Letter #1
Dear Gramps,
8 months. How do I sum up everything that happened in that time? I know you know, but maybe this will organize my own thoughts, make my life less complicated. Even though I don't know how to sum that vast time span up, what I do know is this: I've learned a lot. I don't just mean about the human body or about the history of the Old Testament. I learned that life is short, sometimes much shorter than you expected. Because of this, you have to appreciate the time you're given & make it count. I've learned that time has a way of being a big bitch (to put it lightly) & it never looks back. It'll screw you royally, robbing you of opportunities, chances, & potential situations & not even think twice about it. Then it will bring it up later, as if to remind you just how snotty it can truly be. Life truly showed me how quickly it can switch around, ripping the earth out from under your feet & throwing you head long into a whole new way of living. Life has a way of working with time in total cruelty.
But yet, it can be absolutely beautiful. For instance, the very first time I held Jude Michael in my arms I couldn't help but think of how much you would have loved him. It breaks my heart every time I hear him laugh, giggle, smile, & coo because I know that it would have melted yours. Or when that adorable couple finally gets engaged & embarks down the blessed path that they both deserve. Or when a person's lifetime goal is finally achieved, leaving them feeling accomplished & giving inspiration to all of us around.
Life is interesting. It throws curves. It hands out gifts. It keeps you, well, alive. I hate that it took losing you for me to really understand all that I needed to learn. But maybe that's why you left us all so early, so we would all the learn the lessons needed to be learned. I miss you more than you'll ever know. Save a spot up there, Gramps. I'll see you soon.
Love, Elle.
