in memory of Juanita Goodvin

(Thanks to Ellie for this awesome picture that I stole from her blog)

Jason’s grandmother, Juanita Goodvin, passed away in July.

The funeral was so full of life, and I think that everyone there was deeply affected and changed by the words spoken. I know I was.

Juanita was a woman whose life was exploding with goodness and joy. Her love of God spread out around her and touched every life she came in contact with. Among her many accomplishments...she was a nurse in the army (so beautiful that the army used her as a model to recruit other nurses)...wrote children’s books that affirmed kids of their uniqueness and belovedness...compiled a book of letters she had written to her children and foster children over the years called '"READ CAREFUL" Letters'...started a birth announcement and invitation business called Heart Thoughts in Wichita...and was known for saying “I love you from the top of your head to the bottom of your toes.” That was the last thing she said to me.

Her legacy of love and faith has passed through her son Grant, to his son Jason, who is now my husband, and will continue that love and unique life view to our children one day.

I am so inspired by Juanita’s life to consider what my legacy will be to my children and their children. I hope that my life will point to God like hers did…will burst with generosity and hope…will make others aware of their belovedness…will be so full of a giving spirit that it keeps giving even beyond death…like hers does.

Jason gave a beautiful speech at the funeral that drew from an image that stuck with us from our trip to San Francisco earlier this year. At Fisherman’s Wharf, we saw a boat with a wooden sign with “JUANITA” carved into it. Reminded of Jason’s grandfather, who had painted the same name on his tank in WWII, we took Jason’s picture beside it.



Jason used this analogy of the ship to describe the role his grandparents have played in shaping the lives of the entire family. His grandfather, the captain, showing them how to navigate the storms, teaching them how to keep the boat in good order, making sure they didn’t get too close to the edge. His grandmother, the sail, the most beautiful part, and the part that inspired and guided the passengers.