The One Where I Say Goodbye.

"Perhaps they are not stars, but rather openings in heaven where the love of our lost ones pours through and shines down upon us to let us know they are happy."  

- Eskimo Proverb

- See more at: http://www.psychic-readings-guide.com/heaven-quotes.html#sthash.Y2E6VoQ9.dp

This week I've had to say goodbye and struggle with the death of THE most influential woman in my life besides my own Mother. That is my Gram. Her name is Edith Lorene Smith. I got my middle name, my compassion, and my love for all things in the kitchen from her. She taught me how to cook, bake and clean up after myself in the kitchen. She taught me basic sewing. She showed me what having a family was all about, and she would have done anything for all of us grands. She is an amazing woman and I hate that tomorrow I have to say goodbye for good. But not forever. She will live on in my heart, on my face (I think I have her eyes), and in how I live my life. She will be there in how I raise my kids; and also on my hands, neck, and ears - she left me some jewelry behind that I will cherish all of my life.

Gram and I at my house, last Christmas.

For the past two years (give or take some time), I've watched Gram struggle through chemo, radiation and all of the other hardships that come with a cancer diagnosis. She was diagnosed with lung cancer, and lost her battle this week. Thankfully, she passed away in her sleep. She's now among the angels and with the love of her life once again. I can take solace in the fact that I know she is a Christian, and that one day we will see each other again. I pray that she's up there now, watching over us and that she's no longer suffering.

The one bright spot this week has been all of the loving support from my friends and family. I don't know what I would do without these particular people. They know who they are - near and far, they are the ones that rally around me at the best and worst times of life. While some of them are new and some of them have literally been around since (or before) my birth, they all have been a huge part in my being able to survive this week.

I pray that one day my kids will know her through me, because she has been such an influence on my life. I hope to share stories, pictures and many memories about her with my boys.

I love you, Gram. I miss you.

"Perhaps they are not stars, but rather openings in heaven where the love of our lost ones pours through and shines down upon us to let us know they are happy."  

- Eskimo Proverb

- See more at: http://www.psychic-readings-guide.com/heaven-quotes.html#sthash.Y2E6VoQ9.dpuf

Gram, with Ryan, at dinner back in May.

"Perhaps they are not stars, but rather openings in heaven where the love of our lost ones pours through and shines down upon us to let us know they are happy."  

- Eskimo Proverb

- See more at: http://www.psychic-readings-guide.com/heaven-quotes.html#sthash.Y2E6VoQ9.dpuf

"Perhaps they are not stars, but rather openings in heaven where the love of our lost ones pours through and shines down upon us to let us know they are happy."  

- Eskimo Proverb

- See more at: http://www.psychic-readings-guide.com/heaven-quotes.html#sthash.Y2E6VoQ9.dpuf

"Perhaps they are not stars, but rather openings in heaven where the love of our lost ones pours through and shines down upon us to let us know they are happy."   - See more at: http://www.psychic-readings-guide.com/heaven-quotes.html#sthash.Y2E6VoQ9.dpuf

"Perhaps they are not stars, but rather openings in heaven where the love of our lost ones pours through and shines down upon us to let us know they are happy."  

- Eskimo Proverb

- See more at: http://www.psychic-readings-guide.com/heaven-quotes.html#sthash.Y2E6VoQ9.dpuf