On Tuesday I lost one of my strongest pillars. It leaves me sad and joyful. Sad that I've lost one of the biggest influences on my life, reinforcing and providing me with the values I have. Joyful that her struggle is now over.

She beat the odds. She beat them many times over. She was no quitter: she found ways to be strong and strengthen those around her. She fought health issues from day one, and later in life, and she never quit. She kept fighting and not once have I ever heard her complain about her struggles.

March 9th, we lost who Gramma was. She was still here, but time was no longer a constant, straight line. Her memories were scattered. Faces forgotten. Places lost. But, but she recovered far beyond what any of us hoped for. She recovered a lot of her memories and gave us the chance to say goodbye. She gave us a little more time.

On Tuesday, I lost her entirely.

Though a new chapter of my life starts, one without a very important pillar, she's not gone. Her values, determination, and fighting spirit are attributes I'll carry with me for every other chapter that awaits me.

I will miss my Grandmother. Her humor. Her wit. I'm happy and lucky that I had the chance to say goodbye. I'm sure she could hear me.

But she leaves one hell of a legacy, both in the fantastic family I have, the principles that govern me, the attitude my family has, and -most important- the memories we all have.

This isn't a goodbye, Gramma. This is "Until I see you again."

I'll miss you.

Love,

Your eldest Grandson