Almost a decade ago, one of my very first conversations with Will was about his Grammy and his Pa-Paw. Not because I knew to ask, but because he just wanted to tell me about them and how much they had impacted him growing up. He, his sister and brother completely adored their Grammy in a way I have rarely seen. She helped raise them and they loved her fiercely. Grammy had a way of loving people whom she just met in a way that made you feel so special. Before we were even engaged, she treated me like one of her grandchildren and made it very clear that I belonged in her family. Her stories about Will growing up and his mischievous tendencies were my favorite. And whenever we left after a get-together she always thanked me?ME?for including her and loving her. Like she was grateful. Even now, I shake my head. I?M the one who was and should be thankful for her and her unyielding affection. Faithfully calling me on my birthday, sending me sweet cards in the mail and always being sure to ask how my family was doing. She always listened, truly listened, to me and whatever I was going through. She was never quite the same after her husband Jack passed almost 6 years ago. Their love was strong, built on friendship, genuine commitment and trust? I am grateful she stayed with us a little longer. That Will got to call her the day of our gender ultrasound to tell her that his first child was a boy and that we were naming him Jack. Monday morning, Will rushed into my office, face white as a sheet and I just knew. We dropped everything and raced to her bedside. My sweet, always easy-going husband who doesn't get upset or sad easily was struggling. He only knew her to fight back and recover. This was foreign to him. There is something so heartbreakingly precious about watching a family surround their beloved matriarch as she fades away. After several hours, I finally had to leave to pick up Jack and was not there when her loved ones watched her pass on. Before I left, I stroked her hair, kissed her several times, told her I loved her and ?thank you? just like she always did to me. When Will called to tell me, I was sitting with Jack in my lap. My heart just went numb hearing his broken voice. Her son is devastated. Her grand kids are so heartbroken. I am reminded of the fragility of life. I am also reminded of the wonderful strength and love that binds a family. Thank you God, for allowing all of those who loved her most to make it in time. Thank you, for letting us have the time with her that we did. Thank you for giving us such a sweet woman in Grammy. "For now I am free… I followed the path God laid for me…"
