Grandma,
You are :
1. Honest. You say what you mean and mean what you say. You are direct, never passive aggressive, you never leave room for interpretation.
2. Gracious: You are never above thanking someone, no matter who you’re thanking or how small it seems. You are sincerely thankful and always expresses your gratitude in a meaningful way.
3. A Leader: You sets the precedent in any given situation. You know that you have influence and you use it to lead people to good.
4. Self-aware: You are aware of the experience others are having around you. You quickly realize when you are in wrong and need to apologize to someone.
5. A Thoughtful Gift-Giver: You always give gifts that show the recipient that you care about them and their interests. And not just on special occasions.
6. Hospitable: Even if you don’t necessarily have the innate gift of hospitality, you do your best to ensure that guest and the people around you are comfortable.
7. Humble: You gracefully allow others to shine and have their moments.
8. Kind: You are inclusive, always aiming to protect anyone from feeling like an “outsider.”
9. Someone With A Heart For Justice: You have a strong sense of right and wrong and are passionate about seeing the oppressed redeemed.
10. A Seeker Of Truth: You defend the truth even when it isn’t popular.
All these characteristics and many more don’t even come close to describing the woman you are. I say it so many times, but I also feel like I don’t say it enough. Thank you so much for all that you have done for my sisters and I. Taking us when you already had so much on your hands. Giving up your job and time to care for all of us. Showing us love and pouring into us, even when times were hard. I thank you for all your compassion and patience that you have shown us. Wanting us to grow on our own, but not wanting us to go down the wrong path.
Thank you for showing me what it looks like to love. Thank you for giving me your eyes, your passion for a life above the ordinary, the courage to try new things, and the desire to be fearless and free in every aspect of life. Thank you for encouraging me to not settle for what is typical and easy. I love you for inspiring me to do hard things and conquer my fears, even when I was absolutely sure I would never make it. Those times have taught me more about myself and the Lord than I ever would have learned if it wasn’t for your constant presence, encouragement and love. I truly wouldn’t be here right now if it wasn’t for you! Even though I am thousands of miles away from home, I know that wherever I go you will always be waiting for me, arms wide open and ready to welcome me back…wherever that may be. Knowing that brings me more comfort and I’m more thankful than I know how to express.
I pray that everyone in the world would have the privilege to know a woman like you. I pray that as I grow up I am just like you. I’m not sure that a lifetime will be long enough to try to tell you how much I love you or how grateful I am for everything you and grandpa have done for me, but I will never stop trying.
I love you. Happy Mother’s Day!
Love, Katie
