Farewell to a one of a kind.

An only child and baptist princess from the south, my grandma Lar has lived an amazing and adventure filled life. This is a someoneone who more than 70 years ago was part of a women's basketball team, long before women were "allowed," to participate in sports of such kind. That was before she fell in love with an Air Force pilot, now known as Papa. They have been together for more than 60 years

When I was in college and gave the Miss Portage pageant a try, I was on a tight budget, so she made sure my 125$ dress was tailored just right. That meant hours of undoing itty bitty beading and resewing it back into place. That was before she lost the ability to hold a steady hand. Knowing how independent I was, all she wanted was for me to be taken care of by someone instead of me always taking care of everybody else. So she was just thrilled when I met John and we later decided to get married. My parents would tell you my wedding day was one of her proudest. And then there was her great grandson Johnny and all her other great grandchildren.

About a month ago I was told Grandma Lar was in the final stages of Parkinsons. For years she has battled to keep her sense of normalcy even though her body was betraying her little by little. I was to travel in with my dad to visit her before she was not longer coherent. That week I was put on bedrest and was not able to go to Michigan with my Dad.It was one of my more devastating moments. But what can you do? I know for a while she has wanted to be free from the disease. Losing the ability to even swallow is not how I think any of us choose to live, especially when we have lived soo much. So this week she found that peace. Although I cannot be there, I say goodbye to her for now knowing there is now a new guardian angel looking out for me and my family.

1)My little brother (not so little at 6'4) after his game. Grandma Lar came to every Michigan State game to cheer him on! They were soo proud he carried on the tradition.
2)The black and white pic is of the dress she worked so hard to redo
3)Here are my Papa and Grandma Lar with meYEARS ago when I was 1st RU at Miss Michigan USA

Mrs. Illinois International

So I was supposed to lay low for another week, but I was able to talk my husband into bringing me out to see the Mrs. Illinois International pageant Saturday. It was a great time and I had to chance to hang out with a good friend and her husband. We ladies think the two men actually had a better time as the two of them we so busy chatting throughout and deciding who they thought should win. And you know what? Those two now think THEY would make great judges and they would be pretty good. So if you ever need a judge or two, just let me know. I have a couple of good men for the job. Congrats to the new queens! July is on its way.