Until We Meet Again

I loved the movie Moana. Probably not as much as my kiddos did, but I really loved it. My absolute favorite part was when Moana is alone in the middle of the ocean and her Grandmother appears to her, first in the form of a sting ray and then as herself. In the song that her grandmother sings to her she says, " The people you love will change you. The things you have learned will guide you. And nothing on earth can silence the quiet voice still inside you."

The people you love will change you. 

It's so true. 

When I found out my Grandma passed away I didn't feel devastatingly sad. I think the biggest reason was that I still feel like she is such a part of who I am and what my life has become. I have amazing childhood memories of time spent with my grandparents. My grandma taught me so much. She taught me the value of people, of family, of love, of nature, of the importance of games, of life-long learning, and so much more. 

When we pulled up to the cemetery, we were surrounded by family. I always thought it was normal to know your great-aunts, third cousins, second-cousin-once-removed, etc. I later found out that those kind of relationships are unique, and a real testament to how important family was to my grandma. 

Here's a picture of my sweet Great-Uncle Jack holding Eliza. He and his wife Ellie have sewn and embroidered blanket for all three of my kids. See how lucky I am to have so much family? Jack didn't hesitate to grab Eliza and put her on his knee. He knew her name and was so excited to see her.

My favorite part of being all together was seeing all my cousins. I haven't seen some of them in years and year, but it felt so natural to joke, laugh, and cry together. 

And guess what....the cousin relationship continues on. These kids had so much fun with each other. They love each other so much!

To watch my Grandpa say goodbye broke my heart. Goodbyes are hard. My Grandpa wanted my Grandma to pass away first because he didn't want her to be alone. They have such a special love.

I love this man a whole lot!

The 10 of us that were there (we were missing Carrie because she had to go home early to get back to work) all sang the silly songs Grammy had taught us. I'm going to make sure to teach them to my kids.

What a life well lived. What a legacy that was left. I love you Grammy.