good days, bad days, and better days ahead

A lot has been going on since my last post, which was about how running makes any day better... and, it totally does.  When I start my day with a workout, I know that I'm mentally prepared for anything.  My mind is free of clutter, because when I workout (usually alone) I have the time to let my mind wander and sort out all my thoughts.
However, no amount of running could have prepared me for that Sunday, when my Grandma passed away.  She had been sick for a long time, but she was also a very strong lady, and so it was unexpected.  I was hoping she could stick around forever, especially since I lost my Nanny almost 2 years ago.  Grandmothers are like super-moms, and it was a blessing to have them both in my life for as long as I did.

Just a few of my cousins and me last year,  at Grandma's 85th Birthday

Last week was a difficult week.  I spent it with my family, which is large and full of love.  We looked at old pictures, laughed at memories, and cried on each other's shoulders.  It helped me so immensely to have that time to grieve together, to share the loss and spread it out among us; it was like by sharing that feeling, it was less of a burden to carry my own piece of it.
I've been comforted by my belief in God, by the belief that Grandma is at peace now in a better place.  It's like another little angel has been placed on my shoulder, to watch over me and encourage me like she had done all my life.

And so, my life goes on.  I went back to work, resumed my workout routine, caught up on all my TV shows, and pushed ahead with my AlphaGam responsibilities.  On Saturday, PJ and I joined our friends for the High Rock Challenge Adventure Race, and on Sunday we celebrated PJ's birthday.

Cake!

It was hard to feel like myself again, but it gets easier every day.  I know that my Grandma would want me to keep pushing myself to succeed in every aspect of my life, so that's what I'll continue to do.  I'm proud to carry her legacy as a woman full of grace, style, and love :-)

<3 barb

PS - A huge thank you to all of my friends and family for your support, I appreciate it more than you will ever know.