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."