My Gramma Rose

I am sad to share this with you all ~ my gramma, Rose, has passed away. As you know, she was diagnosed with dementia many years ago. It was a tremendously difficult disease for her to live with. The last days of her life felt like we went back in time... she was the best version of herself ~ funny, laughing, joking, cooking and eating incredible meals, telling stories, remembering family and neighbors, and happy again. We were blessed to have those days with her before saying goodbye.

She passed on Saturday, October 8th. While we’re so sad she’s no longer with us, we are celebrating her life and are happy that she is reunited with my grandfather.

In place of flower arrangements or casseroles ~ because deliveries don't happen out here ~ we invite you all to join us in building a "celebration of a life well lived" memorial.

Rose was a trailblazer if there ever was one! She grew up in the Great Depression and graduated valedictorian (although I never did get a straight answer on how many students there were). Rose married a soldier (yes, my grandfather)at 15. She became a bookkeeper for Standard Oil, an investment broker, and managed all 5 of my grandfather's barber shops. Rose was one hell of a businesswoman and Texas landowner! She definitely set the bar high!

From the gambling tables in Texas to Nevada, she could beat the britches off the best of 'em! She held a glass of bourbon and a cigarette in one hand and 5 cards in the other ~ but only long enough to drag all of the poker chips to her side of the table. Sharp shooting, growing her own vegetables, and hunting for dinner were just a few of my best memories with her. I hope to continue to follow in her enormous footprints! It didn't matter that she wasn't but 5'2" in her size 5 cowgirl boots.

Rose wanted a simple ceremony, no fancy singing or speeches. She asked that we play some good country music and have a glass of bourbon. On Wednesday, October 19th, Rose was buried with my grandfather. We held a private graveside service at the Ft. Bliss National Cemetary. We came home and played good country music, ate a fantastic Irish dinner, drank an excellent glass of whiskey, and played a spirited game of poker as we celebrated my gramma's life.

Thank you for your kindness and prayers in this bittersweet moment. We hope to begin this work soon:

Memorial Bench ~ $1,500

Landscaping Materials ~ $1,000

Fencing ~ $500

Trees ~ $150/ea

Rose Bushes ~ $55/ea

When the roses bloom in Spring, we will see her beautiful smile again.