My grandfather will celebrate his 89th birthday on Saturday, and my grandmother, her 85th just two weeks later.



I am so proud of my grandfather. He owns the largest company in our town. It is family owned, and has been for the past 89 years. The company was started by my great-grandfather two weeks after my grandfather was born.

Almost every child and grandchild has worked in the company in some capacity, but we didn’t start with easy jobs. We started with the minimum wage, get your hands dirty jobs, just like everyone else. We have had opportunities that others might not have had, but he made us start at the bottom. I thank him for that.

My grandfather and I have always had a good relationship. I was the first biological grandchild. I am named for his mother. As far back as I can remember, when he sees me, he does not call me by name. He always says K-E-L-L-Q. Yes, he says each letter, and yes, the last letter is Q. I don’t know why, that’s just the way it has always been, and I like it. It’s our thing. I am also always greeted with a hug.

He has been my rock my entire life, but most importantly to me, during our abuse investigation. The day that I had to go and tell him that I was under investigation for child abuse and that my children had been removed, was the hardest day for both of us. I felt that I had let him down, but he never made me feel that way. Instead he asked me what he could do. He wanted to make it go away for me. He wanted to stop my heartbreak. He is a powerful man in our region, and has financial resources. That day, none of it mattered. There was no money or power that could take my pain away, and it broke his heart.

My grandmother and I have not always gotten along. Things changed about 7 years ago when she had a stroke that left her paralyzed on her left side. This very active and vital woman was now confined to a wheelchair. Our family dynamics changed instantly. My grandparents mortality hit me in the face. Her short term memory was also affected by the stroke. During a conversation she will ask the same question repeatedly. She was shocked when I told them about the investigation and who had made the allegations against me. She kept asking me who did this to me. When I would answer her, she would shake her head and say she couldn’t believe it. Not in an accusing tone, but rather, taking in the information.

These two incredible people stood by me through everything, and have continued to. They are the only adults in my family that I have any kind of relationship with.

They have loved my kids, no questions asked, and continue to love the two that are gone. My kids love them back. I love them for that alone.

These are two wonderful people. Happy Birthday.