Grace Notes

I thought it would be fun to do a little update on Grace as I don't believe I've done so in a long time.  As you know, Grace went back to St Andrews this past fall and while things are not exactly "normal" they are a lot closer and she is very thankful for that.  All of her tutorials are in person while large lectures remain online.  

This past fall was spent making new friends, adjusting to living in a flat (with two roommates), getting settled into her new classes, attending balls, writing for several school publications and even traveling a bit.  

She and a group of friends went to Lisbon, Portugal for four days and by the sounds of it, had a really nice time.  

Before heading back to St Andrews for spring semester, she met a friend in Dublin, Ireland for a few days.  While there they toured the Cliffs of Mohor, walked the city, toured the Guinness Factory and ate good food!

She's certainly having a lot more experiences than she did last year!   I will say that I think the work load is intense and very difficult so all of these beautiful and amazing experiences are definitely tempered with a lot of hard work and studying.  

If you are interested, Grace started a newsletter this past summer.  She sends it out via email once a month and while I know I'm biased, I think it's wonderful.  As her Mom, I read every word and then read it again.  Its hard being so far away :)!  You can find the newsletter, here.  

Marilyn

We lost my mother-in-law, Marilyn, this past week.  It felt sudden to us even though her health had not been top notch. We feel very blessed that Bryce was able to make it out to Colorado and be with her on her last day.  

I was always struck by how fiercely loyal Marilyn was to those she loved.  Bryce was her only (biological) child and she was the president of his fan club.  She had a deep, deep faith.  She was a wonderful Gran to her grandchildren, always sending notes, and cards to them, attending their events when she was visiting and always having treats when they came to visit her in the cottage or Colorado.  

She would often do the things that no one wanted to do.  When we first moved into our old house it was a  dirty mess.  She came in and cleaned all the cobwebs, dirt and general grossness and then slept on the floor on an air mattress!  She would paint, pull weeds and pitch in wherever she could.  She would bake scrumptious pies, and made a delicious baklava that we enjoyed for many Christmases.  I treasure the beautiful quilts she made for me.  She was the biggest fan of this blog as she loved to keep up with what was going on in our lives.  

She will be dearly missed by many, especially her family.  I find great peace in knowing that she is breathing freely and deeply with her creator, whom she loved.