An Extension of the Past
Grandma Klaus and My Dad
Two weeks ago my family was shaken to the core by the sudden passing of my grandma, Sandy Klaus, on her birthday. The passing of grandparents is something that we all expect but not with Grandma Klaus. For some reason I always expected to hear her voice on the holidays and receive her Hallmark cards in the mail.
We booked an emergency flight and set out for PA. It was so wonderful to be around my extended family who I rarely get to see. My dad is the oldest of five with two sisters and two brothers. Aunt Tammy has two kids: Lauren who is a cheerleader at Duke University and Nicholas 7 years old and a ball of energy. Aunt Lori has four kids: Darren the oldest, Kamri, Tre, and Isaiah who are the sweetest group of kids. And Uncle Eric has two kids Crystal who is getting married in July and Andrew who is living in Ohio. All of us kids got to spend time together during family vacations over the years but my brother and I were raised on the other side of the country. We didn’t get to spend holidays and birthdays with our cousins or our grandparents. I was and am still completely devastated my grandma’s death even though I wasn’t as close to her as the rest of the family. My heart is aching for all of you that spent time with her every single day.
Kamri, Andrew, Lauren, Crystal, Nikki and Darren
Going to PA for the funeral was one of the best things I have ever done. I heard so many wonderful stories about Grandma Klaus from her siblings, customers, co-workers, pastor, and friends. My family discovered after looking in her checkbook that she had been writing $3 and $5 checks to several charities every month. She worked at Hallmark for 25 years and had regular customers who would come in just to see her. She never missed a birthday, anniversary, or holiday. She was involved in her church and acted as a greeter before services. She was so proud of all of us kids that the whole town and extended family knew everything about us.
Grandma when she was 14 years old
My biggest regret is that Grandma never got to meet my daughter Anjali, which brings tears to my eyes when I think about it. She would have absolutely loved her. We all have our “what ifs” and “I should ofs” but in the end we have to accept death as part of life and move on. It’s important to think of ourselves as extensions of the past. I am who I am because of her and for that I am very thankful.
I love you grandma and I will miss you.
Love, Nikki