Forever and For Always

Today would have been my grandma's 80th birthday. All I can think of is how proud of her grandchildren she would be if she were here. It reminds me of how she would call and then stop by on each of our birthdays. How we'd be given a card that contained her perfect little cursive handwriting inside.

Left column, top to bottom: Corey, Shelby, Nick

Right column, top to bottom: Cameron, Brandi, Will

We have all changed quite a bit. When she left us, we were 19, 18, 17, 14, 9 and 9. Now, we're 31, 30, 29, 27, 21, 21 and 3, respectively. Grandma never had the pleasure of meeting my three year old cousin.

Top row: Will, Nick, Cameron, Shelby

Bottom row: Corey, Brandi, Gunnar

We all miss her so much. It's interesting how fast time seems to fly by, but some things never change.

I was 17 when she passed away and suddenly I am 29 years old. Since she has been gone, I've graduated high school, started driving, had a whole bunch of firsts and moved 800 miles from home. I know she's in Heaven, smiling down on me. I know in her adorable Norwegian accent, she would say something to the effect of, 'You go, girl!' Some days that softens the blow. Most days I'm too selfish to see the good in that, though. Some days it just hurts. Some days I just want to hear her voice. Some days I want it to be her chocolate chip cookies baking in the oven. Some days I wear her Harvest Wine lipstick and it makes me feel close to her.

This day, though, this day is a good day. I know she loved me like crazy. And that will always make me smile.

Happy 80th birthday, Grandma. I love you. Forever and for always.