Saying Goodbye

I'm traveling to be with family today, as we all gather to say "goodbye" to my grandma.  It's bittersweet, really.  She had been struggling with her health for some time now, and though I wish I could always have her around, she's not fighting anymore.  She has peace now, and I'm thankful for that.

One of my favorite times during my childhood was when my brother and I would get to spend a couple of weeks every summer at my grandma and grandpa's house.  We LOVED being there.  They had a basement with a pool table, a pantry with all our favorite snacks, and toys galore.  We thought that place was heaven on earth.  My grandma would always make these crazy-wonderful breakfasts and we would have "tea parties" every evening with my grandpa (which just meant eating a whole bunch of ice cream with chocolate syrup!).  We would have card game marathons and watch Scooby-Doo.  They really would spoil us rotten and we loved every minute of it.  I will miss her so much, but I will hold these memories close to my heart for the rest of my life.  Every time I smell fresh baked bread I will remember being in their kitchen as the sun was rising.  Every time I see pink curlers I will remember her trips to the beauty salon and how she'd let us run our fingers through her curls and giggle.  Every time I curl up under a hand-stitched quilt I will remember her and all the love she had for us.
I love you, Grama.