Oma

Today we mourn the loss of Mike's beloved Oma (Grandma). Born in Germany, and arriving in the US with children in tow back in the late 50's (I believe), her husband was very lucky to land a job at Ford Motor Company. He worked hard and earned the respect of his managers and co-workers and little by little, they began to establish a stable world for their children.

Then her husband, Ted, was diagnosed with Lou Gehrig's Disease or ALS when he was only in his early 50's, and was gone too soon-Mike never even got to meet him. She found a life long friend in Henry, a fellow German, whom she shared her life with until his sudden passing a few years back. Since that time, her quality of life had significantly diminished, she had come to live here in Grand Rapids to be near her daughter (Mike's Mom) and was eventually transferred to hospice care.

We knew this moment was coming, and soon, but it's never easy to say "Good-bye" for the last time. We did that last night and it was hard...really hard. She loved her 4 great-grandchildren so much! All girls...April, Kimmie, Lauren & Tara...they could always make her smile. Oma was full of spunk, warm, caring, compassionate, funny and a German accent that made everything she said sound more interesting. I am grateful that, through Mike, I had a chance to have her in my life and that of my children. We are all better off because of it....

We'll miss you, Oma. Be at peace and watch over us. You'll always be in our hearts.