goodbye...

long before september 11, 2001, the date was a happy one for my family. it was not only my grandmother's birthday, but also her and grampa's wedding anniversary. for as long as i can remember, september 11 is a date that was celebrated in our house.

even though my gram has been gone for almost 14 years, september 11 is a day that i still mark to celebrate the life of a woman whose impact in my life has been immeasurable. and even now, there is rarely a week that goes by when at least once i don't wish i could pick up a telephone and hear her voice on the other end of the line. usually, on her birthday, i write a letter to her in my journal.

but not today.

this morning, my mother called to tell me that my grandfather's battle with dementia and many other illnesses ended last night, a few short hours before what would have began another anniversary without my grandmother. in the near fourteen years since gram went away, there wasn't a day when gramp didn't want to leave this life to be with her. every time i spoke with him, he made that abundantly clear.

but while my heart is heavy, and so sad tonight, i cannot help but love that after so many anniversaries apart, my grandparents are celebrating together today, this time with their God as the host of the party.