Shirley Jean

It's been two months since I wrote a post on here, and while I wish I could say it is because I've been busy, that's not the reason.

Shirley Jean Beier

My grandmother died in September. She was an enormous part of my life growing up, and I am who I am today because of her.

Grandma showing the cousins some love.

                        

Grandma was possibly the strongest, definitely the most hardworking and generous woman I have ever known in my entire life.

1992

                           

While she had a very hard life with some extraordinarily painful experiences, she never focused on herself or the difficulties she endured; rather, when faced with hard situations, Grandma always looked beyond herself to do what she could to help others.  

Boone Grove Christian Church, 2011.

                                     

She was such an incredibly selfless person. 

Sue, Sherry, Shirley, and Mike, 2010.

                            

And vivacious! Holy cow, my grandma rocked!!

Grandma and Grandpa Max at a square dancing convention.

                                 

Off to the B.G.H.S. Project C.A.R.E. dance, 2000.

                                   

I am blessed in that I spent the first half of my childhood living 50 yards from her, and the second half of my youth was spent a 10 minute drive away. 

Grandma and Grandpa with Beck and Snider cousins.

                              

My mom and dad were young parents, so my father was working to establish himself in his practice, with my mom working in his office to help him get started while I was very young. 

Celebrating Grandpa Max's 90th, April, 2014.

                           

During this time, I spent Saturdays and most weekdays with my grandparents, raking leaves, coloring one of an endless sea of princess coloring book pictures, or eating fig newtons together while we watched Kristi Yamaguchi skate.

Christmas, 2011.

                           

I am so incredibly grateful that my grandmother spent the last four and a half months of her life living with me and with Magoo, and I am grateful that he was able to know her and love her, and that she was able to know him and love him. 

Meeting Magoo for the first time, 2013.

                                       

Friends!

                                        

Magoo is so young, but he still talks about her, goes in her room to climb on her bed, and gets excited when he sees pictures of her. 

Christmas, 2013.

                                        

I know his only memories of her will be the ones that he thinks he remembers because he has heard the stories so many times, and that is hard for me. 

April, 2014.

                                       

I wish he could have known her the way that I did, but he won't, so I will share her stories and love with him. 

                          

June, 2014.

                                       

He will always know how extraordinary she was and how blessed he is to have such an amazing, Christian woman as a part of his personal heritage.

       

Magoo's favorite past-time was piling his books in a slippery stack on Great-Grandma's lap!

                                    

Thank you for showing me how to see the world with a more gracious viewpoint, and for teaching me to be kind and honest, no matter the cost.

                               

                                 Really, is there a better Grandma anywhere?

                                                       

I love you, Grandma. Happy birthday.

 Shirley Jean
(11.29.27 - 9.20.14)