Linda Kroll
Geri came to the knitting and crochet group of the First United Methodist Church of Port St Lucie, FL, some time in 2010. Judi and I agree that this was one of the best finds for Geri!! Every Monday we would meet with other yarners for a couple of hours of knitting, laughing, telling stories, and enjoying each other's company. On Geri's 90th birthday, we gave her a little party including a Dairy Queen blizzard ice cream cake. The top was decorated with yarn and knitting needles. Geri had a secret love for DQ blizzards!!!! Every year thereafter Geri would receive a birthday party from the group. On her 100th birthday, covid made us become creative. The group met outside the front of her house. Steve placed Geri in front of the living room window where Geri could see everyone. The window was open so that Geri could hear all the good wishes and singing. Geri was still knitting this March! She was an inspiration and role model to all us yarners and everyone she met. Her attitude was always positive and optimistic.
Since Geri and I were both knitters, we immediately formed a bond. When it wasn't easy for Geri to attend the Monday group, I would visit her at home for an hour or so whenever I was in town. We'd sit and knit while I listened to her stories of her life--growing up in Ohio, going overseas to serve as a WAC, meeting Bernie, courting and marrying him, moving around the US with Bernie's job, the antics of Tami and Steve--the stories never grew old. Geri was married to the perfect husband and had a wonderful life. And I got to hear many fascinating stories.
My favorite story of Geri which I have retold umpteen times was a happening in the ICU ward after her neck surgery. As anyone knows who know Geri, she loved her football!! She was watching a game when all of her machines started flashing and beeping. When the staff came to see what had happened, Geri's blood pressure was going beserk. Her team had made a silly mistake and she was yelling at them! A message on the whiteboard then read in all capital letters "NO WATCHING FOOTBALL"! That is our Geri!!
Geri was a beautiful soul whom I was blessed to have as a friend for the past decade or so. She always made me smile and I will treasure her friendship and love the rest of my life. Thank you, Geri, for being you.
Linda Kroll