I can’t believe it has been six years since my grandma passed. It feels like just yesterday that I received the heart-wrenching call letting me know that it was time to come and say goodbye.

I feel very fortunate that I was able to know her for thirteen years and to have made many life long memories that will forever remind me of my lovely grandmother whom I always keep close to my heart.

Starting when I was five years old, I remember my grandmother coming over the house and spending time with me, and getting me on the bus for kindergarten. There was one day when the bus was super late and she asked my five-year-old self: “Caroline, where is the bus?” I responded with a quick random response of: “grandma, it must in Cranston picking up my friend.” Why I came up with Cranston, I have no idea, however, ever since then this became our little inside joke. I remember her always saying that at my high school graduation she would lean over, whisper in my ear, and ask me again where the bus was. I wish I was able to hear those words come out of her mouth once more last year.

I remember our annual camping trips at Eighth Lake, which was always something that she looked forward to weeks in advanced. She would spend time laughing with family around the campfire, swimming in the lake with her twelve grandchildren (even though she always refused to get her hair wet), and as I got older she took me along with her and my sisters' annual birding trip. I know this was her favorite place, and I love that we carry on the tradition, however, the campground certainly feels vacant each year without grandma.

I also remember the sleepovers that I used to have at my grandparent’s house. As a child, I was thoroughly entertained by her, and the games that we would play together. Whether I was pretending to be the bank teller while playing bank, or playing an actual board game, there was never a moment with grandma where I was unhappy. I wish I could have one more sleepover with her.

While the last few years around this time have been difficult, I am forever thankful that I had someone so lovely in my life. I am so fortunate to be able to look back on so many memorable times together. While I know that her life was cut way too short for her, and for all of those involved in her life, I am grateful that she did not have to struggle for a long time.

I love you very much, Grandma. Continue to rest easy.