A Tribute To An Amazing Woman

What is a Grandmother?
A grandmother is love.
A grandmother is honesty.
A grandmother is encouragement.
A grandmother is the best story teller.
A grandmother is grace.
A grandmother is humble.

I owe so much of who I am today to my grandmother. Her example is what has shaped me into the woman, I have become, and the woman I am growing to be. Through her I learned the real meaning of what grace is. Through her example I have learned what it means to be the love of Christ. So many of my happiness moments involved my grandmothers encouragement. I never would have had the courage to sing in my cousins wedding, if it was not for her. I never would taken voice lessons to be a stronger singer, if it wasn't for her.

I got most of my stubborn will power from her, i got my opinionated spirit from her. But most importantly I got her calm demeanor.

I can't envision a tomorrow without her in it. Last week I was told that she was diagnosed with lung and liver cancer and the number of days with her are numbered. Its amazing how even as her health began to weaken, she still radiated grace and humbleness. Even though these next weeks are going to be incredibly hard to say goodbye to a woman that has meant so much to me, I am peace knowing that she will be in a better place, where she is no longer suffering.

Times like these truly make you reflect on what you value and whats important. It doesn't matter if I get straight A's or a high paying job. Sure, these material things will bring you short-term happiness. But, in the long run, its all about those people that God gives us. Its about the love and time we invest in their lives. If when I am 89 years old, and I am surrounded by people who love me because I have spent my life loving them than I feel I will be content that I had lived a great life.

Its the simple moments that we take for granted, that mean the most. Today I got the pleasure to spend time with two people that mean the world to me. Sure we just spent the time laughing and talking. Did anything amazing happen? No. Just being with them made me realize how blessed I am. Though storms may come God is faithful, to those who are faithful to him (one of the many lesson God has taught me through my Grandmother).

So although the day will come that my grandmother, isn't going to be there to dry my tears, embrace me in a hug that only she can give, or tell a story of when she was young, her spirit will live on through my life and the life of my family. I will never be perfect but because of her unconditional love and support I am content with being perfectly imperfect.

GO! Hug your Grandmother, your mother, your father, your sister, your brother, your neighbor, tell them you love them.