Tuesday, November 4, 2008
THE GOOD OLE DAYS ~ From left to right... Donnie's uncle Trichard, grandmother Juanita, grandfather Donald (who he was named after) & mom KarenMost of my life, I grew up with only one grandparent... my mom's mom passed away before I was born, my mom's dad when I was only 4 (I do have a few great vivid memories of him), and my dad's dad when I was 11. My Gram lives in San Diego and I keep in close touch with her.
I'll never forget when I met Donnie's grandparents for the first time in 1994, we had moved out to California and were expecting Skyler. Without knowing anything about me at all, they threw their arms around me and welcomed me into the family. And that was it. They were the loving kind of grandparents every child should have, and I have had the honor of having them in my life for the last 14 years. I have many fond memories of holiday dinners at Grandma & Grandpa's house with Donnie's whole family. They were so funny, the way they used to spoil Skyler... their first great-grandchild... eating Happy Meals just to collect things for him. Whenever we went to see them, they were never empty-handed. But it wasn't just Skyler who felt their good fortune, it was everyone they cared about. They didn't have a lot, but would give you the shirts off their backs if you needed them. Their generosity still overwhelms me.
Grandma passed away November of last year, she hadn't been well for 5 years and was living in a Rehabilitation Center. Grandma is quite a fighter and held on for as long as she could. Grandpa passed away just this last Saturday... he didn't even make it a full year without Grandma. We were told he died of heart failure... but the truth is, I know it was from a broken heart. We all miss them something terrible, but are so thankful to have had them in our lives.
And... they are finally together again.
Juanita Burton Penrod ~ August 22, 1934 - November 29, 2007
Donald Ray Penrod ~ September 17, 1932 - November 1, 2008
It seems like only yesterday
Our lives were just beginning.
Your love for us never failed,
Our hearts continually mending.
It is strange to watch the time fly
Before our very eyes,
Which reminds me of the blessing,
That we had you in our lives.
To have yet to feel the touch
That's as gentle as your hand
The closeness of our family
One could never understand.
As each of our lives
Continue to change,
Reflections of your love
In each of us remains.
One day we'll all be in heaven
Dancing on the throne,
Praising Heavenly Father for giving us
A family like we've never known.
No matter where our lives may go,
We will trust the Lord above
And through it all, always thank Him for our grandparents love.
Oh, and Grandpa... Donnie says 'little finger.'
I'll never forget when I met Donnie's grandparents for the first time in 1994, we had moved out to California and were expecting Skyler. Without knowing anything about me at all, they threw their arms around me and welcomed me into the family. And that was it. They were the loving kind of grandparents every child should have, and I have had the honor of having them in my life for the last 14 years. I have many fond memories of holiday dinners at Grandma & Grandpa's house with Donnie's whole family. They were so funny, the way they used to spoil Skyler... their first great-grandchild... eating Happy Meals just to collect things for him. Whenever we went to see them, they were never empty-handed. But it wasn't just Skyler who felt their good fortune, it was everyone they cared about. They didn't have a lot, but would give you the shirts off their backs if you needed them. Their generosity still overwhelms me.
Grandma passed away November of last year, she hadn't been well for 5 years and was living in a Rehabilitation Center. Grandma is quite a fighter and held on for as long as she could. Grandpa passed away just this last Saturday... he didn't even make it a full year without Grandma. We were told he died of heart failure... but the truth is, I know it was from a broken heart. We all miss them something terrible, but are so thankful to have had them in our lives.
And... they are finally together again.
Juanita Burton Penrod ~ August 22, 1934 - November 29, 2007Donald Ray Penrod ~ September 17, 1932 - November 1, 2008
It seems like only yesterday
Our lives were just beginning.
Your love for us never failed,
Our hearts continually mending.
It is strange to watch the time fly
Before our very eyes,
Which reminds me of the blessing,
That we had you in our lives.
To have yet to feel the touch
That's as gentle as your hand
The closeness of our family
One could never understand.
As each of our lives
Continue to change,
Reflections of your love
In each of us remains.
One day we'll all be in heaven
Dancing on the throne,
Praising Heavenly Father for giving us
A family like we've never known.
No matter where our lives may go,
We will trust the Lord above
And through it all, always thank Him for our grandparents love.
Oh, and Grandpa... Donnie says 'little finger.'
