For Meemaw

It's been a year since you've been gone, and I honestly can't believe how fast the year has gone or all that has happened in the past 365 days.

I guess now we can say we have made it through all the "firsts" without you.  As so many things made me miss you, I realized how much you meant to me and how thankful I am for my memories of you.

I still am not used to not writing a letter to you every week, and I always think of things I'd tell you if I was writing you a letter.

At Valentine's Day I got out our small tub of decorations and burst out crying when I saw the window clings I had purchased on sale the previous year to cut and mail to you.

In the spring I ran into Walgreens to get an ad and came out crying because they had Cadbury eggs on sale. I always watched for them on sale and would buy you a couple every year.

When we decorated for Christmas I found all the engraved ornaments you'd given me through the years.  One said "To: Val" and that made me laugh and cry. It reminded me that you were always so proud of me, and I realized how much I appreciated you believing in me. 

When I'm in a store and see something knocked off the shelf, I catch myself picking it up like you did and I realize you taught me to take the time to help others with this small act.

When I see some little trinket or magazine you gave us, I remember your giving attitude and how much joy it brought you to give and how you didn't want things in return.

When I see someone walking down the street I remember how many years you did without a car (by your choice) and your slow pace, and I'm reminded that I need to slow down and pay attention to my surroundings.

So many things will always remind me of you...upside down stamps on envelopes, singing "I'll Fly Away," banana splits, peanut butter, window clings, Wheel of Fortune, and chocolate covered cherries.  I'm thankful for my memories and am thankful for the time we had together through the years.

Have a day of blessings!