Happy Birthday Mimi...you will always be in my heart.

My Mimi's birthday was Friday, October 20th. I'd tell you the date, but she'd kill me. Plus, I don't think I even know it. It was always a top clearance kind of secret in our family. :) I know that I'm a few days late in posting this, but to be honest I wasn't sure if I should. I didn't want to make people sad, and it's highly personal to me. For those of you who don't know, Mimi was my grandmother. She passed on a few years back, but my heart has never healed. I have been a bit depressed lately, and have tried hard to lock it away and hide it, but it's not working. So, I thought I would try a little therapy on myself. After all, I WAS a pyschology major :)

I cannot really put into words what Mimi meant to me. I have no idea to show you or express to you what an incredible person Mimi was - Just think of the most amazing person (and I'm sure you are all thinking of women...I mean I did say the MOST amazing person), and then multiply that by 100...that's my Mimi.

I wrote the following eulogy as I sat by Mimi's bedside through her last few days with us. You don't have to read it. If it makes you sad, then skip to the cutesy pictures I posted just a few moments ago. However, if you want to know a little about the most amazing women that I have ever met then read on a little. Hopefully, by sharing a little with you, it will lessen the sadness that I have been feeling.

Have you ever looked into a darkened sky and found one lone star shining brightly in the sky? The strength of this star is so intense that light radiates from every inch – with enough light to guide you and help you find your way back home when you may feel lost or misguided.

The brilliant star encompassing my life is Mimi, and she not only guided me back home, but she taught me how to shine! Mimi has this uncanny way of making the worst of times seem like nothing more than a simple inconvenience with a simple raise of her eyebrow and a smile. She is the source of all of my creativity, as we sat countless hours in her house making crafts and perusing her collection of photo albums. I never tired of the stories and pictures, for as you may know, Mimi has lived a very exciting life!!

It’s hard, given the opportunity, to document a lifetime of memories, laughter, support, inspiration, and meaning behind the strength and power that Mimi’s life has had on my own. She has influenced me and opened my mind and my eyes in so many ways. No matter how much I try to convey my exact thoughts and feelings regarding the impact that Mimi’s life has had on my own, I find myself at a loss to do so.

If you could be me for a moment, living in my heart and my mind you would see not only a loving and dedicated grandmother who supports and loves her grandchild… you would see two friends watching “Golden Girls” together, trying on party dresses and dancing on Mimi’s dance floor, hanging out at the movies, or going on vacations together…

You would see a confidant helping me to survive the tough times, reveling in the good times; someone who listens to me without judgment or pretense with the purest of intentions…

You would see a teacher guiding me down my correct path in life all the while allowing me to choose my own path; never pushing or prodding me in a particular direction…

You would see two women gossiping about boys and life…

You would see a shrewd businesswoman imparting her knowledge, wisdom, and work ethic to a younger version of herself. Mimi was a successful pioneer of her field defying odds by becoming the first female title representative in her area, and top producer at that! Is there any wonder why I strive for the same type of excellence in my life –I have some large shoes to fill…

You would also see a historian providing me with a glimpse into the past, introducing me to past relatives and the richness, beauty, quirkiness and history that makes up our family…

But most of all, if you look deep within my heart and mind you would see a little girl who gazes lovingly at her grandmother with such love, admiration and incredible respect. A little girl who wants to grow up to be “exactly like her Mimi”.

Mimi, I love you so completely! Thank you for the many wonderful memories that you have given me. I am so fortunate to have had you in my life. And although you may no longer walk this Earth, you will live in my heart and my mind forever.