Luke Grant

I remember how excited I was to learn we were going to be welcoming a new grandchild into the family when Barney and Katie told us the news they were expecting.  I was so fortunate to witness Luke's birth, see him take his first breath, and the joy he brought to all of us.  I will cherish that memory, along with the memories of each time I got to spend with Luke over those few months.  Shortly after he left us, we were in Mexico and I was feeling pretty low.  Early in the morning when the sun was rising, I was visited by the smallest hummingbird I have ever seen, the size of my thumb.  I could see Luke's smile in my mind, and knew this was not a coincidence, and it gave me comfort.

Katie and I grew up together, and she has been my dear friend since I was born!  We have so many wonderful childhood memories together, and I was so excited now that we had moved back to Oregon earlier this year and had been getting our kids together recently!  I was so much fun to see them enjoying eachother now like we did as kids!  My last memory of Luke was a visit at our house with Katie, Barb, Junell and Luke in early November!  I loved to see him asleep in his carseat wtih his adorable cheeks as Katie brought him in, but when he woke up he greeted you so warmly with his big smile!  My Daughter Averi (11.5) months at the time just loved seeing him and couldn't keep her hands off him, she wanted to kiss and touch him so badly!  I think of that day often and his cheeks and smile!  Luke passed away on Averi's first birthday, so while we hold Luke in our hearts every day, I plan to always celebrate him extra special on the 22nd of November!  We Love you All and are thinking of you all the time!

Michelle (my best friend) passed away September 11, 2010.  This photo of her holding Luke is an image I picture often.  I know she is with him and they are taking good care of each other.  Michelle's birthday is November 21 and we were celebrating her birthday the day before Luke passed away.  I feel there is a strong connection between these two wonderful souls that left us all way too soon.