Looking up..

So, I was thinking tonight (scary thought, I know) about role models. I think it came to mind because I was preaching to my oldest child how important it was to set a good example for the younger ones. Afterall, they are looking up to him. He had a rough day and was not making the greatest choices. Thankfully, those days with him don't happen very often. He really is a good boy and does strive to please everyone by making the right choices.

Anyways, I was thinking about a role model that I've always looked up to. My grandma Kay is the most amazing woman I know. She has the kindest heart and the most loving soul you could ever imagine. She is one of 'those' grandmas that everyone loves. Everyone wishes they had a grandma like that! She always has a gentle smile, a huge hug and a kind word for EVERYONE. When we were growing up my cousin and I would call her "Mrs. Garrett" from the Facts of Life. She was just always there to lend an ear or a shoulder or just a comforting spot to land. Grandma has spent all of her life doing for others, thinking of others and always setting a good example. If I accomplish nothing else in this lifetime, I hope that I can be half of the woman/mother/grandmother/wife that she is. What an amazing example she has been to so many people.
She recently had surgery to repair a broken foot and I know it is so hard for her to sit around and wait for it to heal. I know she wants nothing more than to hop up and run around taking care of everything and everyone. Sending prayers out that she'll have a speedy recovery and full healing so that she can get back to doing what she does best! And, here's hoping she squeezes in some time to take care of herself while she's at it. :) I'm sure Grandpa is taking extra good care of her while she recovers.

Our family is a hugging family. They've always been that way. My Grammy & Grampy (my great-grandparents) were the same way. They were kind hearted, giving, generous and so full of love. They are all strong believers and I thank them for always sharing that love of Christ with us. I hope to instill that same faith in my own children. While I'm on that subject, I can't leave out my great-aunt Ede and uncle Louis. Two amazing people who have been such an important part of our family. They really aren't like an aunt or uncle, so much as an extra set of parents or grandparents! How blessed our family has been! I have the most amazing extended and close family that anyone could ask for. I have so many wonderful memories from my childhood. My only regret is that I live a state away from them and don't get to see them as much as I'd like. I wish that my children could have the same experiences with all of them that I did. We know that Grammy, Grampy and Uncle Louis are looking down on us from Heaven and enjoying every moment! The kids still talk about them, even though they were so young when they passed. I want them to forever know how lucky we are to have had them in our lives. They are the foundation of the family that we have become and will always be.