Grandma Merchant

My grandma (Esther Merchant, my mom's mom) passed away this past week. She was 78 years old and lived in Allegan, MI. Her health had been declining especially over the past 5 years and this year she just started dialysis. She has been in and out of the hospital but on her most recent admission to the hospital she decided that she was going to stop all of her treatments. She went home on hospice and lived only 36 hours. We went back to MI this past weekend for her visitation and funeral. It was a quick trip but we were glad we could be there. It was not only a time to grieve her loss but evenmoreso a time to celebrate her life. It was also a reminder to me that life is so short in the scope of eternity. I think that all of us need to be reminded of that. Too often as we go about our daily life we think that this is all there is but what a tragedy to live that way. I have hope knowing that my Grandma is in heaven, not because she was a good person or because she went to church but because she had a personal relationship with Jesus. For that we were able to celebrate.

I really wished that we had more time to spend at home since we were making the trip. However, Corey is trying to finish up his semester and is swamped with schoolwork. SO, we were basically gone for a little over 48 hours. It was great to get to see some family though and get to introduce Micah to many who had not met him yet. He still has lots more family to meet but we are planning a trip home later this spring/summer.



A picture of my Grandma (in blue) from our wedding. (I couldn't find my other CD from our wedding to get a better picture)




Micah and Uncle Kolby


Micah and Aunt Britton (Micah had two diaper explosions while we were home and both were while Britton was holding him! :)





Micah and Aunt Shelby. Unfortunately only Shelby was able to come home as Ty stayed in WV with Riley and Lincoln so Micah didn't get to meet them. We are hoping to do our next trip back to MI when they will be home so we can see them and Micah will get to meet them (or should I say "Baby Micah" as Riley calls him)

Micah with his new puppy from Grandma and Grandpa Kugle


Micah and Aunt Lily


Micah and Grandma




Micah and Great Grandpa Merchant. My Grandma and Grandpa were married 61 years, how awesome is that!

Micah and Grandma