This past month has been full of love and losses.

March 8th, 2010

My 97 year old grandmother took her last breath on this earth and passed peacefully into heaven while she slept. I was able to talk to her just hours prior to her death knowing it was the last time I would speak to her on earth. I am so thankful that I was able to talk to her and tell her many things just one last time.

April 11, 2010

I took a trip to Chicago this past weekend for her memorial service/ It was a trip that was full of much joy in the midst of sorrow. I joined with nearly all of the extended family on my mom's side as we reunited to celebrate the life of my grandmother. I laughed much, cried much, reminisced, and learned more about my grandmother from the many people that gathered to celebrate her life.
It was odd gathering in her home one last time as a large family. We had our usual time with food, laughter, and sharing tight quarters. I continually looked for my grandma fully expecting to see her seated in the midst of everything quietly observing the chaos while interjecting hilarious witty comments into the mix every so often. Her presence was missed, however as I sat surrounded by family I realized that it is because of her that I still felt so comfortable in her home, even though she was not there. She was a hostess and there was always enough room in her home, not because it is a large home, but because she welcomed us all and insisted that there were never too many. My grandma had four children of her own, and at one point in time took a Latvian refugee teenager into her home as well. I remember asking her about that once and she said, "There is always room for one more." Upon hearing what many others shared about her, I think that could have been her life motto. "Always room for one more." That philosophy led to many large family Thanksgivings and fun times with aunts, uncles, and cousins gathered in her home near Chicago and family times in her cottage in the north woods of Wisconsin.

I know I will continue to glance around looking for her, without seeing her signature head of snow white curls. I imagine I will have moments of grief as we continue on without the matriarch of a rather large family. However, because of her I am surrounded by much love and I am so thankful for the legacy of hospitality and love she demonstrated to so many, including me.

I found this photo of my grandma and granddaddy taken at their lake home.

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March 14, 2010

Brandon's grandpa passed away just 6 days after my grandma. It was unexpected. It was tragic. But in the midst of the tragedy, there is much to be thankful for. We were able to be here in California for the 3 months prior to his death and were able to spend time with him on a weekly basis. It has been one month today and the void of his presence is still very raw. Maybe more now than in the days after his death. We were busy with preparations and distracted, but the dust has settled and it was shocking to me today as I looked at the calendar. April 14th. One month. I had the privilege of knowing Gpa for nearly 11 years. From the moment I stepped into his home, I felt comfortable. He was a man like no other. Fun, goofy, generous, brave, patient, determined, and loving. I've met few people with a heart as big as his. He is sadly missed, but joyfully celebrated. Most of all, I am thankful to Gpa for playing such an important role in the life of my husband. They were tight and Brandon has written more about him over at brandon.arbini.com.

We miss you Grandpa and carry memories of you with us always!