Hello loves!

I apologize that I have been missing in action lately. My family and I have been dealing with the tragic passing of my grandmother (Nanny, as my sister and I call her), Louise. My Nanny was diagnosed with advanced liver cancer just a few months ago, but on Monday, July 2 it is believed her heart stopped which caused her to face plant which caused her to break her neck. She peacefully passed on Saturday, July 7. Words can’t express how rough this has been for not only myself, but for the whole family. I know that I had found peace with knowing she had a limited time here on Earth and that liver cancer was going to take her, no one in their wildest nightmares ever imagined this would happen.

I wanted to share with you all a poem. A few months before my great grandmother, Anna, died she came across a poem titled “When I Must Leave You” written by Helen Steiner Rice and she fell in love with it. She requested that it be read when she passed and it was. Over the years Nanny talked about this poem and how much she not only loved it but also loved other poems written by Helen. Today, we will lay her to rest and during her service this same poem will be read.

“When I Must Leave You”
Helen Steiner Rice

When I must leave you for a little while,
Please do not grieve and shed wild tears
and hug your sorrow to you through the years,
But start out bravely with a gallant smile;
And for my sake and in my name
Live on and do all things the same
Feed not your lonliness on empty days
But fill each waking hour in useful ways
Reach out your hand in comfort and in cheer
And I in turn will comfort you and hold you near;
And never, never be afraid to die,
For I am waiting for you in the sky!

xoxo,
Amy