weekend review {a bittersweet goodbye}

Playing at the park with daddy. Our only pit stop on our 7 hour drive.

My sweet grandma passed away last week at the age of 98. When people ask if it was a surprise, I can't help but think yes. Even though she was 98, how do you prepare for saying goodbye and having to miss that person for the rest of your life?
We packed up and drove to Colorado for grandma's funeral this past weekend. Can I just brag on my baby for a minute? It feels like we were in the jeep more than we weren't over the weekend, plus we just went on a long road trip only a couple weeks ago to Arizona! And Mia was an angel! I think I complained more than she did ;) Anyway, I'm so glad we went to the funeral and got to see SO much of my family!
During the funeral they offered to let anyone go up and say whatever they wanted about grandma. I knew what I was going to say, but when the time came, I didn't go up. I'm not sure why? But I will share it here! I know how grandma (and granddad) touched my life and my family's lives. Three words, so. much. love! But it has been an incredible experience to see how they have touched the lives of those I hold dearest to my heart now. They welcomed Eric into the family and it was as if he had been their grandson forever! And the first time grandma met Mia? I'll never forget it! Grandma had my dad at the age of 48... he was definitely a surprise! She felt some guilt because she was sure she would never live to see him get married or have children. When granddad passed away 2 years ago, I suspected she would soon follow. How do you continue living without your partner of 77 years (did you catch that? They were married SEVENTY SEVEN YEARS!) but grandma made sure she got to see my dad become a grandparent! We took Mia to visit for the first time when she was barely 2 months old. When I lifted Mia's car seat cover she was all eyes for grandma. After staring at her for a few seconds, she flashed the most brilliant smile! She was instantly in love! Anyone and everyone fell instantly in love with my grandparents :) I want to be as kind, inviting and loving as they always were!
I am incredibly grateful I got to have them in my life as long as I did!! I (we) will miss them so much, but I'm glad that grandma and granddad have been reunited and there is no more suffering for them! And most of all, I can't wait to see them again!