Dear Grace's family, I am so sad I missed Grace's memorial service. I didn't see the latest post until this morning. Your mom was such a gentle sweet lady. I have known her for about 16 years, we were both in the Master Gardener program together. I talked to Grace just before Memorial weekend, right when she was transferred to Northridge! I brought some little , mini bouquets for her but wasn't allowed to go in and see her because of Covid. She was marveling at the little chamomile flowers in the bouquet and wondered if she could grow them in her yard. She seemed optimistic that 'when she got home, her flowers would be blooming'. I can't believe how fragile life can be.... I will always remember her cute soft voice and those signature small flower arrangements she won so many ribbons for. She will be deeply missed! Kristin Stainer- Person
** I wanted to copy in to you a cute text she sent me while in the hospital. I thought it was so endearing.
From Grace 5-20-2020:
"Many of my flowers, though 3-4' tall have small blooms, thus lending themselves to smaller bouquets. One of my favorite arrangements when I was in the hospital after delivering one of my children was 3 of the spray roses in a small vase. I could keep it on the bedside table.
So many people are allergic, but can be around a few small flowers. It doesn't take a large bouquet to bring cheer. I remember my daughter almost having to leave the worship team the Easter the pastor's wife decided to blanket the stage with Easter lilies.
My daughter-in-law almost had to leave school (the building) when someone decided to blanket that same area with lilacs. I love to show off what God's been up to in my yard.
When I was a girl, Dad saved one chore for Sunday when the beef cattle were in the 100 acre timber pasture. That way the cattle would come to him so he could see if they were all present. If there were extras, he knew he needed to walk the fence between the neighboring farm & ours. He would bring Mom a bouquet of the spring flowers as they opened. (If it was a nice day, the whole family went on a picnic.)
Most of them were quite small, which was good, as Mom was asthmatic, with many allergies. I learned to appreciate small bouquets, since Mom always did.
When I take bouquets to the Senior Center I usually take 4-8, which will fit into my lunchbox sized basket!
(About 5x8".)"
Jon, Sara and Chris & family, My love and prayers are with all of you today. Everyone just loved Grace! Her smile always put everyone at ease and she made us all feel special! Although I miss her, I can just imagine her laughing, dancing and praising God with your Dad.
Wish I could be there in person but I will be in thoughts and heart!
Alicia Lee
** I wanted to copy in to you a cute text she sent me while in the hospital. I thought it was so endearing.
From Grace 5-20-2020:
"Many of my flowers, though 3-4' tall have small blooms, thus lending themselves to smaller bouquets. One of my favorite arrangements when I was in the hospital after delivering one of my children was 3 of the spray roses in a small vase. I could keep it on the bedside table.
So many people are allergic, but can be around a few small flowers. It doesn't take a large bouquet to bring cheer. I remember my daughter almost having to leave the worship team the Easter the pastor's wife decided to blanket the stage with Easter lilies.
My daughter-in-law almost had to leave school (the building) when someone decided to blanket that same area with lilacs. I love to show off what God's been up to in my yard.
When I was a girl, Dad saved one chore for Sunday when the beef cattle were in the 100 acre timber pasture. That way the cattle would come to him so he could see if they were all present. If there were extras, he knew he needed to walk the fence between the neighboring farm & ours. He would bring Mom a bouquet of the spring flowers as they opened. (If it was a nice day, the whole family went on a picnic.)
Most of them were quite small, which was good, as Mom was asthmatic, with many allergies. I learned to appreciate small bouquets, since Mom always did.
When I take bouquets to the Senior Center I usually take 4-8, which will fit into my lunchbox sized basket!
(About 5x8".)"