Lost & Found

We lost a remarkable person on Tuesday night. Though it was a long time coming, the elephant of disbelief has been sitting on my chest. Alzheimer's stole her memories and her passion for life. She always swore she could kick her leg higher than I could, and maintained the opinion as I proved her wrong time and again. I always loved her disconnection from pride, often saying what was on her mind whether or not it was borderline inappropriate. She was physically small but big in every other way. She was quirky, talkative, and loved to sing at any possible moment. She and Grandpa lived in the mountains. It was normal when lizards ran through the living room and the cats would bring their latest prey into the house. There were duck stickers on her glass doors so the grandkids would stop walking into it. She watched Jeopardy and Wheel of Fortune and played Bridge with her friends. I loved smelling her perfumes and handling the necklaces on the dresser. I remember so vividly the smells of breakfast when we stayed over and the feel of her carpet under my feet. Sometimes I was allowed to sit in one of her and Grandpa's his and hers matching recliners. That's the sort of thing that makes a little girl feel special. She had experiences I'll never know. Stories of dancing for the troops in World War II. Stories of my dad as a baby; that big sack of potatoes she threw in the air and caught by his ankles just before he went over her shoulder. I realize now there were so many more things she knew and stories to be told. I wonder why I never asked. I will always miss her, but I am at peace knowing her time with us is over and Heaven has received her.

I received the news of Grandma's passing around midnight and awoke the next morning to the news of a baby being born. The Franklin family has been expecting their 6th child. I was supposed to work at their home that morning but was told not to bother since Mom is in labor. I checked my phone at least 15 times throughout the day waiting for the news. In the evening, I watched my phone finally light up and my stomach did a flip. The precious baby boy was born at 9 lbs 3 oz and given the name Lad Reagan Franklin. I laid in bed thinking how amazing and perfectly planned it is for Grandma to be with Jesus, and less than 12 hours later, dear friends of mine were blessed with a new baby. I sit here now looking at the picture of this baby boy swaddled in a blanket and capped with a hospital beanie and my heart is overflowing.