Lauren: Quiet Strength, Fierce Loyalty, and a Rising Voice 

 Lauren is my oldest granddaughter—23 years old and already a trailblazer in our family. She’ll is the first of our ten grandchildren to earn a master’s degree. And she didn’t just get through her undergraduate program—she did it in 3.5 years, right in the thick of the post-COVID chaos. That alone speaks volumes about her discipline, focus, and strength. But what really marks Lauren isn’t just what she’s achieved—it’s who she is.

She has always carried herself with a certain quiet—measured, reserved. Lauren didn’t talk much growing up, even when there was something on her mind. You might miss it if you weren’t paying attention. But even in her silence, there was something deep at work—thoughtfulness, perception, and emotion. She wasn’t loud, but she was present. Watchful. Loyal. Especially to the sisters-twin, friends since childhood. Lauren’s bond with them has remained strong through every chapter. Now Reina has joined her motley crew of friends.

Something shifted around Lauren’s junior year in high school. I began to notice it—she started talking to me more. Not with a flood of words, but with intention. And I was delighted. Her words were few, but they were hers. College brought more independence—driving herself back and forth to Bakersfield, making decisions, building her own rhythms. She was growing into herself, and I got a front-row seat to it.

Lauren’s athleticism has always been evident—years of softball, a full-ride scholarship, competition that never rattled her. From the outside, she could seem unflappable. Stoic, even. But underneath, if you really knew her, you’d see that she feels things deeply. She carries both strength and tenderness—rarely advertised, but deeply rooted.

Lauren makes careful and well-thought-out decisions—a sign of early maturity.

And then there’s her appearance. Lauren is stunning. People notice it right away—her family, cousins, friends, even strangers. But what’s even more beautiful is the way that outer radiance is beginning to reflect a deeper, inward formation. She’s not just growing into a career—she’s growing into a woman of depth, character, and grace. The threshold for her future husband will be high. And, her children, they’ll be blessed with a great mom—a nurturing, attentive, and a refreshingly lovely mom.

We haven’t talked as much about the spiritual side of Lauren, but I see it. There’s something forming between her and God. A growing relationship. It may not be loud or front-and-center, but it’s there. I’m hopeful—and expectant—for more conversations with her in the days ahead. 

Lauren’s voice is rising—not just in volume, but in clarity. And I’m here for it. Watching, cheering, and thanking God for the woman she’s becoming. Liessa and I love you Lauren—Blessed to call you our granddaughter!

—Pops