Day 116

Today has been an emotionally exhausting day.  My grandmother died early this morning.  I am so glad I have this blog to document the days of my life during these 365 days of happiness.  I forced myself to find joy and happy moments today so I would be able to sit down and write out a blog that could bring me some peace and comfort.  My grandmother was old.  She died of old age, in her home, in bed, where she was asleep.  Would that we could ALL be that lucky to have the opportunity to pass away that peacefully.  I am so thankful I was able to speak with her one last time last night and tell  her that her husband, parents, and sisters who had gone before were all waiting for her on the other side.  Her caretaker told me that she tried to reach for the phone when I was speaking to her and that there were tears coming down her cheeks.  What a beautiful moment with my grandmother I had and I am so thankful to have had those chances to talk with her and share my thanks for all she did in my life and have the rare chance to say goodbye.

I went to her home today to help my mom clean out some of my grandmother's things and to help her remaining living sister move in.  The plan was already set in motion for my Aunt Julie to live there, and it seems to all be working out for the best.  It was really nice to sit and get to chat with my Aunt Julie today about my grandmother and hear stories about her from her older sister.  Julie told me she can still remember the first time she saw my grandmother.  She was a tiny baby asleep on a bed in the bedroom off the kitchen where they lived.  My Aunt said she was 4 at the time and she thought my grandma looked so tiny!  It was nice to hear that story and now write it down so I have it as a keepsake.  I think my Aunt is going to be very happy living in her new home, and we don't have to say goodbye to my grandparent's house just yet...it's a win/win.

Tonight I went to a Christmas party with a theme "Favorite Things."  It was really nice and there were SO many wonderful people there whom with I was able to talk and laugh!  We exchanged gifts, ate wonderful food, drank some fancy Italian Ice Sodas, and laughed as we all explained what our favorite things are.  It was such a nice, lighthearted event to end my day and for SURE be a happy moment that was much needed!  When I came home David said to me, "So, you were with a bunch of girls, did you talk about shoes and shopping?" I replied, " oh not just that! And we talked about make-up, and dishes, and kids, and cooking!"  I am so happy I was able to end on a good note tonight.  I am really hoping to be able to sleep better, not waiting for the news that I knew was to come last night.  Cherish your loved ones.  Be kind to one another, and remember to find those happy moments on the darkest of days.  Good night all. Oh, and Happy Birthday today to my little brother, 28 years old today!