Thursday, May 23, 2013
To the Lindell Family,
I am so sorry for the lost that was suffered by the family this week. Haney will remain in my memory as the "sweetest" woman I ever met. When my husband (then boyfriend) introduced me to his grandmother, she quickly offered me some cookies and told me several endearing stories about her grandson. When I left her house, she insisted that I take cookies home with me (to Boston, MA), so my friends could enjoy her treats. (The cookies were devoured by all!) Over the next few years, Haney must've offered me (and countless others) more homemade cookies than most can only imagine. (And they were all delicious: Peanut Butter Balls, Ruth Munsons, Snickerdoodles, White Trash, etc.) She loved baking, and, more importantly, she loved telling stories about her family. She told me so many stories about my husband; it was clear that she loved him endlessly. Her stories reinforced my own thoughts about him, and we always had something to chat about. Then when my son was born, she was just as taken with him, as she had been with my husband. When my son was very young, she spent countless afternoons with me sharing stories of when her boys were young. She told me about what she did for collick, how she managed three boys, and how inconvenient travel to the stores was years ago. Then the conversation would always turn to the next time she would get to see or to talk to one of her sons or their children. Haney had a beautiful heart and loved her family (and friends) overtly and without apology. She was the "sweetest" woman I have ever met, and there will never be anyone who will hold a candle to her. Haney, I will miss you; I am forever grateful for your open door, your welcoming heart, your thoughtful conversations, and wonderful cookies. Love, Gretchen
