Remembering

I've been doing a lot of remembering. I've been remembering throughout this entire year. But really, I've been doing that for a while now. I didn't wait for my grandpa to die to replay images, memories, and stories from our lives together. My family is very good at verbal process, so we process everything over and over and over. We relive moments. Christmas isn't just about that one moment beneath the Christmas tree. We can live off of that day for weeks. My sister, mom, and I all take turns calling each other and reliving the highlights, affirming each other in our gift choices, and food contributions.

Still, there is something significant about that first year without someone. Each sensory emotion is a reminder of who they were and how they are no longer with you in flesh on earth.

This is the month my grandpa left this life. I think it is fitting since it is fall, and he was affectionately called The Great White Hunter.

I also think it timely that I came across a picture of him holding me as a baby, which looks very similar to a picture of him holding my second. I love it. The gift of him continues to give.