"look what we started!"

that is my favorite quote from papa (mark's grandfather) this past weekend. as many of you know, mark's granny died peacefully on thursday morning. she had been sick for sometime. on thursday morning after her percious nurse, debbie, gave her a bath (only granny would want to be clean before she died. she is the cleanest person i will ever know) she finally got her wish to go to heaven. by friday evening the whole family was together. we were able go over to visit papa when we got into town. he is so sad to have lost his wife of 62 years, but knows that she is loving her new home with jesus in heaven. as i was sitting next to him talking and the living room was filled with his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren he said, "look what we started! look what ollie and i did together." i just looked with him and smiled and then said, "i am just glad i get to be apart of it." it has to be an incredible feeling to be in a room and see the legacy that you have created. i am so proud to share the "bowlin" name and be apart of this amazing family.


this weekend was truly about celebrating granny's incredible life. we had a wonderful time visiting with family and telling great stories about granny. granny, ollie marie bowlin, was a sweet sister to 12 brothers and sisters, a devoted wife, loving mother to 3, a proud and supportive grandmother and great-grandmother, a precious friend, and woman of incredible faith. it seems that what everyone remembers most about granny is her quick wit and wonderful sense of humor. many tears were shed as we remembered her life and told stories about her, but they were admist laughter, lots and lots of laughter!!

i consider it a privledge to have been loved by granny. i know that in the 10 years that i have know her, i have learned so much by her example of unconditional love, loyalty, faithfulness, and committment to the lord. i will never forget her smile , her laugh, and her love.