March 16 and March 17 2011

On Monday March 14, my grandpa was admitted to hospice care. Doctors told our family there wasn't much time left. He had been battling emphysema for several years; he had been on oxygen, numerous medications and breathing treatments for as long as I can remember. Our family knew there wasnt much time.

When we were on our last visit to Florida- I think my grandpa knew his time was short (in fact, he told my mom he thought it was). He made sure to share his feelings with us; he's very proud of our family and the things that we've accomplished in our lives. He told us he loved us. He made sure that our "last time" together was just as it should be...

He was called home to heaven on March 16 2011- in the 8pm hour. My Grandpa "Puppies" will be missed. I know that there is one more Cubs fan up in heaven this year rooting on our Chicago Cubbies!

My great grandma celebrated her 91st Birthday on February 25th 2011- and my mom and I were able to be there with her. She looked wonderful and we had a great trip. We had a wonderful day at the beach on her birthday followed by a party to celebrate her 91 years of life. Great Grandma became sick on Tuesday night and was taken to the hospital. They were running tests to find out what was wrong. On Wednesday- she was still in the hospital; no new updates.

On March 17 2011- My beloved Great Grandma was called home to heaven while in her sleep. We now have a Lucky Angel in heaven watching down on us.

My Grandpa "Puppies" and Great Grandma passed away 6 hours apart. What a day.

I know that God has a plan for all of this; but its times like now, that I cant help but question why this is happening and what his plan is.

My Grandma's biggest fear was that both my Grandpa and Great Grandma would pass away at the same time; and today her biggest fear became a reality.

I pray that the Good Lord gives my family the strength to get through this and the ability to accept the things that He is doing.... I know there is a reason, but I just dont understand it yet...

Great Grandma's 91st Birthday

2 weeks ago today, my mom and I were in beautiful Tampa, Florida to visit my family and to celebrate my Great Grandma's 91st Birthday!

Last year we went to Florida for my grandma's 90th Birthday and we were given some awful news. My grandma was really sick with a bacterial infection and the doctors told our family that she probably wouldn't make it much longer. We flew home from Florida all of us in tears, because we thought that it was the last time that we would be seeing her, forever.

Well, here we are a year later and my Great Grandma is as healthy as ever. We knew that we couldn't miss her birthday this year, especially after how her birthday had gone last year.

Great Grandma didn't know that we were coming into town, so when we snuck into the house, she was really surprised. She started crying because she was so happy to see us. We spent the day with everybody and headed back to the hotel later that night.

Friday was grandma's birthday and we had sandwiches for lunch, went to the beach to take in the sights and take some pictures with Great Grandma. My grandma made us a wonderful dinner of ham and mac-and-cheese. We had a wonderful day spending lots of quality time with my Great Grandma on her very special day.

Saturday my grandma threw a little birthday party for my Great Grandma. There were quite a few people that came over to celebrate my grandmas birthday. We had some birthday cake and it was a wonderful celebration. When it was time to say goodbye and to head back to our hotel for the night, I fought back some tears. We were scheduled to fly home on Sunday. It was sad saying goodbye to my family because I didn't know when we would be seeing them again. I just love them and I love spending time with my family. It was really a special few days.