Cleaning out some old photos and ran across a gem from a girls trip to Florida—during a hurricane! Come on Ilene!! Will never forget this group of friends/triathletes! And yes, Sheila, you are riding in a shopping cart, wearing a flowered “old lady” bathing cap and having a drink at the Fish House on Ft Myers Beach! If only I were smart enough to figure out how to upload a photo to this site...
You bring the party, lady—prayers for you and your family...
Hi Grace, I just recently learned of your mom’s brave decision to enter hospice. I have known your mom for many years through Seven Bridges Health Club and just walking in the neighbor with your beloved dog. We would stop and chat for a bit and catch up on the family. The last time I saw your mom, on a walk, she had just sold the house in Seven Bridges and was excited about the house in Michigan. I’m happy that she got to finish it and is now in her “happy place”. I’m sure it is beautiful just like her, inside and out. I continue to pray that your mom has a painless journey to eternal life and that you and your family are comforted by your faith knowing that there is where she will be. With our love and prayers, the Stanicek family.
Thank you for the update, Grace! Your Mom is in my prayers and thoughts daily and your words really touched me and have me thinking about the unexpected ways your Mom has affected my life! I remember when I moved into a new house, she brought a gift of a CD from called "Margarita Mix". It was my drink at the time, going to show her gifts are always on point. Also, she would always talk about "pending pounds", meaning that weight that was just hanging out there between the time we ate something rich and decadent and the time it landed on our thighs. :-) And most surprising to me was that the day I first logged onto CaringBridge and learned of your Mom's brave journey, I had already planned dinner. You guessed it: it was flank steak, horseradish mashed potatoes and parsnips. She had emailed the recipe many many years ago to a group of us from Edward 7 Bridges and I still make it. The fact that I was making it that day was a sign that God has everything in His hands. Please know you all are loved and lifted.
Please give your mama a big hug from us and let her know that she has been in our prayers and hoping that her strong faith will guide her through and continue to watch over your family.
Thank you Grace for sharing such a private moment with your mom, and how truly special your bond is that you can read each other’s minds!! So sweet and touching, and your being able to lay down and comfort your mom is truly a blessing!!
Grace, I was so moved by your beautiful writing of the bond and love you have for your mom. I can tell you there is no greater gift you could have given your mom than to describe your relationship as you did. Your mom knows to the deepest part of herself that all that counts in this life is receiving and giving love, and so she will rest easy knowing she has done God's will in raising such a loving, close family. And that love is infinite... it never ends. Please let your dad, Kathleen, Colin and most especially your mom know that the Gustafsons are praying for strength in mind, body and spirit for all of you.
Grace what a beautiful bond you share with your mother. I know she will always be there for you in your heart and spirit. Your mother is a beautiful woman with many man talents. I witnessed her awesome cooking skills in our neighborhood cooking club. Please tell her we have her in our prayers are sending your family love and strength.
Denise and Kelly Keegan
Beautiful and strong Grace just like your mother. I pray for your family and your peacefulness during this time in your life. Your mother is one of the most beautiful, fun, kind and caring person I have ever know. Love to your fam.
Really beautiful Grace! You and your mom truly are 2 halves of a very special whole. I have read this now several times and each time , more in awe of your strength. Just like your mom, all of you. Congratulations to Colin and Jess! Our prayers continue. Much love.
You bring the party, lady—prayers for you and your family...