My friend Angie started the question about the woman who has impacted your life the most--besides your mother. Grandma's seem to be taking the lead! There have been numerous women who have influenced my life. My Grandma (Schaper) and Grandmother (Schenck) have to be the top two. This is a letter of random thoughts that I wrote last year to my Grandma and the rest of the family, as well. I think Grandma and I are a lot alike and that may be why we have always gotten along so well.

My Grandma is the Best

My Grandma is the best. She taught me so many things that have enriched my life. It was from Grandma I learned to appreciate literature and the power of words both written and spoken. We have enjoyed so many books together, including the writings of Erma Bombeck, Dr Seuss, and, recently, Shel Silverstein’s silly sayings—dredging the heights and depths of literary works. (Smile.)
The most momentous book was one Grandma shared with me several years ago when she lived in Dixon. I found a book in her library called “Fearfully and Wonderfully Made” by Dr Paul Brand and Philip Yancy. The book was packed with lessons about the incredible, intricate design of the human body. I read the book cover to cover in quick fashion, often reading aloud to Grandma.
I had never particularly cared for science but now all of nature took on new meaning. God’s signature was etched in every detail of creation. This newfound interest drew me to the field of nursing. Today, I have the privilege of watching and tending God’s most magnificent creation, the human body. I never cease to be amazed at the capacity of the human body to heal, endure and adapt. It is so delicate and yet so durable all at the same time.
Grandma also taught me to appreciate flowers and birds. She would point out the beauty of the Kansas prairies with the occasional sagging red and gray barns. The birds sitting on fence posts, fields of wheat or sunflowers, and miles of open spaces are signs of home to Grandma.
There is a lot of comfort in allowing yourself to roll with your body’s circadian rhythm, even if it doesn’t coincide with your spouse’s. Early to bed and early to rise might make some folk healthy, wealthy and wise but it would only make me restless, grumpy and achy. So, following Grandma’s example, I follow my biological clock and go to bed between 10:30 and midnight, later if I don’t have to work the next day. I also changed jobs and, after having to be at work at 6:45 am for years, can clock in and out as I choose! By the way, if you are still sipping hot tea at noon and wearing your robe, the roof will NOT cave in.
Independent thinking has long been a trait of us Schaper women. Sometimes admired, sometimes scorned for it. But let somebody need an honest answer without all the fluff and guess who they are looking for.
There’s a certain amount of strength that a marriage develops when the two are able to discuss and disagree and still be crazy about each other. Grandma shows us that it is okay to not always agree with your hubby but you gotta love and respect him anyway. (Bob says thanks, Grandma!)
Only Grandma can take the brightly colored threads of a year’s events and weave the vibrant strengths and golden accomplishments into a lively tradition we call The State of the Family. Celebrating the heart and soul of her family—where, as in Lake Wobegon, all the women are strong, all the men are good-looking, and all the children are above average. (This refers to a speech Grandma gives every year at our family Christmas wherein each and every individual is applauded for an accomplishment -no matter how small--in the past year.)
So, today, Grandma, I want to thank you for being you. You love fine things but are content to do without them. You fiercely believe in and support your family. You won’t be bothered to be scrunched into someone else’s mold. We are honored to know and love you. I hope this is your best Mother’s Day ever; you deserve it.

With Love,
Your Granddaughter,
Shar

Mother’s Day 2006