My Grandma, Gert Van Roekel, looked just like Shirley Temple as a child.I remember on the day before my wedding I spoke with her on the phone. I was telling her that I was nervous to meet so many of my husband's relatives. I explained to her that I was nervous they might not like me. She paused and responded in disbelief, "Why would anyone dislike you?" She was being genuine. She truly found it impossible that anyone could find a problem with me. I assure you many people have found problem with me (hopefully not my husband's relatives!) But, nonetheless what comfort and encouragement to find someone that finds the fact that I could possibly be disliked to be unthinkable. She adored her children, grandchildren, and the growing crowd of great-grandchildren. She put family first and it would not make sense to her to do otherwise.
Grandma passed away today after struggling for quite some time with various medical problems and quite a bit of pain. She is finally in no more pain. I pray that we all can leave such a beautiful legacy of loved ones-who KNOW they are LOVED ones.
I will try to match her example of love as I am quite sure my cookies will never come close.
