January 29, 1932-  Sunday, January 8, 2012

My wonderful Grandmother passed away early Sunday morning, Jan. 8th two years after her husband and my Granddad died. There are not enough words to describe the impact she was on my life and the lives of so many others. It was her who taught me just how special family is, and how loving them is such an important part of our journey here on Earth. Ever since I was young I have memories of her welcoming me into her home, with a table full of food, a hug and an ear to listen.

It was Grandmother, along with Granddad who was the core of the Carter family. My cousins became my good friends as we looked forward to time spent each summer at Lake Wawasee and family gatherings. It took till college for me to realize that not all families were like mine. Grandmother and Granddad had helped create this special bond- this tie between each member as we lived in different parts of the country. The Thanksgiving before Granddad passed away, the family was all gathered at the lake around one table. We have a Carter tradition each year where we go around and share what we are thankful for. As we have gotten older, more tears were shed and the conversations became longer. That year, it was Granddad’s last at the head of the table as Grandmother became the fearless head of the family, keeping us all connected together.

My Grandmother and Granddad had always wanted to take the train out to Seattle. I had the privilege of going with my Grandmother almost two years ago after my Granddad passed away. It was the first time I had the chance to be alone with her- just me and her for 47 hours as we shared a car together on the train. She shared so many stories of the beautiful love story her and Granddad lived. She listened to my worries, dreams and desires. We sat together and wrote each day, taking in the vast beauty of the lands we were seeing.

On the plane ride home from our time in Seattle, right as we were touching down in Indianapolis, she looked over at me and grabbed my hand. She said, “Katelin, Bill and I would always hold hands every flight during take off and the landing”.  I felt so proud to be holding her hand in that time and so proud to be her Granddaughter.

This Thanksgiving, the entire Carter family was back at Lake Wawasee. New additions were in the family, along with a great-grandchild. We took part again in the Carter tradition of sharing what we were thankful for, sitting in the family room all in a circle. That night, Grandmother was at the head of the circle, sitting in Granddad’s big chair as we all shared. It is during these moments that I wish everyone could have a glimpse into the love of my family- and to see the love Grandmother had for all of us.

On Sunday, Jan. 8th my Grandmother passed away. Two days before I caught a plane home from Seattle just in time to talk to my Grandmother while she was awake. I walked into the hospital room and she looked up, smiled and asked right away how Seattle was and then told me she loved me. On Saturday, the entire family was in the hospital room (including her dog Mozart), surrounding her in the same family circle we have done for so many family times before. It is a moment I will always remember. We celebrated the life she lived and said our final goodbyes before she would be reunited in Heaven with the Lord and Granddad. How wonderful is that promise we have.

Grandmother, I will miss you so incredibly much. It is hard for me to even imagine my life without you, your listening ear and love. But I am so glad to know you are pain free and reunited with the love of you life, Granddad.

Katelin

Filed under: thoughts and finds ]]> http://katelinscarter.com/2012/01/12/grandmother/feed/ 0 katelincarter grandmother 1 http://katelinscarter.com/2012/01/08/a-new-year-back-to-seattle/ http://katelinscarter.com/2012/01/08/a-new-year-back-to-seattle/#comments Sun, 08 Jan 2012 05:56:35 +0000 katelincarter http://katelinscarter.com/?p=3905 ]]> I spent the summer on Bainbridge Island, just a ferry ride from the wonderful city of  Seattle. I fell in love with the city, mountains, water and some special people out there. Since my time there my family, friends and roommates have had to hear my numerous Seattle adventure stories–see pictures, images on Google earth, ect.

For Christmas, my parents gave me a trip to Seattle where I got to go spend the week with my boyfriend, John and go back to all of my favorite places. I came just in time for New Years Eve, Seattle style. I got to walk hills, ride the ferry and take in all of the beautiful sights- old and new. My last day there I got to get on the ferry for a quick trip back to my summer office at YES! Magazine. It was such a good moment for me seeing all of the wonderful people I had spent the summer with. It was a short visit but much needed.

Being back in Seattle made me even more ready to head back to the Pacific Northwest once I graduate in May . I don’t have a plan figured out yet, but I hope to return to the mountains and water as soon as possible

I didn’t have my camera with me a lot of the trip–it became a visit where I was just so excited to be back in the company of such good friends that I forgot I had it stowed away in my bookbag. There will be more photos next visit!

Snoqualmie Falls Park

John and I headed to the waterfall for the day to go on a hike. Instead, the Seattle rain decided to continue to pour on us the entire time we were there. There was a beautiful lodge right beside the waterfall. We opted for a lunch there, where our table overlooked the falls. It was cozy with a fireplace and the food was delicious!

Lake Erie

Their family have grown and now they have four wonderful boys full of lots of energy! We had a beautiful fall day to capture some moments between them.  As one  from a family of four girls it is so fun to see four boy brothers. Thank you again, Amos and Crystal for letting me capture your beautiful family!!!