Happy Birthday Grandma

I have wonderful friends, and a wonderful family.  I couldn't ask for a better support group in my life.  And on today, January 8th, I even have the chance to reflect on my grandmother.  Today would have been her 81st birthday.  She was such a wonderful lady.  Everyone just knew her as "Grandma".  She had such a loving soul, and cared for every person that graced her life.  Taking my mom, my brother, and me in after my parents split up, she became like another parent to me and my brother.  Heck, she even took in Kyle (my brother) and my friends when they needed a place to stay.

She never liked to have people mad at her, and I loved her for that.  Though sometimes it stirred the pot, I know it was only because she loved each one of us and would back each one of us up.  Even if it meant she backed both opposing sides.

I miss sitting on the couch and hearing her walker come down the hall at 8pm just to take her meds.  I miss how she'd save every little food container and every scrap of food.  She hated letting things go to waste.  I miss going into her bedroom to talk to her about anything and everything.  Or driving her to her appointments and having her be the backseat driver.

I feel like I had such a special relationship with my grandma.  In her final years, she knew what I was facing, and it was because of her that I held onto hope that one day I'd get my transplant.  She knew how scary it was, and she helped ease my mind about it all.  And even though she was gone from this earthly world when I actually had my surgery, I know that she was with me, holding my hand the entire time.

Grandma, I miss you everyday of my life.  I know you watch over me.  I know you may not agree with every decision I have made in my life, but none the less you'd be proud of the woman I've become.  So Happy Birthday Grandma.  I love you with all my heart.