A Short Tribute for my Special Grandma

I've never felt so grateful in all of my life. With the passing of my grandmother just a few short months after Eric's grandmother left us, I want to now, more than ever, take in life the way Peggy did. Gram and my grandma had a lot in common, come to think of it.

My favorite words that describe my grandma are fun (the life of every party), warm, spiritual, funny, spunky, engaging, quick-witted, wise, energetic, and she also had the coziest lap where I'd fall asleep on many occasions. We'd pop some Act popcorn and watch movies like Ghost and shows like Star Search late into the night (for me, anyways). She'd lay next to me in bed (the latest National Enquirer tightly in hand) and later sneak out, leaving me with the squeals of piglets right outside my window (scariest sound known to man). I'd wake up (again) to the smell of bacon and there was no better place in the world than Grandma's house. I'd draw her pictures and just as quickly as I drew them, she'd find a frame and hang them up around her house. I want to be like her to my grandchildren. Soft, cozy, loving. Although I'm afraid I don't have the pillowy chest that she had, I'll try my best in other ways.

When Leo saw her one last time, he wished her "Night, night."

Goodnight, Grandma, thanks for always letting me pat your soft hair, the fluffiest hair I've ever had the pleasure of patting. I'll never forget you.

Babies really are the best medicine

Leo, we are so lucky to have you always, but especially during this tough weekend, you helped everyone to heal faster and better. Pop, Grandpa Rory, Grandma Shar, Uncle Brian, Uncle Dave, Aunt Dana, Uncle Reid, Aunt JoAnn, and cousins Jessica and Kelly all love you TONS and even better, were able to show you just how much. In return, you reminded us all about what's important.

Kelly and Jessica would scoop you up, and read you books. They'd get simply giddy over you, and Kelly actually pinched your cheeks! Jessica was enamored with your soft, thick hair and kept petting the top of your head. Uncle Reid rough-housed with you and you (mostly) loved it. Aunt JoAnn held you on her lap while you played with water bottles and plastic cups. Uncle Brian let you watch Elmo on his phone. Aunt Dana observed and laughed at how your cheeks jiggle with every step you take; she also kept her eye on you while we all got ready. Uncle Dave would try to pick you up but is still doing the newborn football hold. Someday. Grandpa tickled you every chance he got, and Grandma fed you kolache, teaching you to say "please" before each bite. Pop kept saying "I love you so much, Leo. Oh Leo, you're my boy." You sat on his lap during Curious George. He also said we need to have a million more babies just like you.

All you had to do was be yourself and we were all happier. Our ray of sunshine when the sun was hiding, you smiled, said new things like "W" and walked up to Grandma for a hug. At Gram's visitation, you ran up to her picture (as how you recognized her), lit up with a huge grin and said either "Gram!!!" or "Grandma!" We couldn't decipher which one, but you definitely said one of the two. And I'm sure she heard and saw you and it tickled her pink. You loved Gram as much as we did. She held and hugged you lots and you showed us right then and there that you remembered her love.

You gave Mommy and Daddy kisses in front of Gram's best friends. They couldn't get over how adorable you are. You sat through Gram's service and made it the whole way through - albeit with the help of your Sesame Street books, fishies, paci and mommy's purse, but you did it! I almost took you out of the room when you got too loud, but that just didn't feel right. Good thing I didn't, because Pop later said you were so good and he wanted you there no matter what. We all loved having you there. Thank you for making a sad weekend wonderful in so many ways.

XOXO, Mommy