Remembering

It's hard to always remember all the details of the past. Life slips by so quickly and those distant memories seem like another lifetime. I spent a lot of time remembering this past week, not wanting to let go of those precious moments . . .

Cider and donuts and trick-or-treating, smores and campfire games, UNO under the canopy of the trailer, the chaos of opening Christmas presents in the tiny living room, waiting for Grandpa to take a picture, searching the house for Easter baskets, happy birthday Jesus cake, Grandma singing baby's boat and I am Jesus Little Lamb until we fell asleep, full bellies after Sunday dinner, containers overflowing with cookies, "eeeewww" after watching Grandpa put pepper on his fruit, hearing bible stories come to life with a felt board and Grandma's gentle words, playing with Rocky, the nicest dog I've ever known, jumping to reach the lowest tree branch and Grandpa scolding us because the grass was getting ruined, playing with dad's old GI Joe's, dancing to music in the park, smells of cheesy potatoes and green bean casserole, watching Grandpa carve the turkey, proud Grandparents always coming to our special events, even to Andy's punk-rock band concert, Grandpa wearing his Santa hat with a huge smile, Grandma and Grandpa dancing together by their table at Kelly's wedding since Grandma couldn't walk to the dance floor, Grandpa cutting Grandma's food when she couldn't do it herself, Grandpa's newfound love of Wendy's Frosties during his last few months of life, Grandma telling us how everyone complemented her hair at the American House . . .

Grandma saying, "We have been blessed with a great life", Grandpa's example of unconditional love towards Grandma, taking care of her every step of the way until his last breath, Grandma's face lighting up at the nursing home knowing that even though she couldn't remember everything, she knew she loved us with all her heart, hearing her say, "I love you, too" with tears in her eyes, and seeing her eyes get big when she saw Jack for the first time and saying, "Hi, Jack."

Our family has been blessed beyond measure. Grandma and Grandpa taught us more than I can even say or know, and their memory will live on in all of us forever. I just hope that I can continue to live a life that they would both be proud of.