[Ramius]

Speechless...

MBY: Yes, very cool post. One of the saddest stones I carry in my knapsack is that now none of my kids (that I may ultimately have) will know my Mom, nor my grandparents, nor they them. It's just not right, but it's how things are.

[Wneighbor]

Ramius. After the life I had with my Grama, you made me cry with that.

I'd have never made it without Grama and Pepaw. They were the most important people in my life.

But, there is hope, because the reason my grandparents were so pivotal for me is that I have parents that didn't parent. They provided and taught some things but not the real things. And, the thing is, you can make the decision to be what your children need. They grow up really fast. I hope you get a chance to raise kids. It's worth it all.

except for short periods of time when you wanna kill 'em - where I'm at right now.

[My back yard]

Well, don't underestimate their influence that your sister carries on, I am sure. She will likely make up for the loss a great deal. :)

I'm choking up here. Going to go make dinner and watch some Boromir bashing orcs.

[HairOfTheDog]

now none of my kids (that I may ultimately have) will know my Mom, nor my grandparents, nor they them. It's just not right, but it's how things are.

... Been sitting here for more than 20 minutes trying and I can't add a thing to that. I am hopeful and optimistic that I have plenty to offer still, but it breaks my heart that anyone who now enters our lives cannot know them. We have stories, pictures. beautiful things they made. It doesn't make you feel the strength and love of our Grandpa, or the incredible peace that Grandma had, or that unflappable optimism of our Mom. They will just have to take our word for it, which sounds empty when words are so hard coming.