Goodbyes

We spent the last few days saying goodbye to a wonderful lady, Matt's Grammie, Edna Mingo. I am sad to say goodbye. She was not my grandmother but it felt like she was. She loved us, thought about us and cared about us. She called before Piper and I left for Germany to wish us the best and tell us she was praying for us. She knit us sweaters and hats and mittens to keep us warm. She taught Piper how to shake hands and say "How do you do?" when she was just a toddler. She corrected us when we would sing "Little Donkey" to the kids ('No, no! Its "Little DOGGY!"') She told stories of her past over and over (which I am so thankful for now because after hearing them several times I can remember them. I hope our family can tell her stories to my girls someday.) She came to our wedding and although I know it was hard for her, she was there for Piper's first birthday party. She was really good at Skip-bo and would play with all us younguns', beating us more often then not. She always put up a fuss about getting her picture taken even though she had the prettiest smile.

Even though I only knew her for a few years, I have lots of memories of her with my family and they mean a lot. I will miss seeing her on our visits to Truro, hearing her stories and her laugh. I will miss her coaxing the kids to come sit with her. I will miss her hugs hello and goodbye. But she gave me one final hug the last time I saw her at Thanksgiving. Not an everyday hug but an extra tight squeeze. It was one of those moments that will be remembered for a lifetime.

Goodbye, Grammie. You have fought the good fight, you have finished the race. I know you are enjoying your reward. I know we will say 'hello' again someday!