From the Ranch

From the Ranch
Looking West

Saturday, March 24, 2012

A Very Special Lady!

This is a very special "From the Ranch." Dedicated to My Grandmother. Today Heaven is a little sweeter. God chose to take our sweet Grandma Frank home with Him. She now is sitting with our Lord and reunited with our Grandfather. No more pain, as she once again is smiling looking down on us singing and dancing in Heaven.

What can I say about one of the sweetest most God fearing ladies I ever had the chance to know? Grandma had a kindness to her like no one else. My first real memories of Grandma come from “my weeks” spent at the ranch each summer. A lot of the time was spent outside with Grandpa, and the ranch but some of the most character building moments of my childhood where in the house with Grandma. Those times revolved around 4 things... Faith, Family, Food, and Music.

The first thing that comes to mind was her faith and belief in the Lord. There was always a blessing shared over every meal, scripture being shared, and I remember so many nights of grandma saying evening prayers with me before bed. I knew from an early age the importance she put in this.

Grandma always knew her family was her most precious treasure, and she treated each of us as a priceless piece of that most special treasure. She loved to share with everyone what the family was doing. She was always snapping pictures of us, at rodeos, parades, or just around the ranch. She treasured each and everyone of us and took pride in our achievements. This past year when there was so much flooding going on in the state, she was so happy and shared with everyone over and over when she saw me on tv. She did the same with all of the kids and grandkids. She loved our achievements. She also treasured when we would come to visit. How many times have each of us grandchildren signed one of the guest books over the years?

She always was the first to offer you something to eat. No matter how she was feeling, even in these last days, her first thoughts were to offer you something to eat.. It didnt matter if they had just finished a meal or not. She always would try to give you something. There were times when I would be sitting having a conversation with Grandpa, and Grandma would be busy in the kitchen finding us some type of treat. She loved Fudgesicles... There was always a box of these in the freezer. She made so many tasty things over the years, feeding ranch crews, guests on the ranch and family. My favorite. Her Dip..

Grandma had a wonderful love of music. From playing the accordian, organ, and piano, I remember singing along with her and other family members as she would play. She loved to share in all of us that tried to follow in her footsteps with some sort of musical talent, sharing songs and tapes she had of each of us singing one place or another. There was a sweetness in in her voice as she would play those old country, and gospel songs. A smile on her face as we joined in.

That was grandma. So Sweet, So kind, So Generous, always holding her most special treasure close to her heart... her family.. Grandma, you are the special treasure, that I will always hold in my heart.


3 comments:

  1. What a tribute to your grandma Eric! I know she would be proud to know that you are following in her footsteps with your faith and your family values. She is smiling at your tribute to her and is so proud like always. God Bless Eric,

    Judy Kuntz

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  2. Very sorry for your loss. Beautiful words for an obviously lovely woman.


    God rest her soul.

    ~Jhwygirl

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  3. Eric,

    You have captured the essence of the beautiful soul called Esther Frank. How blessed you are to be her grandson.

    Your grandparents were our closest neighbors and the first people we met when we moved to Montana. They were hospitable, geniune and so full of love. Lucky for me, I was able to spend a lot of time at the ranch with Lori. I remember the music, the food (crazy cake) and the profound kindess.

    Clearly, your Grandmother lived a life as a woman whose first priority was the extension of God's love. Each person who knew her felt 'important' to her. I have remembered both Jake and Esther with such fondness and gratitude.

    I am sorry for your loss and yet I rejoice with you that she and her cowboy are dancing in heaven.

    Kindest regards,
    ~angie

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