A Memorial in Michigan

I got back from a weekend visit to Michigan yesterday. I met up with my mom, brother, and step-dad to attend my Grandma's memorial service. While it wasn't the ideal reason for a family get together, I really had been looking forward to getting to see a lot of my mom's side of the family that I often don't see that much since they're all spread out in the midwestern and other various states. I was so happy to see my Grandpa Chuck and give him a big hug. I hadn't seen him since my Grandma's passing and it had been driving me crazy that I couldn't just see him and hug him. It was great to see a lot of my other cousins, aunts, uncles, and other various relatives come out to support him and show their love for Grandma. Actions speak loudly and I highly respect those that made the effort to come. It became increasingly clear to me how, when people get older and have a steady job, family to tend to, house they've settled down in, it gets harder to take trips or see distant relatives. It's a bit saddening to me, because as we all saw and noticed, it just takes a bit of effort on all our parts, but it's possible. People think they're too busy or don't have time, but when it comes down to it, family is family. I realized lately how important family is to me and I'm not about to let mine get too much distance even if they are far from me, physically.

My brother & mom

The weekend was full of drama, tears, swear words, laughter, stories, trips down memory lane, old photos, new bonds, car ride adventures, walks around town, enjoying the outdoors, casseroles, and cakes. And I wouldn't have it any other way. Below are some photos I snapped at my Aunt Gale and Uncle Tom's house on the lake in Pinckney, Michigan. It was so peaceful, calming, and refreshing spending the afternoon there and enjoying the lake.

My grape soda-colored toes

My Aunt Gale feeding the swan family that regularly visits their dock

Remembering Marilyn

Marilyn & Chuck

My Grandma Marilyn passed away over the holidays and last Friday was her birthday. She's been on my mind quite a bit lately, though I am not mourning her death because I know her soul still lives on and she's at peace. For one of my assignments in my online class, we had to pay tribute to someone we love, so I wrote her a letter that I've included below with some old photos I love of her.

being a goofball

Grandma,
While I did not get to officially say "goodbye", I'm not sure I really needed to. Because it's not a goodbye, but rather a transition phase. Your spirit is transitioning to another life or form or place, and I still feel it with me on this earth. I might even get to really see you in that "other place" when I too transition to another form. Gradually, since December, I have been feeling your absence more and more, but I also find you peeking around in little places here and there. There are subtle reminders of the amazing grandmother you were to me and memories I'll never forget. Mom's big orange Betty Crocker cookbook will get passed down to me at some point, with all its loose newspaper clippings and your hand-written recipes and notes. Each time mom and I bake or cook together, you're still there too even if we can't call you up 20 times and ask you questions. You're even here with me in New York as it was once a place you lived a life ago before I was born, and a place you visited with me and mom. There is wonderful family for me here who I know solely because you were that connecting piece that links us. Each day when I make my to-do lists and plan things out on calendars or notebook paper, a piece of you is here. These are things that you've taught me and will stay with me as I grow up to the woman I'm going to be. You've passed down a few things and they will continue to live on after me. I look forward to having you along to watch my journey.

I love you, G-ma and Happy Birthday.My mom as a kid with Gma in pink- what a babe she was.