Giving the extra squeeze

Steph, Granny and Beth - September 2005

Today marks the one-year anniversary of Grandma Lonia's passing. In some ways, it feels like we've just been apart for a long time (like when I lived in Japan)...or like I haven't been able to reach her on the phone in a while. In other ways, it seems as though she passed away just yesterday, and that time hasn't even begun to heal that wound. One thing's for sure...missing her is extremely painful, so perhaps it's best to remember her in a way that embraces her warm, loving spirit:

Granny was always generous with affection and she treasured nothing more than simply being in the presence of family. Thinking of her makes me want to hold Sammy and Brie a bit longer, read them an extra story, and shower them in extra hugs and kisses...especially since Granny is not here to do those things. In her honor, I want to encourage everyone to give an extra squeeze to your loved ones today. Granny would tell you that there's no greater privilege or gift.

P.S.  Granny also had a wonderful sense of humor and loved to laugh. She would have cracked up over our budding Picasso's art project at school today!