May 25th, 2018

​It has been on my heart to start a blog for a very long time.
In my work I am privy to so many wonderful stories that beg to be told and shared.

My first blog post is written by my long time student and friend Elizabeth Beutel.
Elizabeth started her learning sessions with me at age 4 and is now 20.
I developed my expressive writing methods with her as my tester of methods.
 I am so very proud of the outstanding young woman and writer she has become.

Elizabeth recently lost her beloved grandfather.
In her grief I encouraged her to write a tribute to him.
Her reply was "I don't know what to say."
I gently guided her with a few ideas to work with.
She began her first draft on the back of one of her ‘happy sheets’ at the kitchen table.

That evening after class, she went home and wrote the below tribute to her grandfather.
She did it all on her own with no help whatsoever.
When she shared it with me at our next session I was beyond impressed. I was moved to tears.

This week I told Elizabeth about my new blog ideas  and asked her if she would like to be a guest author.
She excitedly said 'yes" and went home and typed her handwritten tribute on the computer and sent it to me that evening so I could edit into in to the blog with ease.

Here is Elizabeth's beautiful tribute to her Grandpa Harry. 

Tribute to my Grandpa Harry
 
February 18, 2018 was the day I lost someone very dear to me. My grandpa was by far one of the most amazing people I had the honor and pleasure of knowing. Even more so, I am proud to say that I am related to this man.
 
My grandpa was the life of the party, that everyone loved talking to and always wanted advice from. Our family grew closer because of him. When he was around, there was laughter, there was happiness and everyone loved him so much.
Many of us in the family were inspired by him. Because of him, we will keep him in our hearts. I know that he would be proud of me for making him such a huge part of my life.
 
Around him, my family always loved him. He made us laugh and smile. He always had something to say to brighten our day. He always loved our family.
 
When he died from the accident, the news was stocking and we tried to prepare ourselves for his death. But no one can really be prepared to lose a grandpa, a father to my dad and his brothers. We still cry over him but we can be strong for him. We just cry because we lost him and will miss him dearly.
 
He was in my life and now he is still my hero. He did a great job raising my dad by helping him and loving him. We call that the power of my grandpa. Our memories of him are an amazing gift, I have in my heart. I will always love him and thank him for helping me become a beautiful granddaughter.
 
When the sun comes out every morning I see him. He will be my grandpa forever. I see his light breaking through the clouds. I love you grandpa.
 
Goodbye Grandpa
 
“Grampa”
                       We’ll always remember
                       That special smile
                       That caring heart
                       And the warm embraces,
                       You always gave us,
                       We will always remember
                       You for being there for us
                       Though the good times and
                       Difficult times…..
                       No matter what!
                       We will remember
                       Your Grandpa because
                       There’ll never be another
                       One
                       To replace you in our
                       Hearts.
                       Our love will always
                       Be there for you.  
​

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