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.