Val, Diane, David, and Stephanie, I first wanted to say from the bottom of my heart how sorry I am for your loss. A mom means so many things to each one of us. It is the hand that holds you when the world is against you, is the high five when your celebrating a win or a ribbon or clanking of a wine glass in a toast of another proud mile stone. In the 20 plus years I had wonderful opportunity to know and love Geraldine as our very own Lu-Lu, I seen her be every one of those things to each of you in her own way.

When I got the news that Geraldine has been called to take on the job of keeping Popa Cook company, it got me thinking of everything she has been to my own family. Lulu taught us about chickens, from cute fuzzy little chicks, to how yummy they taste in the fall, but how yucky the inbetween can be. She taught Sarah to always wear a beautiful sun hat when attending those chickens and checking on your garden, you never want to get sunburned. She taught us about cows and calves and for my city raised kids this was quite the eye opennig. But the one thing she taught us from day one, was her door was always open to wonderful hospitality and great family get togethers that always ended with a swim at her pool or at her hidden lake down the road from her house and boy could she cook or bake pies!

Cole, Kaitlinn, Cassandra and Alyshea, my heart aches for each one of you right now as you try to find peace in your loss. Your grandma was a great lady and my only advice to you to keep her spirit alive is keep her traditions going. Kailtinn continue to bake, learn her secrets. Cole and Cassandra live on in her knowlege. Alyshea, continue your grandma's love for gardening every year plant a flower or a vegetable that you both enjoyed these are ways that each of you can pass on a Lulu tradition of your own. One of you must cheer on curling!

Rudy, it only took me three tries, but finally found what you found the first time. No words can express right now how sorry I am about your loss. Everything I have read tells me, the loss of your soul mate and best friend feels like a true broken heart. I know in time the ache will lessen, but please know she is in good hands, Popa Cook will have her drinking Smirnoff Ice and eating pizza and chicken in no time.

Eric and I send our regrets that we cannot be with you on your day of celebrating the life of your wife, mom, and grandmother. But she paved all the ground work for you all to go and sow your seeds in the garden of life, and I know she loved each one of you and was very proud of each of her grandchildren and you four were her true treasures.

I found a poem today that reminded me of Lulu/Geraldine and wanted to share it with you. It is called a Mothers Crown.

Heaven lit up with a mighty presence as the Angels all looked down. Today the Lord was placing the jewels into my monther's crown. He held up a golden crown as my darling mother looked on.

He said in His gentle voice "I will now explain each one." " the first gem, " He said, "is a ruby and its for endurance alone. For all the nights waited up for your children to come home."

For all the nights by their bedside you stayed till the fever went down. For nursing every little wound I add this ruby to your crown.

An emerald, i'll place by the ruby for leading your child in the right way for teaching them the lessons, that made them who they are today.

For always being right there through all life's important events. I give you a sapphire stone for the time and love you spent.

For untying the strings that held them when they grew up and left home I give you this one for courage. the the Lord added a garnet stone.

I'll place a stone of amethyst, He said "for all the times you spent on your knees. When you asked if I'd take care of your children and then for having faith in Me.

I have a pearl for every little sacrafice that you made without them knowing. For all the times, you went without to keep them happy, healthy and growing.

And last of all I have a diamond, the greatest one of all. For sharing unconditional love whether they were big or small." It was your love that helped them grow, feeling safe and happy and proud. A love so strong and pure it could shift the darkest cloud.

After the Lord placed the last jewel in he said, "Your crown is now complete. You've earned your place in Heaven with your children at your feet.

Author: unkown