On Monday, we discovered my grandmother had unexpectedly passed away. Even now as I write this I’m still in complete shock. I’m reminded just how short and precious life is. It truly is a gift.

I’ll miss my grandmother. She was hard working, tough, and fiercely independent. When her husband sadly passed away over twenty years ago, she didn’t let that stop her from living life. She learned to drive, traveled around the country, became more involved in church and her work, and even joined the Citizen’s Police Academy.  She always told my sister and I how much she loved us and how proud she was of us. She always hugged us as tight and as long as she could. I can still imagine exactly how her hugs felt and I hope that feeling never leaves me.

I love this photo of my grandmother and I. It’s the first time we met. It’s the moment she officially became a grandmother and I’m so honored that I could be her first grandchild.

So many memories of being with her from my childhood linger in my brain now. Hours spent playing “Button, Button” while we sat on the steps in her basement. Gathering around the tree on Christmas Eve where she would give me a porcelain doll each year for my collection (that I still have today.) She was at every concert, graduation, or sporting event my sister and I had. She gave me my first job as a banquet waitress at Riverside Ballroom and would sneak me into all the concerts they held there, even the weird emo ones. She truly loved me and ALL her family.

These next few days will be spent with family as we celebrate my grandmother. I know she is at peace and with Jesus (just in time for His birthday.) I love you Grandma! Merry Christmas and happy early birthday! 💕