In loving memory of Diane C. Peck

Found in my Grandparent's Garden

There are two women in my life that mean the world to me; my mother and my grandmother. They both were there in times of need, and supported me when I needed it. Both helped raise me and mold me into the woman that I am today. 

July 29th, I got a call from my dad that my grandmother was ill and in the hospital. I knew she was fighting a heart issue and has been for the better part of the past year. My mother called a few moments to then tell me that it isn't good and that I needed come home. 

Grandma, Me, and Mom

Her blood pressure is down and she is holding on. I can't get home quite yet. This woman is so important to me that I am devastated to know that my last time seeing her was this last spring. 

I kept my last promise to her; I came home this year.  I showed her I was happy and that in a small way  she has great grand-kids. 

My grandmother taught us so very many lessons. She taught us the importance of independence, education, to laugh and to love. She even taught us to humor life, and always be the optimist. She would do things with the intent to make others smile. 

She loved her garden. Even on my last visit with her she was excited to just get back out there and be in her garden. She grew lots of things  from wine grapes, to zucchini, to pumpkins, to her poppy flowers.

Pumpkin Party

I remember the pumpkin parties. Where our family would gather and celebrate the harvest of the pumpkins. Any excuse to see her grand-kids
she would accept. She would come out as our wicked witch (green face and wart included) and lead all the grand-kids to her garden.   Her license plate cover even  said " her other car was a broom"

I often called her, and giving her updates on life, seeking honest sage advice. And when she worried she would call, asking how everyone was doing. I think all of us grand-kids at one point or another came over with our new boyfriend, or girlfriend seeking approval from grandma. As we saw That she understood the key to a good relationship. She was with grandpa for more than 30 years. And even the smallest visit turned into at least dinner, she insisted. 

Purchase of a New Car

My last visit with my grandmother was not only a promise kept, but unknowingly my last time being able to seek advice. With my step kids running about the house exploring such a wonder I stopped to ask her about her love with my grandfather. In a newer relationship of my own, I has to know if I was doing it right. I mean at least 30 years, you have to be doing something right. I asked "Grandma, do you and grandpa ever really fight? I never have seen it and really am curious." I really think she was taken aback of such a question but she did have an answer. "Of course, but they were never screaming matches. They were more than just quiet disagreements. Life and love is about compromise and teamwork. There will be moments that you will have to stand your ground on something that you are passionate about, but that is how it goes." A smile and hug later, as the kids got antsy and ready to go, she also gave the smart response of " it also gets better when the kids grow up and move out." 

Her sense of humor rubbed off on not only her kids, but her grand-kids too. She always knew how to make you smile. My grandmother was crafty, loving, loved her box wine, her gardening, to travel, books and of all things she loved her husband the most.  I will miss calling and talking to her about what is new, and how the kids are growing like weeds. I will miss her smile and her big hugs.  I will miss my grandmother, my favorite little yellow bird. 

How I Remember my grandmother

Life, love, bills and name changes

This year has been so crazy! Ever since I have moved here to Saint Louis I have been going non stop. Everything from being a nearly full time parent to changing my work schedule to just chaos. I suppose a go over for the year so far is in order.

So since February my Lovie and I have taken on the full time parent roll. Let me tell you that was a huge adjustment for both of us. We went from weekend parents to full time, learning about school functions to how hard it was to figure out what to have for dinner. Still to this day we struggle but we do our best to provide a happy home.

We had learned that we couldn't keep up and told both kids that they needed to help. Thus our rewards system. Lovie came up with the "Bonus Points" system. Every time they help out ( laundry, feeding the cat, taking out he trash/ recycling ect) they could earn a point. Each point goes towards rewards (movies, dinner,toys ect). It has been going well.

I have been working for nearly a year at the local cable company. I have found that I am starting to become good at the job. Slowly working towards going to another position. The hardest thing that we had done so far is had my schedule changed. It was ok having the 9- 5:30 job, but when it changed to 11-7:30, that was when it got tougher.  The kids miss me, and I am not spending much time with them or my love during the week. It is a huge strain on the family. I can tell, I hate the hours but we need the paycheck.

Mom came into town in March. It was so good to see her. We took her around and showed her that I was happy here. She even got to see a Saint Louis winter. It was also very awesome that when she met the kids they attached just like any kid would to their grandma. It was amazing.

 I also got to learn about how well my Lovie will take care of me when I am sick. The first day my mom came home I came down with exhaustion so bad that I just crashed. I couldn't walk straight, and had a fever. He took care of me so much that he demanded that I stay in bed and rest. Even when I wondered into the kitchen to try to help with dinner, he shooed me out. Now that is true love.

This year I have been working on losing weight. I have lost about 25 lbs already. This summer has been hard to get motivation to workout. I have been overall stressed out and can't seem to find my groove of life quite yet. We still struggle with one car for a two car type family. I think that for next school year I may be electing to ride the bus until this name change stuff is over.

Speaking of name changes, it's official I will be progressing to change my name. My hope, is that I will have it completed by my birthday. I am keeping my surname on the down low, until the papers are in the announcement phase. I have already pulled my credit reports and found everyone that I owe money to. Hopefully by September I will be able to start my legal name change. It's something I have wanted and told myself that it will be my 30th birthday pressent to myself. Lemme tell you that this will be the most expensive present yet. Except for my dental work.

The dental work is going well. I already capped out my insurance for this year, and I still need about 4k in dental work to repair what I already have. I then have to get oral surgery, and then I have to get my implants. This here my dental work is the most I have ever spent on myself. I already got my first compliment from a friend who had to ask Lovie quietly if I got work done. Believe me friends, it has had it's moments, and I am just glad that I have an awesome dentist. He has walked me through everything and we have become good friends.

Lovie and I take each day one at a time, and know that we will get there someday. I know that once I settle myself we will find our groove and work out everything on our check list. Until next time, stay safe and keep love in your heart.

Kitty L.