I've been struggling with how to begin this blog... how do I describe how my grandparents met in a way that captures the magic that they must have felt... how do I portray them well enough to do their love justice?
On November 28th, my grandmother Jesse Pearl Maker passed away after living 87 years. She was home and the entire family had come to visit her over Thanksgiving. It was a better passing than some I've seen. You can't ask for too much more than that.
Afterwards, the family found the following letter hidden in the family bible. I do not believe anyone could capture grandma's life better than she did, and so I'd like to share her letter to the family as first and foremost a reminder of her love and happiness.
"To my family and my only Love,
Some times in life you have to sit and reflect on all your fortune. Mollie brought that out when she called to say she didn't think she told me enough how much she loved me, and seemed worried that I hadn't had a good life.
Well, Mollie, this time it's my turn to say how wrong you were. Maybe it's me. I haven't expressed my love for all of you -at least not verbally. I love each one of you in so many ways.
First, I think Dad was just what I needed in life and I've always felt that God had put us together- even if it took a war to find each other. I was always the hot head, Dad the cool and calm. We were good for each other.
Mollie was Daddy's heart from the minute she was born. Jim and he could have been closer, but being in the military does separate families. Tom was always the sweet, thoughtful son- and still is. You guys would have to be with them on the golf course to understand the closeness of those two. Bob is wonderful- my only fair haired, blue eyed baby- that all of us loved. As for my Betty, she is me all over again and I love her and Bruce more than anything in life.
I loved playing ball with the boys, building on our house, watching all of you grow up by the water and in the trees- that was a wonderful home to live at. To calm ourselves by the water, the moonlight like diamonds shine on the water and give us peace, each in our own way. It was wonderful.
You must realize now that yes, I've had a wonderful life with Dad and all of you. I don't think anyone could enjoy this life more than I have.
Now I leave my love with each of you.
Always,
Mom"
