Grandma Lapka

Grandma Lapka passed away this past week. The funeral was yesterday, but, unfortunately, we were unable to go back for it. We were sad to not get to spend time and celebrate her life with the family. Although we are far away, it is a privilege to celebrate her in this post.

I met Grandma and Grandpa Lapka for the first time when I was dating Paul and joined him for a trip to Aberdeen. The thing that stands out in my mind is the warm welcome and hospitality that Grandma showed us. Every time we visited, there were snacks and sweets and plenty of conversation. (She made the most decadent candy mints for our wedding, a special request of Paul's and one that I thoroughly enjoyed!)

Grandpa Lapka died a year after we got married, and we were able to go back for his funeral. It happened to be my birthday while we were there, and I was overwhelmed when Grandma and Judy pulled out a cake and everyone sang "Happy Birthday" to me while we were all at the house--what a surprise and another example of Grandma's hospitality!

Grandma holding Caleb (eight weeks old)

Grandma celebrated both of our boys' births with an afghan that she crocheted. She seemed to always have a project going when we visited. We have a few big afghans that she made as well. 

Sharing ice cream AND cake and a laugh with Grandma

Although we did not get to see her often, Isaac enjoyed visiting with her.  I think it is especially because she was good at pulling the "Grandma Card" (as we call it).  Look at the table above. His plate has cake and ice cream and toppings--something Grandma and Aunt Judy insisted he needed.  I am not sure what he was telling her, but it was fun seeing him as a two-year old interacting with her and enjoying snack time with her!

DUPLOS!

Grandma's house always had toys for playing. The Duplos got pulled out for this visit; this is only part of the picture--Isaac had so many to play with plus other toys and stuffed animals as well!

And Grandma was so good at celebrating various holidays throughout the year with the boys. She never missed sending out a card with $1 in it for each boy. She did not send them one card to share but sent each boy his own separate card; oh, the celebrating they had when they realized they each had their own mail to open! (Here is a prime example of the joy they showed when opening her cards: Halloween Cards 2011.)

Visiting Grandma in the hospital

We will miss you, Grandma!