Eulogy For Grandmother

When I look back at my childhood I cannot picture it without you. You have helped shaped who I am today and for that I thank you. When I think of you i think about all the love that you have to give. I am so lucky to have you in my life and I will always cherish the memories that I have with you.

The first footsteps we've ever taken are the ones that have imprinted the inside of our mothers' stomachs. Mothers don't just give birth to us, they give us a life to live. Now, some might say mothers are supposed to give birth; it's a natural process that is their duty. It's physically straining to have a child, but it takes a true warrior to raise a child. It is often forgotten how much they continuously provide for us and how many sacrifices they make. My mother has been my inspiration, not because of her title as my mother but because she is the prime example of a what I call a hero.

To my beautiful wife Hallie Baxter, you have saved my life by giving me purpose and perspective. When I think back about the time I was sitting at that bus stop bench in japan, and you messaged me that day. I didn’t know what to say at first, but as time passed and our love grew our wedding day finally came. I knew when I looked into your eyes that day I found the other half of my heart. Never in my life have I gazed upon someone so kind, strong, beautiful or smart. You have stuck beside me through thick and thin. Without you I would have never laid eyes on our beautiful daughters face. I don’t know where I would have ended up without you. But I know I am grateful to be with you every sec of every day. What I’m trying to say is that you taught

If there's anyone who could brighten up a room full of people arguing over which part of the turkey they want, disagreeing over politics, sharing the latest family gossip, it's definitely him. It's Thanksgiving and as I enter my grandparent’s house, I see him conversing with my aunt who's resemblance is uncanny, as he sips his glass of white wine and instantly looks up at me. It’s my grandfather, Gelo.

I love you with all my heart. I am so blessed to have you as my mom, partner-in-crime, and best friend. A quote that reminds me of the impact you have made on my life and me is “When you’re a child she walks before you to set an example. When you’re a teenager she walks behind you to be there if you should need her. When you’re an adult she walks beside you so that as two friends you can enjoy life together.” Throughout my childhood and now I have always been attached at your hip. I can remember dressing like you, acting like you, trying to be everything that you were, and I still try to do that today. You and I have been inseparable ever since I could walk. We would always play with Barbie’s and put barrettes in your hair. Every day we are together we create lasting memories, laugh until we cry, and smile from ear to ear. Our friendship is a special bond that will last forever. Through laughter, WORRY, smiles and tears

You were alive for 19 years of my life, but I only had you for 16 to 17 years of my life. While you there psychically, you were not there mentally or emotionally. I spent my entire life being my own cheerleader. You couldn’t provide me with the type of support I needed. You never could and in the end, you never did. I spent my entire childhood being a mini adult. I spent it being a parent to myself, my siblings and to you; my own mother.

Year 1861. My dad just left for the war I am really worried about him. What if he does not come home i would hate to barry my dad. It would kill me. And cents I'm the only child who would carry on his name? But life back home is really hard. It's a lot mot work for the family at the farm. Dad is part of the confederate side. We believe that slaves are bad. I mean just because of our skin color we should not make them work for us. We should all be seen as one because in the inside we are all the same.

I know I may not always tell you enough how much I truly am in love with you and how how much I appreciate everything you do for me babe and I'm sorry. I never want a moment to go by where you wonder how I feel about you or question how much I appreciate your love. I can still remember everything from that first night we met. I never had any idea going into that night I would meet the girl of my dreams, but by the end when I could talk to you for 3 hours straight and never be at a loss of words I knew right then we had something special. Ever since that night I have been head over heels for you babe and 3 months later my love for you is stronger than ever before. Seeing your smile truly makes me the happiest man ever, I will never ever be tired

With sadness, honor and anger I make the long-overdue announcement of my Grandfather's Passing, August of 2017. I won't call this a Eulogy. He specifically requested that none be presented. He more specifically demanded that rather than go on about the business of his demise, I am to go on about the business of living successfully, happily and fully myself and being who I am. He was so amazing, wonderful, brilliant, generous of both asset and spirit, kind, non-judgmental, accepting, motivating & compassionate in so many ways and for so many. He loved my grandmother and I in the deepest, most loyal of ways. He has been my idol, my mentor, my project partner, my example, my friend, and most recently, the last living member of my natural family.

Thank you for everything that you have done for me this summer. You have been fully supportive of everything that I have pursued. Whether it was putting on my conference, late night conversations, or the many meals cooked. You have truly made me like this home is a safe place and one where people want to be in community with me.

Moms can be their own toughest critics. They want to be the perfect mother to their children while keeping an immaculate home, working full-time or part-time and taking care of everyone else in the family. It's almost impossible to be a supermom for any length of time without a breakdown.

I love her long, autumn hair, the way it glows like she does, and how it just never quite wants to co-operate with her. I love finding it in my bedsheets when I'm alone, and I love the smell and feel of it against my face when she sits in my lap.

The house was flooded with people, all there to pay respects to Claudia's late grandmother. Long forgotten relatives walked by with uncomfortable smiles and tear streaked faces; many stopping to share their condolences or ask how she was doing. She responded accordingly, with a 'thank you' here and an 'okay' there. When everyone had filed to the kitchen, she headed in the opposite direction - where she let her mind wander to her grandmother's service.

Every mom is special, but trust me there is no other mom who can be compared to your qualities and abilities. You amaze me every day with your strength and positivity. I wish you a year filled with health, happiness and everything you want because there is noone who deserves it more than you. I love you so much  HAPPY BIRTHDAY @shahnazakhtar1

Life is a hard concept to understand because it can be there one minute, and gone the next. I have experienced the death of some very important people in my life, my grandfather being one of them. At the beginning of this year my great grandfather died, and after his death I realized that I took his life for granted. From this horrible experience, I have learned to appreciate the time I have with the people I love, and I have learned to show people my love rather than have people assume my love for them.