Eulogy For Grandmother

It was an early Christmas morning, I could smell the sugar cookie smell making its way through my house. I could only think of one person that could make this happen, my Abuelita. “Grandma” I shout from my room as she was in the kitchen. I wanted cookies so bad before opening our presents. But we wait for my dad to come from his house before opening presents.

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.

I interviewed my grandmother. Her name is Sandra Sue Wardlaw. But I call her Mamaw. Mamaw was born in Dayton Ohio on July 25, 1938. She still lives in Dayton, but Brooklynn Dayton. Mamaws parents names are Roy and Ruth Strader. Roy is her dad and Ruth is her mom. Mamaw also has three sisters and one brother. Their names are Marcia, Cheryl, Lynn, and Jerry Strader. By now all of her sisters have married last names. Mamaw has lived all over Dayton Ohio. She attended Jefferson Township School System when she was in school. Mamaw is short and has grey hair. Sometimes she dies her hair blonde. She needs glasses to read and is very sassy.

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

The scent of fresh pine and baked turkey dominates over all senses, surging into the crisp air of the kitchen. Presents are stacked to the brim of the Christmas tree, while a toy train intermittently passes by. Effervescent ornaments sparkle with the memories of past years. Rooms are full with aunts, uncles, distant cousins, all of who push their troubles aside to celebrate this day once a year: Christmas . It is chaos, but the good kind.

Thank you for your kind words regarding my grandmother; she and I were extremely close, and my brother and I spent hours with her. Sadly, she passed away a couple years ago after being sick for a while. A death like hers is so bittersweet. I watched her let go of life, but with it she let go of all the pain of her illness, and that made the loss a little easier. I inherited the ring my grandfather gave her when they were both young and my grandpa had just returned from the Korean War. They got married soon after this and I think about how young they were and wonder how they were able to remain happy for so many years. I wear the ring a lot because it’s like I own a little piece of her. After her children and grandchildren, that ring was probably the thing she loved most in this world, and I’m so thankful I get to carry it.

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.

One hot afternoon I was playing basketball with my friends named Seth,Kyle, and Logan. We were seeing who could win against each other. To start out we were on defense, they made a 2 pointer, we had to beat them to go to the next game. Next,we had the ball and nobody was open, so I drove the ball in. When I drove the ball in, one of my teammates got open.

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.

When i started to get dark, Kelsie and I decided to have a sleepover. So we called Kelsie’s friend/My cousin over to see if she wanted to have a sleepover to. We all hung out that night and played volley-occer.. When we were playing and the ball landed in the middle of the room and all of us just went in slow motion the get the ball. Then i look up and hear kelsie say “GET IT” as she was slowly moving towards it. We all laughed and continued to play.

I am by no means a writer, but I can't help but orate my thought about you. I can thank you for the two most confusing years of my life, most confusing 104 weeks of my life, and most confusing 730 days of my life. I can thank you for my sanity. I can thank you for those sleepless night lying awake wondering when everything's going to be okay again. There isn't a time I don't tear up thinking about it. There isn't a time where it's not in the back of my mind. There isn't a time where I don't imagine the things that y’all done to tear my family apart. I just don't understand women that know a man is married and will still commit such an atrocious act. I don't understand women that know a man has a family and will still partake in such a harrowing act.

Hi Grandma, I just wanted to start off by saying thank you for all the support you've given me over the years in everything I do, whether it is volleyball and golf, school, or just anything else in general. I really appreciate how much time and energy you put into making your grandchildren happy, and you are definitely doing a fantastic job at it. Now, I am asking for your support in one more thing: I will be returning to Guadalajara, Mexico this summer with a group of my Senior friends as a way of getting one last amazing service opportunity. Your heart of serving others and desire to bring joy to others has clearly passed down through the family, and I really I got my passion for this kind of thing from you.