Grandma.

I don’t normally get super emotional or talk about family much on social media, but sometimes, it just hits me. And I want to tell you about my Grandma Ruth.

She is a special woman in my life that I will miss so ridiculously much. I will miss talking with her every-other (or so) Sunday on the phone. I felt close to her despite being about 3,000 miles away for the better part of the last 11 years. I will miss her constant cheering on and her faith in me (and our family), and her inspiration. I will miss that house (and those fragrant candles) I grew up in more so, sometimes than my own. I am glad I got to see her one final time a few weeks ago and spend a day with her a couple of weeks ago.

When my Mom gave me this picture just a little while ago, I (someone who might get “wound up” about stuff, rarely cries) just…lost it. It defines everything about our relationship. It was from my cousin Heather’s wedding in 2009, and we shared a special moment and a special conversation. We always did. I will miss those moments so damn much.

This made me want to share something about her. I don’t share it for “engagement” or “comments” or sympathy (you know, the thing I tend to do for a living — though knowing Grandma, and if she really understood social media, she would love all the “hearts”) but just to keep her flame burning on and on.