Kaylee Renee Bull, my oldest granddaughter, was born on a cold day in January 1997. She gained a younger sister, Lauren, just two years later in January 1999. Later that year, Jennifer and her two daughters came to live with Eva and me as their new home. They lived with us for over four years as a loving family. I did the best I could to fill the role of a dad to them while being their grandfather at the same time.
Kaylee was a happy child that loved her grandmother and Eva loved her. Jennifer was a teacher, developing her skills, and involved with after-school activities. So, Eva, Kaylee, and Lauren spent a lot of time together building a close relationship. Even at an early age, Kaylee loved her time in the kitchen with her grandmother making cookies and other things.
In November 2003, Jennifer married Rick and Rick took on the role of daddy to Kaylee and Lauren. That was a joyful day, but another day of change for all of us. Our home became an empty nest again for us. Kaylee and Lauren were in a different house and a different family structure. Eva continued to be involved with the care of both of them after school and on weekends.
In February 2005, Kaylee gained another younger sister, Grace. By that time, Kaylee was eight and had already had experience as an older sister. Eva took on the role of carrying for Grace during the day when Jennifer returned to the classroom. In 2007, we bought the house I live in now and Rick and Jennifer bought our old house to live close to us.
Eva was involved in the girls’ school and church activities as they grew up. Kaylee was always looking after her two younger sisters and helping her grandmother in the kitchen. It seems like she was always more mature for her age and would put others first. Kaylee, Lauren, and Grace loved being involved in church activities and looked forward to the summer breaks. Vacation Bible School (VBS) was a special time when they could attend and then work in VBS as they got older. Kaylee worked as an adult leader for Summer Camp trips at church for several years and was great with the younger kids. While in high school, Kaylee took some courses at Lone Star getting both high school and college credits. She completed the course to be a Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA) in her senior year.
When Kaylee graduated from high school, she decided to attend Lone Star instead of other universities. I believe she still felt she needed to be home to help with her younger sisters and help her grandmother. Eva had several health issues by then and the roles had changed. Kaylee cooked for us many times and did a lot for her grandmother. At the same time, she had learned a lot about the family wood-crafting business.
Kaylee earned an associate degree in business and gained a lot of knowledge in advanced graphics. She continued working in the family business and helping with her younger sisters and other family needs. I believe her work in VBS and Summer Camp trips lead her to feel called to the field of social work. Kaylee always showed compassion for those in need of someone that cared.
Kaylee then decided to begin working toward a degree in social work at Steven F. Austin (SFA) at the campus in Conroe. That allowed her to continue helping at home and with us. Kaylee has always been the first to do what needed to be done. She was a huge help to me during Eva’s last years and Eva loved her dearly. Kaylee is a very emotional person that is a rock to those around her. She somehow holds it inside to comfort others during difficult times.
May 5, 2023, is a special day for Kaylee and her family. It is the day that she gets recognition for her hard work. She has worked as an intern at an adoption office for this last semester while completing her classes for her degree. Kaylee has been a member of the Honor Society and the secretary for the Honor Society. She has been on the Dean’s List for the past two years, was on the President’s List for the past semester with a 4.0 grade, and graduated “cum laude”. Kaylee has been accepted into the Master’s Program and she will be working on earning her master’s degree in social work this next school year. Wherever she begins working, they will get a special person that brings with her a level of experience that only a few attain in their lifetime.
Kaylee Renee Bull, I love you with all my heart and wish you the best you richly deserve.
Grandpa Ray
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