Part 1: Eulogies

Grading Criteria:

• 2 sample eulogies

• 300-500 words

• about YOU. by THEM.

Future Spouse:

With grace, depth, and undeniable sophistication, I have the honor of sharing the story of the rarest woman I had the privilege of marrying–a soul who brought boundless love and unforgettable memories into my life. The mother of my children, the beloved eldest daughter and granddaughter, my soul tie. 

Her captivating baby blue eyes, which, when reflected in the color of her shirt, she called her “wow color.” The left side of her body, a masterpiece in itself, painted by the hand of God with utter perfection. I’d often catch myself admiring the details she playfully pointed out–the delicate fold in her ear, the beauty mark on her forearm, and the side she always insisted was her “good side” in photos. She took it as far as to stand, non-traditionally, on the right side of the altar, ensuring her left side was prominent to the onlooking crowd who had gathered to celebrate us. And, fittingly, she was left-handed–because of course, even in the smallest ways, she stood out as extraordinary. 

An old soul, a go-getter, a boss babe in every sense of the word–Kate was truly intimating in the best way. She could do anything. Anything. From the moment I met her, she had me convinced she was better than me, and to this day, that still holds true. 

Yet, for all her refinement, she was unapologetically, wholeheartedly herself. She danced freely, whether alone in the kitchen or in the middle of a crowded room, never letting self-consciousness dully her joy–even when her moves were, admittedly, a little cringe-worthy. Her laugh–distinct, contagious, wholly her own–had a way of embedding itself in the people around her, until one day, they realized they had unknowingly adopted it too. 

Her love language was gift-giving–a reflection of her heart, always thinking of others in the most curated, thoughtful, and unexpected ways. She had an uncanny ability to find the perfect present, not just for a special occasion but for no reason at all–simply because she saw something and thought of you. It was never about extravagance; it was about meaning. A handwritten note, a bouquet of flowers, a clean house, or a homemade dessert–each gesture was a quiet reminder of how deeply she loved. 

Though no amount of time would have ever been enough, I hold so much gratitude knowing that I got to know and love this woman. Her story doesn’t end here, because she lives on in the lives she touched, the love she gave, and the legacy she leaves behind. I will carry her with me always, in every laugh, every drive, in every field of frolicking fluffy cows.

I love you forever and always, my love. 

My mom:

My Katherine. My Katie. My Kate. 

The world goes silent at 11:11–November 11. A moment so divine it could only be marked by angel numbers, a sign that she was always meant to be something more. 2004. She wasn’t just my daughter; she was my best friend, the one who made me a mom. Her mom. 

Yet, she taught me more than I could have ever taught her. 

She was a paradox. Luxury was her middle name, yet Dave Ramsey found his way into her bones. An old soul with a modern vision. A dreamer with her feet planted on the ground. She could effortlessly spot the next trend but still find comfort in the timeless–whether it was her beloved yellow baby blanket, “blankie,” or her deep-rooted admiration for cows, a love so pure it culminated in a full petting zoo at our house for her 18th birthday–a celebration that, in spirit, felt more like her 8th. 

She was sensitive yet unstoppable. Classy and tasteful. Bossy–yet, let’s be honest, pretty much always right. We always joked she was an encyclopedia, dropping random facts and words into conversation as if they were common knowledge. 

Her sense of style was effortless, not just in the way she dressed but in the way she carried herself. She didn’t just follow trends; she set them, making even the simplest outfits look intentional. She was a constant reminder that maybe I should put a little more effort into getting ready in the morning. 

But beneath the polished exterior was a heart that ran deep. Gratitude. She was a giver, a listener, a fierce protector of those she loved. She had an uncanny ability to make people feel seen–-whether through her carefully written words, her thoughtfully planned gifts, or the way she would drop everything without hesitation for the people who mattered to her most. 

She was one of one. 

And through it all, she was mine. My Katherine. My Katie. My Kate.