He's a Man Now :)

This past week has been rough.  But as I said in my previous post, it was bittersweet.  Though the passing of my grandmother, I was able to reunite with siblings that I hadn't seen in well over 10 years.  I'm only 23 at this time and I'd missed out on being a big sister.

C1 is now 19 years old, fresh out of high school as of last summer.  I missed his graduation, something I wholeheartedly regret.  During the memorial, (while Mom and Dad were out of earshot) I told him, "C1, you're now a man.  I'm sorry I missed your graduation.  But here is something I've been meaning to give you.  A man should always carry on him, a good knife."

Because I didn't study up on the knife laws of his county (we're in separate states), I chose to give him a Spyderco Squeak.  I could have done better, but it was cute, non-locking, and with a decent sized blade.  As far as I know, it probably passes basically any county knife law.  C1, I also promised you that when you turn 21, we're getting you a CCW.  :)

I still can't believe I've missed so much of y'all growing up.  All 4 of you.  I hope to keep in better contact with you from here on out.  I love you!

Grandma, again, thank you for bringing us all back together, even if only for a week.

In loving memory of Maria.

1921 - 2013

Life's Bittersweet Moments

Grandma, it was hard to say goodbye.  But I'm glad you'll be spending the rest of eternity with Grandpa.  70 years of marriage is something not many can boast about.  Here's to spending the rest of eternity with the one you've always loved.  Cheers.  I wish you all the best.

While your passing left me heartbroken, I still found some happiness in the end.  Your passing brought together family I haven't seen in well over 10 years.  Thank you for bringing us together.  I've missed Mom and the kids so much.  It was wonderful to be held and loved once again.  10 years is a long time.  10 years of not watching babies grow up.  I wish I was around to guide them, as a big sister should have.  But being many miles apart, it was hard.  Texting and phone calls were one thing, but nothing can replace actually seeing the kids.  Today, that changed.  Even for a brief moment, I was once again reunited with my family.  Monday, they'll be going back home - who knows when I'll see them again.  But I'll cherish today like no other.

Goodbye, Grandma.

RIP, Grandma

RIP, Grandma.  While you weren't of blood, I lived with the family long enough to think of you as so.  Though miles apart, I'll always be the older sister to C1, C2, C3, and T.  And I'll be sure to be there for Mom and the kids.  Y'all were there for me when I was younger, and I'll never forget that - it's time I grew up and took care of you all.

I'll never be able to make the "grape joke" with you again.  That's something I'll never forget.  'Cause "fresh grapes are great," right, Grandma?

I'll make the effort to come out to TX more often to visit the family.  I wish I had made the trek out earlier last year, for C1's graduation and to see the family.  Have fun with God.  You'll be in my thoughts and prayers.  Please look after us from up there.  You'll be missed.