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“It was a summer of good-byes, see you laters, reunions and releases.”
– Kara Huey
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We said good-by to our beloved grandfather at the beginning of the summer, and goodbye to our Grandma Alma at the end of this summer. Alma Jean Riley Freeman lived from June 21, 1932 until August 30, 2023 (91 years). Ned Wayne Freeman lived from December 30, 1930 until May 24, 2023 (92 years). My grandparents were married for 70 years!
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Grandparents play a vital role in shaping a child’s life. They create lasting memories and engage in unique conversations that stand apart from interactions with any other individual. Grandparents contribute significantly to a child’s character development, reinforcing essential values and making priceless investments in their grandchildren’s well-being.
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I’m so thankful for the years I had with my grandparents. Here are some of my favorite memories with them:
- Trips to Florida, especially the ones that included a visit to Disney World.
- I was the only grandchild that joined them for one “art-buying” trip. With their many grandchildren, this was an honor! My grandparents bought me a piece of art, and had the artist sign it. My grandfather brought it home and framed it for me.
- One morning my grandmother took me to breakfast and let me order a strawberry Sundae. My eight-year old heart and mind (and stomach), thought this was the best breakfast ever.
- At age 17, I got in a car accident while driving to school in the snow. My parents were both out of town so my grandparents were the first ones to arrive after the accident, making sure I was okay and helping navigate what to do.
- My high school graduation “Open House” was in my grandparent’s home. They allowed approximately one hundred people to trek in and around their property all day without any complaints – only support for their new high school graduate and all her friends.
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Today I’d love to share the beautiful eulogy written by my dad to honor his mom (my grandma).
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My dad used four words that describe my grandmother:
- Determination
- Decision
- Décor
- Devotion
The remaining post was written by my dad, regarding his mom, my grandma Alma.
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DETERMINATION
My mom was born in Jackson County, Kentucky in 1932 in the most humble and primitive conditions. A small cabin with no indoor plumbing. It took determination for her to become an owner of multiple businesses and own a beautiful home on Indiana’s largest natural lake.
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DECISION
In the mid 1960s we attended Eel River Baptist Church. One Sunday morning with my grandparents, dad and family present, mom got up from the pew and went forward to choose a life of faith in Jesus.
The impact for me was profound and I still relive those moments with the sun shining thru the large stained-glass window of the church.
While our lives are filled with many decisions, that is the single most important decision we can all make: to become a follower of Jesus.
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DECOR
Mom was a perfectionist and it showed in her work. The decorating details and standards are beyond what most of us know. The funeral room (where we celebrated her life) was one example of her handiwork; from wall decor to the large window treatments. Her decorating business became so large and popular, the business eventually evolved into mainly decorating, including fine art and antiques because of her amazing talent to improve people’s lives with her unique creative touch.
DEVOTION
My mother’s devotion was unwavering. She was with dad over 71 years. She could not swim but owned over a dozen boats! Why? Because of her devotion to my dad who loved boats.
She was always in my corner .. correcting me when she thought I needed it, but caring and loving me both near and far. When I lived alone out east in a small, one bedroom apartment, she and dad appeared one day with a small Christmas tree to decorate and celebrate.
A year or two later on Long Island, I found myself in a hurricane. The phone rang and it was my mom, making sure I was safe. She was devoted for her family.
Determination, Decision, Décor and Devotion are just four small words that summarize one big, adventure-filled life that my mom lived. Thank you for celebrating her with us today.
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My last visit with both of my grandparents during the summer of 2022:
My last visit with grandma, July 2023 (pictured with Paul, who took the afternoon away from swimming and spending time with cousins to spend time with grandma. Paul felt like it might be our last visit with her):
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