My Grandma and Her Dog

This evening I was talking to my Father-in-Law about how you don't really think of some things in terms of doing them for the very last time. He had read my biography section of my Pattycake website, and said he thought it was sad that I don't remember the last time I ever played in my playhouse. But that's the reality. I mean, when you put your Barbies away as a little girl, did you really know you were never going to play with them again? Did you know that your tricycle was destined for a garage sale? Probably not. You put your things away and time marches on.

But today was one of those days where, for me, I knew it was going to be the last of many things. See, my grandmother has reached that stage in her life where she needs full-time care in assisted living. Her house that she has lived in for over 40 years now has sold, and today I took photographs of her with her beloved companion, Shiloh. Devyn swam in her pool today, despite the cold, for what I am sure is the very last time. Having been practically raised in that house, spent entire summer vacations swimming in her pool, and celebrated at least 30 Christmases in her living room, my heart is completely and utterly broken. I write this with tears streaming down my face for I know that yes, time does march on and it's not waiting for anyone.

As you can tell from the photographs, my grandmother was and is a very beautiful woman. And while there will be other houses and other swimming pools (and playhouses and Barbies and tricycles), there is only one Gram. I love her so much.