Sone of my most beautiful memories that come to mind when I sit back and reflect on my life include Gramma Betty. I remember family Holidays as a little girl Gramma surrounded by her loved ones sometimes playing cards. I remember one of the most vivid memories I have of loss being about 13 we were at a loved ones memorial service. I remember being so heartbroken and crying so hard I could hardly contain it I was about to go into hysterics and Gramma was right beside Me. She grabbed Me and hugged Me and said gently in that soft sweet voice "It's okay Bethy. It's okay." I calmed down and she just held me til it was over. I remember the day she met my first child (Cierra) she held her and patted her and said how precious she was. On that day She told Me she knew I'd be a good Mother. And I think we can all remember the first time she loaned us money she'd give us her speech on how she was like a bank we'd have good credit with her if we always paid her back. Lol. I remember having to move in with her when my kids were babies and she and Auntie Connie opened their Home to us for a few months. They introduced me to my favorite show Grey's Anatomy. ( I still watch it) I remember the first time she told me about her upbringing and life as a young woman. She knows was always there for her loved ones in whatever way she could be. It is my belief that she impacted so many of our lives in different ways without her we'd not be the same. She truly was quite a woman that Gramma. I know we will miss her everyday for the rest of our lives.

When I look back and try to remember my Grandmother the one thing that really comes to mind is the last huge she gave me. I was visiting her and on my way out she hugged me like she never had before. In fact, she wouldn't let go of me and at the time I had no understanding of why. You see, none of the family knew her time was short, but she did. She passed away less than a week later. That huge was her way of saying good bye to me and I will cherish that memory for the rest of my life.
I have other great memories of my grandmother but ill keep them to myself.

Some days are harder than others, those days I miss my mother even more than usual. Mom was a quiet woman of little words and could hide her emotions like no other in the face of anger or regret. Her life was not an easy one but she loved her family and held us all together in many ways. I miss your smile mom, I wish you could see my grandchildren, you would be proud of them and of me. I remember as a child, sitting next to you while you hugged me and played with my ear. That was the most secure and happy feeling I remember and I try to pass it on to my babies. I love you and wish you did not have to go....... Diane