The past few Wednesdays, I've had something to write about my workout/diet of the most recent week. While I'd like to get to that, there's something that's occurred in the past couple days in my group of friends.
On Monday, I learned of one friend's grandmother passing away - a friend who I've known for the past 13 years and whose family has embraced me as one of their own over that time. As many of us do these days, I caught wind of this news on Facebook, with a family picture of them with their grandma/mother acting as an obituary of sorts. I didn't get a chance to meet this grandma too much, but she had to be a good lady to spawn the family that I know today.
About 48 hours later, I received a text from another friend of mine to let me know his grandma had passed away. Like the friend before, it's a friend I've known for almost half my life now. I've met the grandma - very sweet lady, great person (much like the family that came after her).
My heart goes out to my friends during this time of loss for their families. Fresh in mind, I can relate to their losses. As many of you know, I lost my Grandma Bolek almost 10 months ago. I lived around the block from her from 1986 until her passing last year, so it was hard saying goodbye to a lady who represented what it meant to be a Bolek.
I'm sure my friends can remember a time like me when they were kids and they went over to grandma's place only to get spoiled to death. In my case, my memories of Grandma include playing Store with her and finding the Easter Eggs in the backyard full of change - you always hoped to get the eggs with the quarters in them.
I also remember the delicious chocolate chip cookies my grandma made. No one could ever pass those babies up. I've never seen anyone make cookies since that resemble them. God do I miss them.
These passings have made me remember all the good things about Grandma Bolek, but more importantly, they make me appreciate the grandma that I still can see and talk to. As much as I love my Grandma Bolek, I love my Grandma Raynor just as much. She has always been a great grandmother to me and all of my cousins. I enjoy hearing her laugh when a joke is told - sometimes at her expense. That's just how she rolls. She has the ability to laugh at herself sometimes.
To those of you reading this that still have grandparents alive, make sure you appreciate their existence. You wouldn't be around if it wasn't for them. I'm fortunate that I've had grandparents live into my adulthood so I can appreciate them. I wish my grandpas lived long enough for that, but what can you do? Just appreciate the times you have with your grandparents.
Rest in peace to my friend's grandmas. I wish you and your families nothing but the best in dealing with these tragedies.
Even though you don't know how to operate the Internet and wouldn't be able to read this unless it was on QVC, I'd like to say that I love you Grandma! Make sure you express similar sentiments to your own.
