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| Haley, Just Born |
When she was
born, I was there. I didn’t expect to be because her mother said no one was
going to be in the delivery room but her daddy. When I arrived at the hospital,
I expected her to have already been born. Not the case, so I sat down to read
my book and wait. The next thing I knew, her sister’s calling my name and
telling me to hurry up or I’d miss it. Turns out Haley’s grandma and aunt were already
in the room, so one more, moi, would be just fine. Haley Autumn was the most
beautiful baby I’d ever seen. And, it was so special to be able to photograph
Haley with her dad when she was only a few minutes old.
As
Haley grew, I was blessed to be an important part of her life. John and I would
go out for dinner and a movie at her house. I loved holding her, rocking her
and watching her develop from a little baby to a toddler who walked at nine
months. And, I loved buying girlie clothes and playing dress up. I’m so glad I
enjoyed it while she was amenable because eventually, girlie clothes were
replaced by jeans, shirts and hoodies.
Then,
there was being allowed to babysit. That first night, Haley slept between John
and I in our king-sized bed. The next morning, she was still sleeping when I
woke up and looked across at John. I honestly think you could have held the
love in our room in your hands. Such a special feeling to look at each other
and know the little mite in the middle was descended from the two of us.
Haley’s
parents went to the Bahamas when Haley was three. We stayed at her house and
took care of her while they were gone. Even though she was big enough to climb
out of her crib by herself, she’d fallen the first time she tried and was
reluctant to try again. When she woke up, she’d call, “Naaaaanaaaaa, Naaaaanaaaa.”,
until I got up and rescued her from her little jail. The three of us had such
fun while mom and dad were gone.
When
Haley climbed on the school bus for kindergarten, I was there. Watching those
little feet climb those stairs into the bus almost brought me to tears. Was she
afraid, did she hold back…nope, she was ready for school. I think that was the
same year we began going to The Nutcracker every December. In addition, I would
ask Haley if she would like to see a certain show or play and purchase tickets.
Those were always such fun.
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| Haley as Macavity |
We
went to see Cats, while Haley was in elementary school. As a result, she
decided to perform Macavity the Mystery Cat at that year’s talent show. I thought she’d
be lip sinking, but she actually sang the song. Her costume and make up were marvelous
thanks to her mother’s assistance. Nana was so proud of her that night because
even in her old age, Nana could not have danced and sang in front of anyone,
let alone an entire room of strangers.
As
her school years passed, her parents always thought to include John and I, or
just me if John wasn’t available. I attended swimming and gymnastic lessons,
school plays and talent shows. We went to basketball games, orchestra concerts
and just about anything we were invited to attend. And, of course, there were the
birthdays each and every year.
Of
course, I cannot forget our trip to Glacier National Park the year Haley was
turning 16. She had passed all her driving tests, including a 100% on the
driving part…have never known anyone to get a perfect score on the driving part;
but, just another example of how exemplary this young woman was, is and will
be. I’ll forever have those memories; and who knows, maybe at some point in the
future we can travel together again.
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| Mom & Dad Gauntleters |
Tuesday, the 2020 graduates picked up
their caps and gowns at Meadowdale High School…Cap and Gown Day. They had been
encouraged to decorate their cars or trucks beforehand. Then, after getting the
cap and gown, to drive over to Meadowdale Middle School and drive through a
gauntlet of well-wishers. We, the gauntleters, clapped and cheered all the 2020
graduates who drove past us while we waited for our girls.
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| Destiny |
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| Haley |
Meadowdale graduation doesn’t actually
happen until June 13th, but no one knows exactly what that will be,
as it has been and will be in so many important occasions like this one because
of the pandemic. If there is some kind of event, you can bet Nana will be in
attendance.
Meanwhile, Haley knows exactly what
she’ll be doing the next few years. She plans to graduate with a degree in
Mechanical Engineering in 2023. She’s also taking welding and may or may not
have a certificate for that. Then, in the fall of 2023, her plan is to go to
Wyoming and take Diesel Tech at Wyo-Tech. There’s no doubt in Nana’s mind that
Haley will achieve her future plans triumphantly.
Now, go ahead and ask me if I’m proud
of Ms. Haley Autumn Karlberg, graduate of the class of 2020!!!!
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| Haley & Nana |