Wednesday, February 22, 2012

Great Grandpa Skeet

'Candles' photo (c) 2009, L.C. Nøttaasen - license: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/
One year ago today, my great grandpa Skeet passed away.  He was 97 when he passed.  He had lived a wonderful life full of love for his family and service to his community.  He was married for 71 years before my great grandma Jewel passed away. Through his life he worked and provided for his family.   During the depression he worked for the WPA, he was a farmer and cattleman, he worked in the trucking industry for 22 years, and was elected as McClain County Commissioner from 1968-1975.  He finished off his career working as a field deputy for the county assessor's office.  He also served on the Washington City Council where he helped develop several areas of his hometown, Washington, OK.

Throughout his life, grandpa Skeet helped his parents, his family, his community, and anyone else that needed it.  He was a giving and kind man.  Many happy memories remain of my grandpa.  When we were kids my sister Erica and I stayed the night with our great grandparents Skeet and Jewel; the next morning they took us to the local diner and introduced us to all their friends.  I remember thinking that my grandparent's must be special because they knew everybody.  On the way home we convinced them to stop and buy each of us a stuffed animal.  You could tell grandpa was proud of all his grandchildren and he always had time to hear what you were doing.

The grieving process for my great grandpa Skeet was cut short by the sudden death of my sister Erica.  So today I want to honor my great grandpa for a life well lived, and a legacy of kindness and love for others.

Quote:  "A grandfather is someone with silver in his hair and gold in his heart."  ~Author Unknown   

Monday, February 20, 2012

The Mirror

'Soft Reflection' photo (c) 2011, fayemozingo - license: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/Sometimes when I look into the mirror, I see my sister looking back at me.  We looked enough alike that you could tell we were sisters.  When I'm brushing my hair in front of the mirror I'm reminded of her.  Before Erica passed away she was growing her hair out to donate to Locks of Love.  I admired her for helping others.  When I look in the mirror I see her nose and I can picture her purple glasses looking back at me.  The mirror helps remind me of my sister.  Although my sister is gone, everyday in the mirror she looks back at me.