Grandma Rose

I had the pleasure of meeting Grandma Rose in September of 2006. The first time we met, she was living in an apartment with her cat, Sugar, who was on a leash so he could hang out outside with Grandma and her friends. From the moment I met Grandma Rose, I saw her wit, love for others, and spunk. As I came to know Grandma Rose over the years, she was a joyful woman, and she always found a way to make us laugh when we visited. Though I did not know Grandma Rose in her earlier years, I have heard so many wonderful stories. I also learned that she helped potty train many people in town through her in-home daycare she ran for twenty-five years. Not many people can say that!

Nathan loved his Grandma Rose very much, and he has many fond memories of her. Last year before we moved overseas, Nathan went home to visit his family in Illinois. During that time, he took a memorable drive around the rural area around Nathan's hometown. Nathan's family has been in southern Illinois since the early 1800's, and Grandma Rose was showed him where she grew up and told him a lot about the history of the area.  She told him all about her life, the places she lived, and things that were going on with her family. Many of the homes her family had are no longer there, but the memories and legacy of her life will go on forever. Nathan will always remember his special car ride with Grandma Rose.

Grandma Rose was a loving wife, mother,  and friend. She had 7 grandchildren, 14 great grandchildren, and 2 great, great grandchildren! We are thankful for the time she spent with us, and that she got to meet Caleb and Benjamin.

I love this picture of Great Grandma Rose and Caleb from Christmas 2011, in Mark and Betty's house.

This picture was taken in Christmas of 2012, at the Golden Corral in Effingham. We had a fun afternoon talking, laughing, and filling our bellies at the all-you-can-eat buffet. 

Another sweet picture of Great Grandma Rose and Benjamin from Christmas 2012, at Mark and Betty's house. Grandma Rose had such a sweet way with babies, you can see the love she has for her family.

A friend of mine wrote a story for her daughter, that reminded me of Grandma Rose.

We carry a light that beams out to this world.  This light is called our soul light. Our soul light comes with us where ever we go. When acting in kind and loving ways, our soul light shines bright and lights up this world.  Some people have forgotten how to turn it on their soul light. You can help remind them by keeping your light shining bright. 

Angels see you by this light. This light that shines is your truth. This light is constant and everlasting. Thoughts and actions may change your light at times, however your soul is like a rainbow, bestowing it's beauty to the world.

Let your light beam like the sun, radiating outward to everything you see and touch. Let your light feed the plants, the flowers, the trees, and the birds. Let your light feed your family, your friends, and strangers by making their day brighter and having your kindness and love around. 

Grandma Rose, your soul light beams outward on us, and helps make the world a brighter place. We love you today and always.

Virginia Rose McPeak Freeman

August 8, 1920 - October 5, 2013