My Little Cowpoke is TWO!!!

Getting a beer for Uncle Garry -- it's important for children to have chores, it gives them a sense of responsibility.

Hugging her sweet friend Ella.

Bumper cars!

Taking a break from the heat in the water park

The girly girls waiting for a ride.

Hannah is a sterotypical horrible Asian driver

My pretty princess riding her horse

Playing in the fountains uptown Oxford

Hugging her sweet Kaz friend Milla

The Freedom Riders.

 She is such a good swimmer ~ she goes all by herself!

For our family, July has been a month of extreme highs and lows.  It started with a very busy July 4th weekend. Friday on a whim we decided to head to Kings Island with my friend Staci and her daughters Ella and baby Ainsley.  Hannah and Ella get along really great and had a wonderful time despite the stifling crowds and repressive heat.  Saturday we had an impromtu pool party, and in the middle of it, with 20 some people at the house waiting to eat, Hannah fell off the counter and hit her head on the hardwood floor. So we packed up and headed to Cincinnati Children's for a head x-ray.  She was fine, just black and blue.  Sunday we were supposed to go the Reds game, but decided at the last minute to head to our small town penny carnival and parade with another Kaz family. The girls had a blast playing in the fountains and chowing down on junk food.  Living in a small town can be as maddening as it is quaint and wonderful. 4th of July is always one of the wonderful days.

Then, three days later, the bottom fell out.  Many of you know that my grandmother and cousin both passed away very suddenly, very unexpectedly, and very tragically on July 7th.  It was a sad, confusing, and devastating time, but we are a strong family; we are hanging in there and moving forward.  I will say this -- the experience did awaken me to the understanding that no day is promised.  I gave the eulogy at my grandmother's funeral.  I thought I would post it here, because I make my blogs into books for Hannah, and I would like to remember one day what I said.

Most of you know me, but for those who do not, I am Erin, Marilyn's grandaughter. As I look around this room today, I am overwhelmed by outpouring of love I have seen from her family and friends. It is a testament not only to how she lived, but to how special she was, and to how many people she touched in her earthly life.

My grandmother lived with Gusto. She loved many things, including a good book, a good movie, and yes, occasionally even a good cocktail. And she was nothing, if not a card shark. She loved going to Vegas and to the gambling boats, and she even loved staying home playing video poker on the computer. I have to wonder, if subconsciously, she knew that the game of Poker was somewhat of a metaphor for her life. She wasn't always dealt the easiest of hands. She faced health issues, the loss of her parents, and a beloved sibling. But through it all, she handled each challenge with grace and dignity. She and my grandfather Jack were truly TWO OF A KIND. Although they bickered, their love was deep, and strong, and true. They recently celebrated their 57th wedding anniversary. I remember once, about 10 years ago, I caught them holding hands in a store, and I commented on how amazing it was, that after decades together, they were still in love. I remember my grandfather saying  "I have to hold her hand, Erin, because, if I let go, even for a minute, she goes shopping."  And finally, both literally and figuratively, she loved nothing more than A FULL HOUSE. I never saw her happier than on birthdays, holidays, and other occassions upon which her home was overflowing with children, grandchildren, siblings, nieces, nephews, and friends. 

As a family, one of the hard lessons we have learned this week, is that it matters not how a person dies, but how they lived.

One thing my grandmother didn't like, was funerals.  in fact, she probably wouldn't be here today if she didn't absolutely have to be.  It has been a difficult week for our family. We have truly been shown both the fragility of life but also, we have seen the strength of the human spirit.  The wonderful memories we have will console us now and in the future.

 Many of you know that my Grandmother suffered from chronic pain.  In a small way, it is fitting that her earthy body left us so close to Independence day.  As she rests in the arms of G-d, she is now celebrating her independence from her pain and suffering. 

Many of you also know that I myself, have a beautiful daughter Hannah Elizabeth, who turns two years old today.  I never expected, as we celebrated my daughter's birth, we would also be mourning my grandmother's death. But as we are told in Ecclesiastes, Chapter 3, Verse 1, To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven.

Today we have lost a very special person.  A wife, a mother, grandmother, aunt, and friend, but each of us has gained a guardian angel.  As we say our final goodbyes and hug each other let the tears and love flow, let us find strength and comfort in the knowledge that her soul rests in the kingdom of heaven, and we will one day all be reunited, and what a wonderful, special Hava Nagila Party in the Sky it will be.

Here's the thing about life -- it goes on.  And in spite of our grief, I had a two year old who needed to feel loved and celebrated on her birthday. So a week after we said goodbye to two beloved family members, we reconvened for a Cowgirl Rodeo Party.  Although we toned down the celebration this year in lieu of the recent events (petting zoo and hay rides cancelled),  it was still a rootin-tootin, hog killin' good time!   We had around 40 people over to the "Herman Ranch", including some of Hannah's Kaz and Korea friends, family, and of course neighbors.  The kids donned hats and boots and panned for gold, played in the bounce house, ate fried chicken, Texas Tater Salad,  and Buffalo Bill's Baked Beans, and we older folks kicked up our boots and relaxed at the Waterin' Hole.  In the shadow of death, we took a moment to celebrate life. I know my grandmother would have loved the party and I know that although she was not able to be there in person, she was there in spirit.  


Goodbye Grandma. Happy Trails To You.  Until We Meet Again.....