On February 6th Chris' Grandma passed away so we took a trip up to Florence, KY to spend time with his Poppi and other family members during this hard time. While I have had both of my grandparents pass away - my grandaddy when I was younger and my Nana a few years ago at the ago of 92 - this was very different and new. This was a new experience for me because I never had family that lived away that you didn't see all the time and I am the wife of the first born grandchild - not a "direct" relative. Chris' family has always been very open and warm to me and although the circumstances weren't the best for us all to get together it was so nice to see everyone and spend time with them. I absolutely love Chris' Poppi and if you know me you know my heart has a huge spot for the elderly in it, so I was in my element with helping him and just trying to be there for him. Tomorrow, Feb.26th, would have been Poppi and Grandma's 54th anniversary -what an example for Chris and I! While it was extremely hard to be there with everything that had gone on Chris and I both could feel everyone's prayers cover us everyday. It was so amazing and comforting to know that so many loved ones were praying for us while we were gone. 
It is so nice to know that your loved one is in Heaven with their maker, their Savior, and they are healed - no longer in pain or suffering. Grandma will always be remembered here on Earth and I learned so many new stories about her and the legacy that she left behind - but what is the most encouraging is to know that since she decided to give her life to the Lord and accept Him as her Lord and Savior she is spending eternity with Him - thank you, Lord! May our experience give you the opportunity to stop and reflect on a loved one that is no longer with us or go love on your family and thank the Lord for the family that you still have!
Speaking of family - on the 22nd my mom turned 60 years old, so you know we had a party!! It was a great time to celebrate with friends and family - they all feel like family, though - I think I had 4 moms present in all :) It's so nice to get everyone together and it was so nice to let mama be the center of attention after we all have soaked it up for so long!! I will put a few pictures up so you can see - she had a great time and deserved every minute of it and more!
