Let the Potlucks begin...

Hello again.

We had our first potluck dinner, and it was truly a sweet night. We also learned that there's a little learning curve to the blog and its usability. The best way for each of you to keep yourself updated with the blog is to subscribe to it, so that you receive notifications when new content has been added.

How do you you subscribe?
To the right of this "post" it says "follow by email", type your email address in that area and press submit. A pop-up screen will then ask you to confirm your email by typing in a specific code. Type the code in the text box below and click on the button "complete subscription request." From that point you will receive updates in your email inbox when new content has been added to the blog.  

Still have questions? Email me at vkdonaghy@gmail.com and I can help you with any computer issues.

 

 

Showin' off his "big mouth" skills

room to spare...next time we'll try a bigger apple.

Ryan.

One of my special memories with grandpa happened when I flew out to Wenatchee for an interview. I flew out by myself for a quick trip and had a wonderful dinner at Pat and Gloria's and spent the rest of the evening with grandpa. It was really my first time I spent one on one with him. I remember he was such a great host making me feel at home and asking if I wanted anything, often. He reminisced and told interesting stories of his childhood and went on about Grandma Peggy and how much he missed her. When it was time to leave he walked me outside and wished me a safe trip back, we hugged and I walked towards my car. As I was about to get in I turned and saw grandpa still standing on the porch watching me leave. I had so much love in my heart for that gentle man and realized I needed to do one more thing. I turned around and walked back towards him and said, "Grandpa can we say a prayer together before I leave?" He said you bet and there under the glow of his porch light we prayed, giving gratitude for our time we spent together and asking for safe travels. We hugged again and I turned and left with tears in my eyes, feeling overwhelmed with love and admiration for this man. I was not his grandson by blood but I felt as close to him as my own grandfathers. This may not be anything that sounds extraordinary on paper but it was a memory I'll always cherish. Love, Ryan

John John.

It has been one of the greatest blessings of mine to have known Grandpa Jim. I knew that he approved when I made the comment in a room full of the Fromm Family that I absolutely love me a good ol’ Arby’s Roast Beef Sandwich! The Spirit of the Lord was so vibrant with Grandpa Jim that any worries you may have had would instantly vanish when you were in his presence.  He will forever be a loyal son of God, husband, father, grandpa and friend.  Grandpa Jim, we know you are near but we still miss you even so! 

Family & Food.

Hi Fam,

I would love to add more "Grandpa Moments" to the blog. ( : Send them to vkdonaghy@gmail.com so I can post them on the blog...pictures, stories, memories - whatever your heart desires. It's always a beautiful thing to share in his legacy, especially during this time of year.

Here's a rundown for our "Fromm Family" Sunday dinner. We'll begin our monthly potluck at The Ranch this Sunday, August, 17, 2014. Let's stick with the summer theme and BBQ. We'll gather at 5 to start the grill. Please bring meat for you and your family, and then a side dish to share. If you're planning on coming, would you mind adding a comment below or emailing me, so we have an approximate head count? The weather man says the sun will be out, so don't worry about the rain.

See you Sunday!

Allison and Jesse.

Here is a letter I wrote my Mom back in November 2012, while she was in Taiwan. In it I tell her about a sweet night Jesse and I spent with Grandpa. I left feeling like he had given me a gift by sharing so many marvelous stories. I only wished I had a camera recording the whole thing.

<<Jesse and I spent the evening with Grandpa. We have worked it out with Pat that we'll all take turns spending the evenings there until he goes to bed, at which point Pat will come over and sleep. That makes it easier in the morning with getting kids off to school. I had anticipated helping him get ready for bed and Cindy had told me what to do so that I was prepared.  It was clear though that he was kind of waiting for Pat to do that. I didn't want to make him uncomfortable so we just visited the whole time and I didn't have to do too much "nursing" care.

We got there between 6-6:30 and when I discovered he hadn't eaten I went in to heat up his food. Jesse was so eager to help--finding a plate to scrape the mashed potatoes on. When everything was sufficiently heated Jesse garnished the plate with some chips that he was sure Grandpa would want (apparently he was right) and we took the food in. 

He asked for a glass of milk with his food. Jesse quietly rushed into the kitchen and got it for him. Then he asked for a half glass of prune juice and Jesse quickly went to fetch that as well. It was so endearing to see him measuring and pouring out the liquids, then carefully taking them to Grandpa.

We talked about his day and the grueling procedure of tapping his lungs. It was awful, but by the time we were there talking to him, he was doing very well. If he coughs or sneezes it's extremely painful though. He asked me when you were coming back (not like he was pining, but just to have that information). He told me he didn't have any plans to go any time soon and he thinks he has a lot of living left in him. But after some considering he said, "That's 6 weeks? You know, I might not have a choice when I'm taken." Then Aunt Marcia called and they talked for a good half hour or so. I thought the conversation was over, but when I went back in he told me, "I just can't help feeling like I'd be cheating Katy-Did if I didn't make it to January." He shook his head and said, "She was such a cracker jack. long pause. But she was SO sweet. She IS so sweet." We talked about what a good mom and daughter you are and then he spent the next hour or so just telling me about stories from his youth.>>

A little snap through the past.

Grandpa Moments.

Hello family.

A few weeks ago some of the aunties and cousins discussed the idea of a "Fromm Family Blog". We felt like it would be a great way for all of us to connect and communicate more frequently. Since today marks the one year anniversary of Grandpa's passing, I thought it fitting to try out the idea, to celebrate Grandpa's legacy with all of you.

For the next 10 days I will collect
"Grandpa Moments" - your favorite characteristics, memories and feelings about Grandpa. Share a story. Paint a picture. Sing a song. However you want to express your feelings about Grandpa Jim, capture it in a way for me to post it on the blog. Email your "Grandpa Moments" to vkdonaghy@gmail.com and I will post it for you!

We will finish our "Grandpa Moments" celebration with a potluck dinner on August 17th at The Ranch. This dinner will be the first of many, as we want to celebrate our incredible heritage and future posterity with a potluck dinner each second Sunday of the month. (This month will be different, because we're celebrating on the 17th, which is when we celebrated Grandpa last year). Along with dinner, an assigned family will share something inspirational each month. It can be a story from the past, a motivational quote, or whatever else your family wants to share.

Grandma and Grandpa continually expressed their love for The Ranch and for each of us, and this is just a small way we can continue to share and strengthen that love.

More details will be coming to your inbox soon. You'll be able to subscribe to the blog to receive email notifications about new posts too. If you need any help I'm more than happy to email or chat with you on the phone.

I love you all. I'm so grateful for the incredible grandparents (parents) we've had in our lives. Let's let their legacy of goodness and charity inspire us. 

xoxo,
Vanessa
 
P.S. This morning I found a journal entry written at 3am, August 7, 2013, before I fell asleep in grandpa's home.

'Packed into Grandpa's living room were all his children and a few grandchildren. Marcia had just flown in, and there was a sense of peace. It was a race against time, but Grandpa held on for her goodbye.

Stories and memories were shared late into the night. I watched his girls smooth his hair, rub his hands, and fluff his pillow. His boys cared for him too. No one left his side for too long. His breathing felt heavy. It matched the weight in our hearts. Tears would come and go, but it was always peaceful near him. Then, one of the most tender moments occurred. We all knelt down together, alongside his bed, and Lance offered a sweet prayer of gratitude. He expressed gratitude for Grandpa's example as a father, a grandfather and a friend. The love in the room felt tangible. It embraced all of us, as we knew that his time on earth was coming to a close. On both sides of the veil he will be celebrated. I know there are loved ones waiting for him, and I see his children fast asleep on the couches and chairs next to him. He is a beloved man wherever he goes."