FOR CATHY

Jared's Grandma Cathy was a spitfire. She wasn't afraid to speak her mind, and she had that token Alexander sarcasm and wit I see in Jared and his father, Ed, down to a science. She always made me feel warm, and comfortable and loved. Jared and I's first year of marriage, she gave me a beautiful handmade quilt for Christmas. All the grandchildren had one or two, and now so did I. Some people are just born to be Grandmothers, I think.

Her passing was a shock. She was full of life and laughter. Laughter with others, and laughter at herself. She regularly cooked dinner for scores of people at church, sang in the choir and volunteered at hospice, all while keeping Grandad in line ;).

Jared loved her so, so much. I can see that reflected in the way he still talks about his trip to Cape Canaveral with his grandparents in the 6th grade- he wants to make those kind of memories for our little baby- and his reverence for her wonderful recipes. My first birthday as Jared's girlfriend he got Cathy to make me THE birthday cake. A 3 layer yellow number with rich chocolate icing. After that, I could tell maybe he really did like me.

After leaving the hospital he volunteered to make a family dinner. Cathy's crispy chicken never tasted so good. I think somewhere she's proud.