Saying Hello and Goodbye

Four years ago, I said goodbye to my Nanny... mom's mom... my mom, of sorts. I carried her legacy freshly into the birth and hello to Samanatha. The sweet baby growing peacefully as my old life fell apart. She is sweet and caring and strong willed, with a firely temper... just like her grandmother... God knows how to bless us when everything around us hurts so bad. Lost a step-grandfather and Joe's grandmother during the pregnancy with Thomas. Joe and I joked that we could not have any more kids - not much family left. God also knows that I have more restraint when pregnant and I don't give in to indulgent self-pity if I am taking care of a little one (can't hire a sitter for the unborn...) that little noy is still keeping me busy!
Last year, said goodbye to Grandma... dad's mom... never could impress her enough - she always made me want to try harder... Watching her loose her mind was infinately worse than saying goodbye, but, you see God is good. Got to spend the afternoon with her. She thought I was a nurse (she could not figure out why I was wearing a business suit). I've been blessed with the opportunity to tell my grandmothers goodbye... Lost Joe's cousin suddenly last summer, and his beloved mother three weeks later - thirteen years or so too soon... my other mom, of sorts... Little Victoria was born 4 months later, named after her (middle name Lee)... is always smiling... Just like her grandma.