Only the good die young

Today marked the five year anniversary of my Grandma's death.

It was easier than the last four years but still I felt a sense of sadness and loss.  I miss her. I think we all do. We talk about her a lot and I think that helps us keep her alive and a part of us in a sense.  I wish she was still here and I wish she could know my son but in this circle of life that we are all apart of it takes a loss to make us focus and appreciate that life is finite and it does end.  And that is okay. 

I lit a Yartzeit candle and took a few extra minutes today to appreciate the multitude of blessings in my life, a great husband, a healthy and beautiful child, a home, my parents, and a life filled with wonderful friends and love.  I held Noah for a few extra minutes tonight.

My Grandma was a great lady.  She wasn't rich. She wasn't beautiful. She didn't make a huge impact on the world but she had a huge impact on our family.  She was honest, humble, funny, curious, and artistic.  She was a simple and nice person.  She lived a life of integrity and kindness.  

Mostly I remember her taking us downtown to the museums. And later, I remember her teaching me how to cook, one phone call at a time.  And then in the end, when I cooked for her and managed appointments and pills, she had humor, humility and grace right up until the end.

February, 2004.
Not to make this about me at all, but, shut up, it IS my blog. Um, DUDE! Five years has been bad to my skin.  My god, I looked so... YOUNG.

* Billy Joel ( And he WAS right. )

Comments

[GDH]

This is a great post & a great picture. I worry about my parents getting older & something happening to them. I think it's sad my nieces or nephews don't seem very close to them. Your Grandma was very lucky to have you there for her.

[Hilary]

Oh, wow. This is a great tribute to your Grandma. How lucky that you had her in your life for so long and how utterly unfair that she passed away pre-Noah. It chokes me up (at work, no less!) to read about her, to see her picture; it seems to me you were wrong about something- she was beautiful. Thanks for sharing this and for honoring her in all the ways you did and I am sure, do. Best in the New Year!