We lost my wonderful Aunt Karla and Rock’s sweet Grandma Hymas in January. Both women had a profound affect on my life and I will miss them enough, both women had a way of making you feel like you were their best friend. All the people who stood to share stories of both women, at both funerals said that. It was totally true.

My Aunt Karla was beautiful and funny. She was the life of the party wherever she went. She and my uncle Rich were my family’s guardian angels growing up. When money was tight, my Aunt Karla took my siblings and I on what can only be termed a shopping spree to buy school clothes. To a 4th grade girl it was the best day of my life! I will never forget it. She and my Uncle opened their home to my family when I was a senior in high school and we lived with them for a year. Their generosity really knew no bounds. Her amazing home and parties were the stuff of legend and she is the standard in my mind and heart of hospitality. I miss her but am so grateful she was a part of my life. The earth got dimmer the day she left it, but heaven, brighter.

I have always wanted to go back to Long Lake Park in the neighborhood where I grew up but they put a gate up years and years ago so I never could. This time I decided to wait for someone to come by who lived in the neighborhood and beg them to let me in. We didn’t have to wait long. A nice lady walking her dog let us in. I have so many memories of this park, playing and walking through the trails and swimming. It was wonderful to see it again.

I will dearly miss Amy Hymas, Rock’s sweet grandma. I’ve written about her before, but her positivity and love knew no bounds. She was faithful and stalwart and dedicated to the gospel and to her family. “Isn’t it wonderful?!” was one of her favorite phrases and really showed how she saw the world and everything in it, good or bad. We are trying to use that phrase more now at our house. Loved this little lady who loved me as her own, but I’m so glad she can be with Grandpa again. She passed peacefully in her sleep after a long life well lived. We will miss you, Grandma!