Rosalie

I was blessed with the best family in the world. From my annoying big brothers and opposite-of-me sister, to the parents I sometimes swear I'm not related to, to my numerous cousins, aunts and uncles, grandparents, great-grandparents, etc. The legacy goes on and on.

How often do you see an entire family that actually truly enjoys spending time together? I get to see that with my family every day.

Early this morning my grandma passed away surrounded by her family. What makes this even more beautiful, is that this wasn't just a rare occurrence brought on by her declining health - this was simply a wonderful snapshot in the album of my family's life.

Grandma has been in an assisted living home for 8 years now - she has suffered from Dementia and Parkinsons for many, many years. Last night, before she passed away, my entire immediate family sat around her and shared some of our favorite stories of her and Grandpa. You know a love is strong when you can feel it in a dark, small, cold assisted living room.

I was very young in Grandma's healthier days - so while I have some amazing memories, they are limited (at lease compared to my siblings). However, I think one of the best ways to remember someone is by how they have impacted other people. How their life and their actions have inspired other people to live. You can tell alot about a person by looking at the lives of those closest to them.

This brings me to my mother.
I know my Grandma was an amazing woman; I know this because I know my mother.

As I said above, my grandma was in an assisted living home for 8 years. My mom has visited her multiple times per week (often daily) for the entirety of her time there. From the beginning stages of just simple forgetfulness to not being able to speak, my mom has patiently and lovingly been by my Grandmas side through everything.
I get to see love in her every single day and because of that I know I see a little bit of Grandma every single day. 

My grandma is now in heaven. Pain free. Happy. No more dementia. No more limitations. Next to my grandpa. Next to her parents. Next to God. As I hugged her goodbye last night, I whispered in her ear to say hi to my grandpa and Jesus for me. And you know what? I know she did. Because that's just the type of woman she is.

I'll see you soon, Grandma. I have some more things to do on earth still. But I hope that my life is a reflection and a continuation of the life that you lived and the life that my mom still lives.