First we called her “Hannie” because my older brother could not pronounce the “G” in Granny. She wore that name proudly. It was included on her tombstone.

Hannie was a wonderful lady. Every life she touched was blessed. You felt honored and blessed to be on her prayer list. One time she told me that she did not let a day go by without lifting each of our names in prayer. I am thankful to have such a wonderful lady to call my grandmother.

Here are a few of the Hats worn by my Grandmother:

Christian (would it be a hat or halo?): She was a true Christian and prayer warrior. I learned that God does hear and answer prayers by watching and listening to my Grandmother. She taught me that if a problem was too big, or the need beyond our ability to meet it…we had the power of prayer. She didn’t just tell us, she showed us and lived a life that proved God was listening. Hannie had a “one on one” relationship with God.

With so many grandchildren it is no wonder she was a good prayer warrior….our group alone gave her a continues lists of things to pray for. She would have gone nuts with worry if she did not lean on her faith in God. I am thankful for every prayer.

Peace: I admire the way she could keep her cool with so many grandchildren underfoot. (She now has a total of eight). We were always active and up to something. Our family always had one crises or another. I cannot remember a time when she raised her voice or spanked me even though I needed it many times. I wish I had inherited the ability to stay cool. Unfortunately I did not.

Great Cook: I loved to visit her. If she knew we were coming pies and cakes would lined the kitchen counters. Hannie loved to cook, and some of my fondest memories are when she and I cooked chocolate oatmeal cookies. (I have enclosed the recipe.) We’d make them one batch after another trying to get enough cookies for all the kids. It seemed that the plate was not getting full. We were unaware that Richard, Paul and Billy were sneaking under the table and swiping them when our backs were turned. Funny how they didn’t want any cookies after we finally filled the plate.

Mercy: I was learning to cook breakfast foods at the age of 12. One week I made it a point to get up before everyone else so I could surprise my parents with breakfast when they got up. Unfortunately frying the perfect egg takes practice. My Dad likes the white cooked and the yoke runny. Well my first attempt the white was done, but so was the yellow. The bonus is that it had a nice little lace ruffle around the edges. The sausage was “well done” and resembled a hockey puck. My Dad wasn’t willing to be the genie pig, so my grandmother smiled and said they were fixed just the way she liked her eggs & sausage. Yep, she ate every bit of it and gave me a kiss on top. After two days of this my mother made it a point to get up an hour early for the rest of the week.

Preacher’s wife: I don’t know how long my Grandpa Waller was a UPC preacher, but I know it is not easy to be a preacher’s wife, or a preacher’s kid. I am thankful for every life she touched. She had a love for God and wanted to share with anyone who would listen. Great is her reward in the Kingdom of Heaven.

Missionary: Due to health issues Hannie had to move to Hawaii with her son David, in order to receive medical treatment. I don’t think Hannie realized that some people considered her a missionary to Hawaii. The first time I heard of the missionary status was at her funeral in Blue Eye, Missouri. Some of the ladies were in the church kitchen chatting amongst themselves when I passed through. They were discussing how she served as a Sunday School teacher and held classes outside under the trees. Hannie was just doing what she could for God, regardless of where she was. She had no idea that she would be remembered as a missionary. I had to smile, but said nothing.

Funny Face: My sisters and I loved to have Hannie spend the night, because she would give us a laugh every night. She would take her dentures (teeth) out and make funny faces. With Hannie around we always went to bed with a smile and laugh. I don’t think we ever got to old for her funny faces. It brings a smile to my face just thinking about it.

Final note: Hannie was a wonderful person. She had many good qualities that I would love to have. I wish every child could have a grandmother like my Hannie.