Yes, I am fully aware that I should be studying, but it's difficult to concentrate....I have promised to start back up in a few minutes once I finish this entry.

My Grandma passed away yesterday at 10:25 am (European time). Her name is Mara and she was 78 years old. She has two beautiful daughters, one of them being my mom. She has two granddaughters, my sister and I. Grandma was diagnosed with stomach cancer in beginning of July and this journey for her was a short and difficult one. The most important part is that she is no longer suffering or in pain. This was quite an emotional roller-coaster for my family....this is one of those events in life that no one prepares you for nor is it even possible to do so.

Grandma is gone, but she has left a valuable lesson that we would be foolish to disregard. She was a strong woman, in all possible ways considered. She was of strong will, character, and body, which she showed into her devistatingly progressing disease. Grandma was tough!!!! anyone that knew her was well aware of that! But she was also gentle and loving.

I recall close to 80% of my childhood memories that are tied to her and some experience by her side. That woman loved and cared about many people...and I feel special to have been one of those in her life. I was her first grandbaby....she was in Germany at the time, but once she knew that I was getting ready to get out, she hit the road running. She was there to take be home from the hopsital a couple of days later....she was there from the beginning! Now she already saw me as her Doctor of Chiropractic. She trusted her body into my hands, even when I was first learning to start adjusting, she let me practice. I was afraid....she was petite and I tried to be so gentle with her, but she was tough!!! And I helped ease some of her aches and pains. That was incredible! She already saw me as a Doctor that I am aiming to be 2 years from now. And I promise to keep my end of the deal to get there in her honor! I want her to be proud; even though, I know that she already is. Thank you for believing in me, when I wasn't quite sure that I did!

There are so many memories....all of them special in their own right....summers at the beach, sledding, playing in the garden, picking cherries, chucking corn, sleepless nights watching TV, singing, dancing, etc. It's wonderful to have all of these to look back on. She was one special lady, such an inspiration, such a teacher and a student. Over the last few days, I've been trying to figure out how come I don't look like her, but then I dug up a picture from 8 summers ago, and I finially realized it....I've got her hair, her chin, her boobs, and her heart!!!! Thanks, Grandma (Pete definitely agrees)!!!! :-)

So, I will continue to honor & remember my wonderful Grandma, who set an incredible example of a strong woman...thank you for everything you gave us! I know you are watching over us! WE LOVE YOU!!!!!

P.S. I am particularly grateful for all of the awesome people in my life who have show their support and love over the last few weeks, and especially over the last few days, with everything they have said and done for me and my family! Just another way to celebrate Grandma! Special thanks to my one and only Pete and Jake, Scott & Elizabeth, Eve & Mike, Laura & Matt, Dede, Dr. Jeff & Laura, William, Steve, Robin, Joe, Erika, Brent, and many others! I love you all!!!!