Grandma Ann

Let me first start by saying this is one of the many posts that is long overdue. I'm hoping to get caught up in the next few weeks with all the happenings of this year!

In June 2012 my dad was set up on a blind "date" with a lady named Ann. They had never met which is extremely strange for two people who have lived in Little Rock, what I will always consider a small town, their entire adult lives. They both went into the meeting with the expectation that, at the very least, this person would be a fun friend to go to dinner, movies, etc. with. Well, they instantly hit it off that night and have been together ever since! My dad proposed just before Christmas and they were married at their church, in a simple ceremony with just the two of them and their pastor, on Valentine's Day of this year.

I could go on and on and on about how amazing Ann is and how lucky we ALL are that she's part of our family now. She is one of the most genuine, caring people I have ever met. From the beginning she accepted Reid, Olivia, George, Jenny, Eleanor and me and treated us as if we were her own. I'll give you the perfect example: After they were married my dad sold his house - the house my brother, sister and I had lived in our entire lives. The thought of clearing it out was a daunting prospect and thinking about memories of your childhood being packed away was really sad. But, Ann made it her mission to make their "new" house a blend of both families. My sister called me one day to tell me that our baby portraits, my wedding portrait, other snapshots of our family life, and familiar furniture were scattered throughout the house. It meant so much to all of us that she made the house feel like we'd always been there. Back in March Olivia and I went for a visit. I asked Ann one afternoon if it was OK if a friend stopped by and she looked at me with a smile and said, "Of course, but you don't need to ask me, this is your house, too!" It really is the little things that make a person feel welcome and Ann is always thinking three steps ahead to make sure that's exactly how we feel. 

Ann, we are all so thankful and blessed that Dad found you! Thank you for being such a wonderful person and for all the many ways you have enriched our lives! We love you!