Newness

Yes, there are new developments in my life. Most of which I am most thankful for despite the circumstances that caused them. As you read previously, my maternal grandfather passed away last Tuesday, April 20th. He was 80 years old. He led a wonderful life and loved his children, Monica and Kirk. He loved his grandchildren, myself, Abby, Ryan, and Kolton. And he loved his late wife, Wanda, who left us several years ago. Though he may not have been the best at expressing his emotions, he did love us. My mom and uncle were in Denver to close up accounts and handle all legal work. My mom was placed as executor according to the Last Will and Testament. A memorial service was held in Denver on April 25th for his companion, Jeanie, and his friends. Over 120 people attended the ceremony. My mom said that she was overwhelmed by how many people were apart of his life. She called me after the ceremony to regale me of the event and told me of something she found. When she and Kirk arrived in Denver, Jeanie took them to his office where all his paperwork was kept. As they began to collect the necessaries, my noticed something on his desk. A large 8X10 photograph of me; his first grandchild. My heart was overflowing in that moment on the phone. If I had ever questioned his love for me, all my doubts were relieved in that moment. I know he is in heaven looking down with Mimi and they are smiling and happy. I am pleased to know that they are back together!
A positive effect of my grandfather's death, is the fact that my sister and I are speaking again. Actual conversations. When I was told of his death, I was at work. I left that day and did not come back until that Friday. I spoke with my dad (who told me) and called my mom. I wanted desperately to call my sister, but held back for fear of rehashing something at the wrong time. I called my best friend, who came over and did exactly what I needed her to do. She came in, wrapped me in a hug, then made me laugh. At some point in that day, I received a call from my sister. She wanted to check on me. I was floored. No, literally, I was sitting on the floor in that moment. I told her that I was alright and asked how she was. As the days progressed, I received more phone calls from her. She kept me up to date on what was happening in Denver. My mom did not want to bog me down knowing I was in a show that is about to open. Abby needed someone to share it with to get it off her chest. She could not bear the load herself, so she came to me. These moments I will forever cherish. The moments when my little sister let me be her big sister and leaned on me when she couldn't stand by herself. So, last Saturday I woke up and made a pot of coffee and made more than I could possibly consume without my health and sanity being affected; so I decided to call my sister to come and share. It was a gorgeous day outside and I thought conversation and coffee on the patio would be nice. I called her and she was on the road. She was frazzled. I could hear it in her voice. She was looking for a church where a bible study was happening and couldn't find it. I told her to forget about it and come over for coffee. She then broke down. I asked her where she was and for her to pull over and stop driving. Without a second thought or a bra, I was down the stairs and in my car. I weaved in and out of traffic and sped as safely as possible to Grand Prairie. I pulled behind her car on the shoulder of the highway and jumped into her car and just let her cry. In that moment, I got to be big sister again. After she cried, I made her laugh and told her to come over for coffee. I followed her back to my place and we shared coffee. This turned into a trip to Wal-Mart! I was so happy that we were just hanging out and not trying to kill each other. She called me later that night for eye drops. The simplest of things can truly have the biggest meaning. Despite the fact that due to my grandfather's passing my sister and I are speaking again, doesn't negate the fact that we are speaking again. The circumstances are not the best, but I am grateful for them.