...mia...

Sorry that I have been so MIA. Last week was rough for me as Tuesday marked the anniversary that my sweet grandfather became an angel, so I found myself thinking about him a lot more than usual. To top that off, I came down with a case of strep throat on Wednesday that has since wiped me out. Literally I barely had any motivation to peel myself off the couch. I hope this week will bring me lots of energy and the motivation to share what’s been going on in our lives.

For now, I thought I would share a photo of the one who has been keeping me company while trying to get over this sickness…

xoxo,

R

...grief...

Today I am saddened to say that one of my closest girlfriends and her family is going through tremendous grief. They lost someone very close to them, and this person's absence will be felt by the family forever. Although I'm not going to divulge details as this isn't my story to tell, this news has made me reflect a lot on life and loss. Everyone deals with grief differently, and I think no matter what, the most important thing is to know your friends and family are here for you, when your ready.

Whenever one is faced with or hears the news of an unfortunate loss, it makes you reflect on your life and what truly matters. Lately, I have found myself in somewhat of a funk, focusing on the negative and not appreciating what truly matters. I stumbled upon this quote the other day and thought it was perfectly written and truly puts things in perspective. Tonight, close the computer, turn off the tv and enjoy your loved one's and reflect on how lucky you truly are. Nothing is more important than this day.

xoxo,

R+M

...in celebration of grandpa...

Three years ago, the world lost an incredible man, my grandfather Glen Stevenson. My grandfather was taken from his loving family and wife way to soon at the young age of 74, and very unexpectedly. He still had so much to offer the world and his family. I'm just grateful my husband got to meet the loving, sarcastic and knowledgeable man that he was. Grandpa always shared his great stories from his years in the Air Force, and his travels during that time. He was a man full of wisdom and could make anyone laugh.

Losing my grandfather was undoubtedly hard, especially since it was the first death I had experienced in my immediate family. At first I thought it would have been so much easier to deal with if he was sick, then we would have expected it. But, I truly don't think loss of a loved one could ever be categorized as easy. Coming upon the three year anniversary that my sweet grandfather left us, I found it as a time to reflect on life, family and of course him. Immediately following his death I kind of closed up and avoided conversations about him as to try and save myself from tears and heartache. As the years have passed the pain isn't less, but I have learned how to deal with it a bit better and am not as embarrassed now by my emotions as I was then. Loss is essentially apart of life, and it's better to reminisce about the people we miss then to avoid it all together. I think these lesson's in life try and teach us to enjoy each day and to never take our loved one's for granted.

Grandpa, I miss you terribly and think of your every day!

xoxo,

R