For Grandma

Grandparent’s Day, 9-11-05

Dear Grandma & Grandpa Klindt,

My friend Laurie and I went on a 9-mile run this past Sunday, August 28th. We typically try to talk about most anything just to take our minds off the pain of the run! So this time, we started talking about all sorts of things from our childhoods. One thing lead to another and before I knew it, I was talking about you two.

A million different little stories started spilling out and for the rest of the day, I couldn’t stop thinking about it. I told her how you lived just a mile or so by the crow flies and how we saw you ALL THE TIME. I told her that we always like going to your house via the four-wheeler through the fields, sometimes even just walking. We would just randomly show up and have some juice or cookies or ice cream bars, which Grandma always had in stock.

Then I started thinking about all the things that us grandkids used to do at your house. Like all the games we would play in your basement on holidays or birthdays. We played Risk for hours on end, held huge wrestling matches, and contrived the crocodile game which required cushions and pillows to be strewn all over the floor. I thought about how you never minded that we were rowdy and made a mess down there. Then I thought about how we would sled down your big hill northwest of the house almost all the way down to the creek. You always had those silver saucers and red riders which could absolutely fly! We would do that all afternoon. I thought about building huge leaf piles under the big oak tree during the fall and doing the slip-and-slide in the same spot during the summer. I thought about the fort that Robbie and Justin built out of the old rusty wagon. I thought about sitting up in the old climbing tree for hours, often several grandkids at a time, and how it’s kind of sad that it isn’t there anymore. I thought about playing down in the creek, building dams with Jeff and Jeremiah and Nickolas and then trudging back up to the house, a sweaty muddy mess of mosquito bites and smiles. I thought about all the drawing we always did on the chalkboard, especially playing hangman.



Then I thought about all the things that I’ve done with just you. I thought about sitting with Grandma in the tractor during harvest and listening to Reader’s Digest stories. I thought about picking cherries and how Grandpa would lift the tractor bucket sometimes just to scare us. I thought about baling hay in the summers with the whole crew and how hot it was but how good the lunches were. I thought about picking up eggs with Grandma and watching her wash them downstairs in the laundry room. And I remembered watching her butcher the chickens and take out the innards without hesitation and me watching her with horror and admiration. I thought about trying to find new kitties at the West Place, but they were always so wild and would hiss and spit. I thought about putting together puzzles and playing card games on holidays and how Grandpa can beat everyone at domino's. I thought about going out to eat at Mickels in Harlan and how we always looked forward to it so much, especially those yummy fried rolls! I thought about picking you up at the airport with mom and dad when you went on big trips and I always thought it was neat how much you travel. I thought about going to Christmas Eve church with you at Cuppy’s Grove almost every year growing up, and how you always come to our house for hot chocolate and goodies afterwards.

And then I thought about you both and your personalities. I thought about how Grandpa loves oyster soup and always teases to try to get me to eat it. I thought about how Grandpa loves to relax in his recliner and eat popcorn out of the wash tub and how he always has a toothpick after meals. And I thought about how Grandma is always out in her garden making something new and amazing grow, be it flowers or fruit trees or vegetables or the huge patch of strawberries that we always liked to help pick. I thought about Grandma’s amazing homemade cinnamon rolls and Grandpa’s love for chocolates, especially those cherry ones that I can’t stand! I thought about how Grandpa always wears bib overalls or suspenders and how he can cuss up a storm when he’s riled up! I thought about how Grandma can sew and crochet better than anyone I know and she always wins first prizes at the fair. And how she put together scrapbooks for all of us and made each of us a beautiful quilt (I got two!). I thought about all the times you both came to my track meets or ball games. And how Grandpa always called me “his jumper.” I thought about how accepting you were of Brian when you first met him and how much he loves you in return. I thought about how you would do most anything for your family, and you do. I thought about how you are two of the most giving people I know.

And most of all, I thought about how much you mean to me. I guess I hadn’t realized until that day just how many memories I have that are centered around you both. It’s absolutely amazing. A lot of people don’t have memories like this. But I do! I’m a lucky girl.

So Grandma and Grandpa, thank you so much for being there for me over the years. You are the type of grandparents that every kid wants. You’re loving in such a way that all of us grandkids know that you’re proud of every single one of us for our individual talents and achievements. It’s a neat feeling. We need more people in world like you.

Happy Grandparents Day, Grandma and Grandpa. I know I speak for all the grandkids and great grandkids in saying that we cherish and thank you for all the great memories. And here’s to the many more to come! God bless…

Love Your Granddaughter,
Stephanie



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I wrote that letter five years ago. I wrote it with a carefree heart, assuming that my last line of "many more to come" meant another 15 or 20 years. But time should not be taken for granted...every day should mean something.

About a year ago, we found out Grandma had advanced Colon Cancer. This was a shock to all of us as Grandma has always been so strong and healthy. Her and Grandpa decided to give this disease a good fight. She fought through treatments and lots of rough days and we all fought with her. My Mother spent countless time reassuring them, sitting with them, taking them to treatments, cooking them meals, and generally being there for whatever they needed. She shouldered a lot of the load (which means my Dad did too). I called them often and tried to keep Grandma positive, telling her she was doing awesome! It's hard to be far away and feel like you're helping, but I prayed a lot and saw her when I could.

Grandma took a turn for the worse last week. They admitted her to the hospital once again and her pain was immense. By Wednesday, they had upped her meds significantly and were just trying to make her comfortable. She started sleeping all day, no longer able to talk or eat. We knew what was to come.

My Grandpa has taken her disease hard, perhaps more than anyone, even Grandma. Saturday night, Grandpa kissed Grandma good night before he went home to try to get some sleep. He told her he loved her. And then he said, "I would like you to go to heaven now."

Grandpa was finally ready to let go. He wanted her pain to be gone more than he wanted to keep her. That is a true act of selflessness, and example of what a true marriage is. Grandma's last words to Grandpa were that she loved him, and his were the same.

The fight is now over. God called a new angel to him this morning. She died peacefully in her sleep. Grandma and Grandpa were married 60 years (Feb 4) and Grandma was 78 years old.

Grandpa is doing better than we expected. He has never been in denial and he has such a strong faith that I know that has carried him through. He will have very rough times ahead, as Grandpa has a big heart and has a tender soul. But I think with the help of his huge family and 4 daughters, he will be okay.

My Mom misses her already. She told me how hard it will be not to be able to see her when she goes to the house, or to just pick up the phone and call her. She tried to get a hold of Grandpa at one point today, and she was taken aback when she heard Grandma's strong healthy voice on the answering machine. My Mom's unwavering strength has finally allowed some tears and grief to release.

With that said, she did have a really special, lovely time with Grandma on Tuesday. Grandma was still conscious and communicative at that point. It was just her and my Mom for 30 minutes that day. My Mom talked with her and then they prayed the Lord's Prayer together. My Mom said, "Mom, I love you." And Grandma sweetly said back, "I love you too, Bernitta."

(Random side note...I always loved how Grandma said my Mom's name. She always stressed the second syllable and the t's. No one else says Mom's name like that. I don't know why, but I always liked it! It's something very tiny, but I will miss that.)

This morning, the family all went to Cuppy's Grove for church with Grandpa and for the first time in weeks, the sun shone brightly down on them. They all knew Grandma was sending them some much needed sunshine! My Mom was excited to share that with me. She said the sermon and the songs were fitting as well. Cuppy's Grove is one big family so they were extremely supportive of Grandpa. He felt very loved.

How am I doing? Well, I think I started to grieve a while ago. This is the first time I've had a close blood relative die, and it hurts. Today brought many more tears, but a part of me knew today was the day, especially when I heard my Mom's phone call at 8:18 this morning. Before I even answered, I knew what she had to say.

God chose to bring her home on a Sunday. Grandma was such a faithful servant and it's the perfect day. I had a feeling it would be today also because Brian left for a long trip, and it's the start of our separation in 2010. So for a lot of reasons, today is difficult, but I'm ready to forge ahead. And part of me wonders if she's going to help watch over Brian, and me and the kids, while he's gone so much this year? I can't help but wonder...the timing is ironic.

My last memories with Grandma are awesome. While we were in Iowa in November, I asked Grandma to teach me how to make cinnamon rolls. Oh my goodness, I had NO IDEA how much time and work went into her delicious rolls. While the boys stayed with my Mom, we laughed and talked and mixed and kneaded. Her hands were so strong and quick, even despite her sickness, and she was such a gentle teacher. I was slow and cumbersome but she just kept instructing, not fazed in the least. We had such a fun time. And boy, those rolls were amazing, as always!

It's these kind of memories I'll hold with me. I'm happy Grandma is out of pain, really and truly. I cannot imagine how peaceful and happy she is. And it's a comfort to know she'll be around for years to come to look after us.

We took some nice pictures too before we left Iowa in November...

My last photo with Grandma, and look at our smiles! What fun we had!


Loving Cole


Caden decided he wanted to be in a photo with Great Grandma too (as long as the tractor could come along)


4 Generation photo with Cole


Funeral arrangments are in process but the visitation will be Friday evening and the funeral Saturday morning. I am flying in Wednesday and staying for an indefinite amount of time. It sounds like all the grandchildren will be there, which means the world to Grandpa.

Please keep the family in your prayers as the grieving process will take time. If you would like to pass on some words of encouragement, you can write my Mom at goett@iowatelecom.net.

Grandma, I miss you already. You have helped make me who I am, and I will try to always make you proud. Thank you for your love. You have always taken care of us, and always will.

Phyllis Irene Klindt
Dec 21, 1931 to Jan 24, 2010

Here's a few photos from recent years that I have with me, mostly of the boys and Grandma. My Mom has a billion more, and I'm excited to look through the albums and reminisce some more, when I return. I hope I get to see some of you while I'm in the area. Thank you for all your prayers.

She gave such firm bear hugs


Playing with Cole Isaiah


Beautiful hand, beautiful little foot


So excited to meet Cole


Even sick, she still mustered the energy to play


Snatching a quick hug from a busy toddler


Caden loves playing at Great Grandma's


Nothing meant more to her than family...here's a photo of some of the greats


She always looked beautiful (even if she didn't agree!)


Mother's Day 2009, Grandma with her 4 daughters (My Mom Bernitta, Virginia, Charlene, and Marjorie)


What a memorable Mother's Day

Grandma holding Caden as a baby


She adored every one of her great grandchildren


Here's our first 4 generation photo with my Mom, Grandma, and Caden

They are so proud of my Mom & all their daughters


Grandma & Grandpa always made family #1 in their lives


Boy, they love those greats!


And we love you both even more. God bless you Grandma. You will be missed so much.

Conquering 2010

Happy New Year, and Happy Birthday to my little sis too! She turned 24 today! :)

2009 presented a lot of changes for us with Cole's arrival and our big move. Now 2010 is here and my feelings about the near-future are mixed. Brian's deployment is suddenly upon us. He's launching into training and the calendar is jam-packed. I'm sad that most of his workups take him to other states, and his departure date of ~May 15th is fast approaching.



Of course I will always be worried about Brian and his well-being...but honestly, my most nagging concern is, can I be the role of Mom AND Dad? I'm so afraid that the kids are going to suffer, and it will be my fault. When Brian deployed previously, I didn't have two little angels depending on me.

So my New Years resolution is that I WILL conquer 2010 and all that it has in store for me; it won't conquer me. Strange resolution, but no one ever said I was normal! My vow to my sons is that I will figure out a way to make this a positive experience (and not go senile.)

Brian is enjoying the new challenges as a team leader. He keeps dragging huge bags of brand new gear home too, so he will be well-equipped. I just wonder how the heck he will carry all of it?! I tried on his bullet-proof vest and helmet and that was plenty for me. He leaves January 24th for a 5-week school in Cali, ONE day before his 30th birthday. What an OLD man.

Caden is playing with Brian's new gear. The USMC had some cutbacks on the weapons budget; GI Joe picked up the slack.


The holidays were quiet, aside from the trip that went nowhere. Yes, you read correctly: NOWHERE. Let me explain...

We had big plans of doing an 11-hour overnight trip to Ohio for a wedding, but winter weather had another plan for us. The snow fell and the drivers here lost their minds. An accident on the interstate halted traffic and we had no choice to pull off and find a hotel. Weather was better the next morning but accidents and stalled cars resulted in 6 hours of driving a mere 150 miles. Brian and I were in good spirits for the first half, and even sort of enjoying it. The second half, not so much! We finally had to give up again because the National Guard closed the interstate. Hotels filled up and we had to backtrack 90 miles just to get a room. Do the math and we netted 60 total miles of progress in an entire day of driving. That hotel was not prepared so we settled for a half price room with a dirty bathroom. Talk abut a neat vacation. (Riiiiiiight.)

The moral of the story...we never made it to Ohio. Our boys were troopers, but rightfully so, they were done by Sunday. Cole cried the entire last hour and Cade got carsick. We were glad to be home for the holidays after that adventure.

AH HA!


He's not having any fun at all.


Brian, don't even think about it...(and to answer your question, yes, he did.)


By the way, the winter weather didn't JUST affect us...it left a lot of people without power in Iowa. My parents and my siblings took the tractor to get to Grandma's and opened gifts Christmas night at the farm in the dark! They felt like they had gone back in time.

Cole met Santa


Caden allowed Santa within 5 feet of him this year


The holidays were quiet and relaxing. On Christmas Eve, we webcammed with my parents and they watched the boys open gifts. Later that day, we went to Christmas Eve mass and enjoyed a special meal and cookies with hot chocolate afterwards. Brian's teammate Will joined us. Brian said my food "almost" lived up to my Mom. Little does he know, I spit in his hot chocolate.

I wrapped Brian's gift card in a box of Brownies. Grandma K and Mom were cracking up.


Hi Santa baby!


So excited he stuck out his tongue. ?!


Big gift for Cole (FYI, Caden closes his eyes in 75% of pictures)


Helping little bro


Sneaking early gifts


Where's Brian?!

Ahhh, such adoring eyes for his buddy

Papa Bob got a Johnny Popper!

Christmas Eve


Handsome boy


Christmas Eve tradition

On Christmas Day, we stayed in our pajamas all day and just enjoyed the kids. Cade's favorite gifts were definitely his auger and his fire station. I can't say for sure, but I think Cole's favorite gift was his new pacifier.

Merry Christmas, Cade!

Ready to farm, corn and all


NO picture...I want to open gifts!

Who's bigger, the stocking or the baby? (I am STILL sewing his real stocking.)


All smiles now that the gift opening commences

Back off Dad, I've got this


The only thing on his wish list was a fire truck...Santa hooked him up with a whole station!


Me and my little man


Brian had a lot of time off for the holidays but we didn't do much other than hang out around the house and do some shopping. For New Years, we took Cade bowling and he had so much fun (and was so well behaved) that Brian and I almost felt like we were on a date. That night, we had shrimp for supper, hung out with Will again, and played the game Clue. I know what you're thinking...how could we possibly stand all that excitement?! But honestly, it REALLY WAS a lot of fun!!! (I'm officially old.)

As part of my goal to conquer 2010, I've decided that I need to combat Brian's absence with a project to keep me busy and give me a sense of achievement. Stroller Warriors was the answer. I have organized a running club for military Moms in the Jacksonville area. We're going to meet every Wed morning at an area trail/playground and I'll plan a workout for us. I'm pumped to meet some other runners and Moms. It should be fun for Cade too because he'll have a new playgroup. I just hope I haven't gotten myself in over my head?! We already have 10 members. Seems there's a need for his...so let's hope it goes well! I've never managed a group like this. At least it's free, so they can't get too upset with me, right?!

My other project is the upstairs bathroom. Have you ever been in a fishbowl? Well, I have...right here in my own home. Brian insists the heinous fish wallpaper never bothered him. I say he's nuts. I was claustrophobic every time we gave the boys a bath and I swear I was having fish nightmares.

So last Sunday, I got the itch and just figured I'd tear down all that horrific fish wallpaper. No big deal, right? WRONG. Apparently tearing down wallpaper is not a simple small project. It's messy, it's tedious, it's ANNOYING. Our toilet is in the tub, fixtures removed, and it sort of looks like a war zone.

Nothing about this project has gone quickly, including the paint selection. After removing old caulking, patching flaws and holes, and priming everything, I was sooooo excited to paint Monday night that instead of purchasing a sample (like a sane responsible person) I figured, heck, let's do a whole gallon!

I had already picked out a bright monkey curtain to set the theme, so I picked a fresh bright green. Or so I thought. Once I saw the can of paint, I cringed. But she had already mixed it and I felt like I needed to buy it. So home I went, with my questionable green (yellow?!) paint. I immediately got to work and was dismayed to see the transformation before my eyes. My fish had been replaced by a yellow highlighter. HOW DID THIS HAPPEN?!

Three Home Depot trips and three paint samples later, I am very pleased with my "Herbal Garden" green and will post final results on the next blog!

I did learn that Caden is not quite ready to be on his own while I do a project. I decided that while Cole napped, I'd quickly cover up the highlighter and get the first coat new paint on. He was upstairs with me, which I figured would be best. That plan sort of backfired. He decided to use the opportunity to play with all my tools, including sanding and scraping the wall. I sounded like a broken record, "Cade, put that down, that's not a toy....Cade, put that down, that's not a toy..." and on and on.

He finally gave up when he realized that no tool was safe, so he retreated downstairs. I could hear him rummaging in the kitchen. Snackmaster was rooting for food. After a few minutes of "quiet," which is never good, I yelled, "Cade, what are you doing?" I heard the pitter patter of him sprinting out of the room. I came to the landing and saw an empty living room with a perfect bowl of about 900 gleaming white marshmallows sitting on the couch. So, what is wrong with this picture? The 900 marshmallows? Or the cute little boy begging me to keep them?!



Needless to say, I wrapped up my painting project and decided it could wait till the evening. :)

Part of why I felt the itch to makeover the bathroom was because my parents arrive next week. They are really excited to see the boys. Cole has started pushing himself backwards in the walker, loves to play with toys, and has started eating some cereal, to his dismay. He wears 12-month clothing and will turn 6 months on the 25th. He stills loves attention and generally complains when no one is holding him or talking to him. I guess he's going to be an extrovert like me.

His smile makes ME smile


Shortly after this, he fell. I'm a bad Mom, snapping photos instead of catching him.


EW. Ewwww. Who's idea was this and where is my bottle.


Look, there's a toy attached to my body...SWEET.

They played ball TOGETHER for the first time!


Seriously, Caden? GET OUT.


Caden is our budding runner as he loves to race us around the house. He's getting more difficult to catch, which is a problem when he runs from me in stores and I'm wearing heels! His vocabulary is immense and he repeats everything we say. He has a sharp memory too. We got him a Curious George Treasure Hunt game for Christmas and it's helped him understand his colors finally.

On the less pleasant side, talking back is a new thing for us, but just another growing pain right? He still staunchly refuses to potty train and meals have not gotten any easier yet. He forgets to chew and the food just sits in his mouth. I usually just feed him myself. I'm going to have to stop that at some point, or I'll be spoon-feeding my teenager.

We sure do enjoy him though, and he has such a good heart. At library story time on Tuesday, I gently suggested that he take a toy to the shy little boy in the corner. He didn't even hesitate. He dropped what he was doing, grabbed a nearby truck, took it to the little boy, and plopped it in his lap. "Here you go!" On his way back, I told him "That was so nice, Cade," but he didn't pay attention to me; apparently he was on a mission. He found a ball and once again, marched over to the little boy and presented him with ANOTHER toy. It just made the Mom melt, and me too.

He keeps life interesting too. We were at Best Buy the other day buying a new computer (ours kicked the bucket) and they had Rock Band set up for X-Box. So the three of us proceeded to jam out to the Beetles, "Yellow Submarine." (Cole refrained...he is too cool for such silliness.) Tonite during bath time, I tried to record Caden singing happy birthday to Aunt Jen. Instead he chose to sing Yellow Submarine. It was fregin HILARIOUS. And he wanted to do multiple recordings, review the shots, and do it again. Maybe we have budding pop star on my hands?! American Idol was on the TV in the living room. You just never know.

If he's going to be a pop star, we might want to rethink the wardrobe.


THIS IS THE BEST STORY...last week after bed time, Brian came downstairs in a daze and maybe for a second I saw a tear in his eye?! Every night we do the same routine for bedtime, including laying in bed with Caden for stories, prayers, and songs. Caden snuggled up to Brian and stroked his face. Then he said, "Daddy, you're my best friend."

Wow. I teared up then, and I just got tears in my eyes again! Caden loves his Dad so much. This is a big reason why I'm so sad about Brian leaving. It's going to hurt Caden.

There is one more thing weighing heavy on me and I want to share. My Grandma Klindt has been fighting Colon Cancer for almost a year now. She's endured so much. Lately, she has been feeling a lot of pain. Testing confirmed that the cancer has spread to her bones. Now her arm has also become paralyzed from an abcess pressing on her spine. Hospice has gotten involved to help. There is no treatment for the tumor because it's too close to her spine.

I've been praying like crazy and I know you have been helping too. Please keep the prayers coming. Prayer is the most powerful healing force. Grandpa and the whole family need help right now. I'd like to ask for some special prayers for my Mom too. She has shouldered so much and she could use the extra love and strength.

I truly hope you all had a nice holiday with your families. Many of your photos are up in our kitchen. I LOVED and appreciated all the cards! All the best to you in 2010. We've got challenges ahead, but with the Lord as our guide, we'll get through it.

Keep your eye out for the upcoming birthday blog...