Life

Well today I sit here with a cup of coffee at my hubbies laptop in the kitchen reflecting on my life and the people I love. Mike, my husband, is home for two weeks from Iraq, and goes back this Friday. It's amazing how 2 weeks can fly by so fast.
For the past 7 years I have taken care of my Grandmother (aka Gram). She has been slowing declining with Alzheimer's and celebrated her 94th birthday this past March. Yesterday Mike and I took her to this wonderful assisted living place that is only 10 minutes from our home. It was such a bittersweet day. Having realized that I could no longer server her needs now that she is so progressed in memory loss (I think its been a few years since she recognized me as her granddaughter), I set out to find a place where she can live out the last years of her life in an encouraging and loving environment that was near enough for me to visit regularly. Diane, from her Daybreak program, helped me find this place and it was so perfect! My heart sang for her when we visited there... it was perfect!
So yesterday, with her not really knowing what was going on, we moved her in. She has a roommate, Violet, who is just a doll. Immediately Violet took her under her wing. Within an hour the two of them went down to the activity area to do "exercises". While putting away her things it was so bittersweet. I will miss seeing her smiling face everyday, but I know she is in a place that will be able to motivate her and where she will make many friends (she was always so sociable).
Gram has taught me many things in my lifetime. Always have a smile for everyone, you can do anything you set your mind to (she is the one person that always believed in me), give people the benefit of the doubt, and a sense of humor about yourself and life is essential. Gram has definitely had a huge impact on my life. I cherish her and all she stood for. I love you Gram!
Happy stamping everyone,
Hugs from Lisa :)