She always sat in the first few rows at church. She always had a smile on her face. She always had a big hug for everyone. As long as I have known her she has looked the same and I feel like she didn’t age at all during that time. She knew the secret to staying young and healthy. Surrounding herself with children. She ran a preschool out of her home for a long time (I don’t know exact times, but it was before I was born). She even had a group this year. So, if you want to stay young forever surround yourself with 4 year olds.
The picture above was from my bridal shower in April of 2010. I am so glad I have this picture of her. This is exactly how I will remember her! I even know exactly what she gave me that day and it has a special place in my house. Monday I got to go and say my good-byes to her. Even then she made me feel special. She was surprised to see me and just kept whispering sweet words to me. She looked different but the same sweet wonderful lady was there. I just held her hand and we talked about how she impacted lives and raised so many children, and how a lot of those children are now grown adults. I truly feel that I am better person just because I knew her.
My brother and I didn’t go to her preschool, but you would have thought we had. She has the best memory. When my brother was a kid he loved dinosaurs. I will forever remember her bringing my teenage brother a book on dinosaurs one time…I am almost positive he was in High School, maybe even college. She didn’t care how old he was, she thought he was special and that he still loved dinosaurs. She even asked about him on Monday and kept saying that Eric was/is so very smart.
I also remember her coming up to me the first Sunday I was at church after my wedding. She wanted to tell me how she has two men fighting over her at my wedding. She told me how it just made her day. Apparently, one of the ushers was escorting her to a seat when my brother saw her. He went over and said that he would be escorting her. She just loved it. We were even lucky enough to get a picture of her excitement.
If I could gain a fraction of her great attitude and sweetness I would be happy. Every time you saw her face it just would just make you smile. She was a very special creation from God. I am sad today as I think about all the great memories I have of her. Going to church and not getting a hug from her or seeing her will be hard. 83 years on this earth just doesn’t feel like it was enough time for such a remarkable woman.
I am blessed that I met her. I am blessed knowing that she is in heaven smiling down on us and happy as always. She has been reunited with her husband and the children will go to her and she will teach them. She will be a great angel and I know she will being keeping a watchful eye on all her children still on earth. Thank you Mrs. Howe for being apart of my life and for teaching me through example.
--Jen
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