Goodbye Dear Helen . . .

I didn’t get to know you long enough.

Three years and three months was just not long enough to know this amazing woman named Helen. My husband’s mother. But I am glad that I did get to know her still, even if not long enough. She had more energy and zest for life, as well as abundant optimism, than perhaps anyone I’ve ever known. And what does it do for a child to grow up with all of this positive energy? Great things. I can tell you that it creates resilient, confidant, mentally strong, kind-hearted, and loving children. I feel blessed that I was able to marry one of Helen’s children. And from Chris, I am learning so much about seeing a cup that is full to overflowing, always, even in the midst of chaos and uncertainty. I am learning about the depths, heights, and sheer volume of a faith that can fill up a house and carry a bunch of negative, fearful, anxious people around until they see the possibilities of the closed window.  And I am, in honor of Helen, learning how to better parent all three of my children (even the two big ones) with greater optimism and joy.

Dear Helen, you will be missed by all. Thank you for the gift of your son, through whom you’ll keep living here on this earth. And I am so grateful for the time Josh had with you. Thanks for being here in the weeks after he was born, and then making the next two birthdays, although it meant a flight from Texas, even when you were battling your cancer full on. You are a most special grandmother and we will keep you alive in our home. I will endeavor to live with the kind of enthusiasm and grace that you embraced, always. Even in the face of death. From this ending, may new beginnings arise. Much love, Heidi

Josh's Gran reading Winnie-the-Pooh to him last April