Shoes match the Crown.

Growing up I spent so much time with my grandma. My parents worked odd shifts through the week so we (my 2 younger siblings and I) would spend the night often and spend our days being toted all over the county because grandma was CONSTANTLY on the go. Almost every day we ended up down at my Great Granny's house just two blocks away. We would spend countless hours running wildly through the stretch of rooms, rummaging through her FOUR closets and fashioning her endless jewelry collection.

I can still see her sitting in the middle room off of the kitchen. This is where she would always be. Sitting beneath the light of her floor lamp, a pile of library books on one side and a stack of old magazines on the other. Watching us, laughing, soaking in our madness & completely loving every second of it. Really, it was madness. Between the three of us we knew how to make that house our playground. There was limitless entertainment - those tall stairs that doubled as the perfect slide, the hundreds of fabulously printed clothing options to dress in, the BEST snacks & of course the conversations. I cannot even begin to put into words the memories this house held.

God, she was amazing. Truly the life of every party. Quick witted with an obvious ornery streak. Beautiful and, at least in her age, relentless with her opinions. She spoke her mind and did not give a crap about how people might feel about it. And that was my favorite quality about her - giving grace and raising hell.

She swore she never cussed, and if you knew her you'd know that was a lie. If you were a referee at any of my ball games, you sure as hell know it was a lie. Always front and center. Always speaking her mind about the ref...or coach...or my teammates. And ALWAYS when the whole gym was silent. She didn't care. "I don't care. I'm old, I can say what I want." A direct quote from the most fabulous woman I know.

I always knew I wanted to be just like Granny when I got old, but this moment put the icing on the cake. - Granny had a bowel issue, and I'll leave that with little detail. We were driving to an appointment, my grandma and aunt in the front seat, me and Granny in the back. Granny says "pull in here, I gotta sh*t." We pull into a Dollar General parking lot, and, well, Granny didn't make it to the toilet. She heads in, as if nothing ever happened. My grandma and me cleaning up the back seat (thank God for leather). Granny is taking forever, so I go into check on her. I walk into the bathroom and it's literally like a total sh*t storm blew through. Granny had picked herself out a new pair of pants and had gotten herself all changed. I cleaned what I could, apologized to the store clerk (who was super sweet) and followed in pursuit of Granny who was now making her way out of the store. I look down and notice the pants she had picked out for herself - a pair of black yoga pants. Featuring a hot pink, leopard print waistband with 'FOXY' printed across the butt. I FREAKING LOSE IT. I'm like, "Granny, your pants say FOXY on the butt!!" She says, "They do? I just loved the pink leopard print." And then in all her don't-give-a-dang glory, she strutted straight into her doctors appointment, flaunting her new garb as the 'FOXY' granny she was.

My whole life has been filled with memories of her, and I am so thankful for all the time I got. Grateful to be part of a family that doesn't go a day without seeing each other. Walking in to her house unannounced and always being welcomed. Always being loved. Always laughing. What is even more special is my own babies got to hold a piece of her heart. And what a "Great-great Grandma" she was. She was so in love with my babies. And they got to feel that love, for even just a few years.

2020 took away so many precious moments. The last 10 months were stolen from us. Our window visits weren't enough. You couldn't hold my babies. I couldn't hold you. I could barely hear your laugh, or how you just LOVED the girls' shoes. Your final words to me was over a face-time call. Your words were felt - I know you love us. I know you miss us. Because we had been loving and missing you for so long. By the grace of one of your nurses, I was able to sneak in for a brief final moment. One more time touching you, holding you. Whispering in your ear, how much I love you. You weren't there - you were almost home.

I can only imagine the celebration just inside Heaven's gate. The crowd that gathered to embrace you. So many people have loved you, it was easy to do. You were undoubtedly missed by all those up there, and now it's our turn to miss you down here.

92 years didn't quite seem enough, but those wings you gained today have eternity written all over them. I'm sure you look fabulous as ever, and your shoes most definitely match your crown.

With all my love, Granny - until we meet again.