Remembering

I'm in a little funk today. Have been most of this month. July is emotional for me. I got married in July, had my first child in July. But right now I'm thinking about two very influentional women in my life - my two best friends who passed away in July: my sister Karen and my Grandma Maxine. I was hoping that blogging would help release some of the sadness, and I guess it does, but tears stream down my face as I type.

My sister and I did not always see eye to eye and were opposites in many ways. But I knew she was always there for me, taking care of me. She could make me laugh like no other person - and cry as well. She gave me my first black eye, taught me how to shoot a basket, how to swim, how to open Christmas presents - but the most important thing she taught me was how to have a relationship with Jesus. She taught me that he was real and I could talk to him anytime I wanted to. She was strong, independent, caring, generous and full of life. I miss her.

My Grandma was just the most special lady you'd ever want to meet. She stood at four feet eleven inches but always appeared taller. She was classy, a smart dresser, loved music and taught me how to do the Charleston. I get my love of dancing from her. She and I would stay up late at night playing cards, telling secrets and giggling. She was a free spirit and a wise woman who taught me to look on the positive side of life, to keep smiling, and never give up. She was 93 when she passed away and I was blessed to be there with her. I read to her Psalms 23 and held her hand as she went to meet Jesus. I miss her.

Losing loved ones stinks! But I was so blessed to be touched by these two wonderful women. Their memories live on in me and I hope to pass them on to my children. I think I'll just go and have a good cry and miss my two best friends.