’s Legacy

Grandma, when I think of you
memories flood my mind ~
from earliest childhood you were there,
loving, sweet, and kind.
And as I grew you always were
my faithful cheering fan,
in every effort encouraging me,
supporting all my ideas and plans.
All who knew you clearly saw
the beauty of your character ~
a loyal wife, a generous heart,
a life poured out as a selfless server.
For this heritage you’ve given me
my heart overflows with thanks to God;
sorrow runs deep, but hope springs forth,
for your legacy will always live on.