Grandma

Last week, we lost my grandma (my mom's mom).  She lived a good 89 years but she will be so greatly missed.  She was a fun grandma, quirky and always sure to say something that would bring a quick chuckle and smile to your face. 

I am so grateful that my grandma got to meet and hold and get to know my kids.  When she met Layla, she was shocked by her tiny size.  As she watched Grady grow this year, she loved to talk about what a big boy he was.  And I will always smile when I think of my grandma offering up her bed for naps for the kids. 

With my grandma passing, it really is the end of an era.  She was the last member of her family to pass away and she was the very last living grandparent for both Ryan and me.  We love our grandparents so fiercely as we grow up, it is tough to say good-bye.

I will always be extremely thankful for my grandma's generosity.  My grandma was a major part of me being able to stay home with Layla.  My grandma helped Ryan and I get through the first year of me becoming a stay at home mom.  I will always be grateful for this and I hope that I am able to help family out in a similar way in the future.

Layla has definitely felt the loss.  She understands so much more now.  She has asked so many questions. 

"Who will take care of the pets?" 
(This was her very first question....Layla definitely has my mom's animal lover family in her!)

"Can I still visit Joan?"
"Why did she go to heaven?"
"Will I see her again?"
"When will I go to heaven?"
"Can she walk again?"
"Can she run again?"
"Can I send her a thank you note for making it to heaven?"
"How can I get a thank you note to grandma in heaven?"
 "Why does grandma not have a mommy anymore?"
"When grandma goes outside in heaven, does she put on wings?"

So many good questions Layla has.  She mostly loves for me to tell her over and over and over again that grandma can run again. 

I am pretty sure she can run again.  At least my hope is that my grandma is in heaven running hand in hand with my grandpa who passed away almost 30 years ago.  I just hope they remember to put on their wings before they step outside.