To Meemaw and Papaw

I knew it was going to be a hard day when Dad called this morning to tell me that my grandparents both passed away following a bad car accident. And, as horrible as that already is, the worst part for me is that I'm all the way over here, and not home where I should be. How am I supposed to care about grammar homework when all I want to do is be with my family?

Even in the midst of this tragedy, I am reminded of how loved I am. Everyone here has been so genuinely kind and sympathetic. I have both a priest and a nun in my first class, and both asked me for their names so they could include them and our family in their prayers. And I have seen countless messages, comments, statuses, whatever, on Facebook, from family and friends alike, all thinking about and praying for our family. While a number of my friends and relatives have expressed their condolences directly to me, I'm not connected to most of the Mount Gilead community- the number of messages I have seen sent to my family there is really amazing!

 I've been trying to think of a good story to share, but how do I choose just one? There are all those summers up at Lake Erie, playing in the lake or going to Cedar Point during the day and relaxing in the cottage at night. The call I would get every birthday, even at Ohio State- they checked my schedule with my parents so they knew when I was free. The time we got to go see Papaw get his Mount Gilead Citizen of the Year award. The stories he told us about how much trouble he would get into (but for some really great reasons!). Making sure my favorite color was still blue every Christmas, so they got the "right" present. Those hours of "Where's the Bunny?" with Meemaw (similar to Where's Waldo), even though we went through the book the last time I was there. Being pulled on a sled behind Papaw's truck one snowy day. The time my cousin Amanda and I stayed with them, and during our bath we pretended we ran a McDonald's and passed Meemaw various toys through the sliding door. Keeping the lids on Amanda's, Heather's and my favorite cups straight when we were little and that was a big deal.

They were both wonderful people, and I am so proud to be their granddaughter.

Even those who are gone

Are with us as we go on

Your journey has only begun

Tears of pain, tears of joy

One thing nothing can destroy

Is our pride- deep inside

We are One

--Simba, The Lion King 2