Times Like This

Its times like this when family pulls together, when you realize how short life is, how important people are to you. Times like this get me thinking about the people in my life, loved and lost. Times like this make me wish I was fourteen again, at home, loving life, and untouchable. Times like this are heart-breaking.
I hate times like this.
I've been thinking a lot about the people I have lost recently in my life; its been a rough year and a half. There are so many things that I wish I would have said, would have done, would have told the people that are gone. You can hope that people knew how much you love them, but you really can never tell. Its one of the most tragic things about life: we often do not give people the love and attention they deserve until they are gone. My cousin Kelly has been trying to put together a tribute of sorts for my Grandmom for months now, and my sisters, cousins, and I have been real pains in the ass about it. Yah, I know, everyones busy... but it is something that my Grandmom deserves and it would make her so incredibly happy. Lord knows she could use it, especially in times like this.
So, having recognized the error of my selfish ways, below is a post about Grandmom, and for Kelly:

One of my earliest memories of Grandmom is a Sunday morning when she and Grandfather drove down to our old house on Lightning Lane, bearing donuts, no less! I remember climbing up on the chair next to Grandmom and reaching my little grubby hand into the white box of decadence. Jelly donuts were like gold to me as a child. Grandmom cut mine in half and i proceeded to lick the jelly out, getting powdered sugar virtually everywhere. As I munched away and Grandfather caught up with my Mom and Dad, Grandmom whispered to me, "Tell Grandfather he's full of boloney." "GRANDFATHER!" I shreiked, interrupting, he and my parents. "You're full of boloney!!!" He mocked horror at my declaration. Grandmom laughed. My mom yelled at me.
I will forever associate Grandmom with sweets, which my sisters and I were deprived in our daily lives. Trips to Grandmom's house meant the CANDY DISH: a never-ending supply of jelly beans, mint leaves, and chocolates. Velvetta cheese and ritz crackers. Chocolate milk. When Grandmom would come a stay a few days with us when my parents went away, it was a Tastykake party! No matter what "junk food" my Mom would buy in preparation for her fun arrival, Grandmom still arrived with an armload of sugary goodness. Tastycakes and American cheese; my sisters and I were never happier.
When I collected dolls as a kid, I remember going with Grandmom and my mom to the Doll Hospital to fix a few antiques. When I first became interested in the Kennedys, Grandmom was one of the first to assist my obsession, letting me climb through the den and route around for books. She was the only person who could rival my excitement for Jackie Kennedy dolls.
When I was in college, Grandmom and I had laundry parties (where I'd come over with a hefty bag full or dirty clothes, having all intentions of completing the task in one night, but never finishing the job; she would always finish for me). One night, my roomate Jenny and I came over and we all watched Miss America and tore the contestants apart. Jenny had such a good time she asked Grandmom to move in with us in Manayunk.
Just last summer, when I was working in Chester (God-forbid), I would frequently come have lunch with Grandmom. Those were some of my favorite memories. We got to chatting about Grandfather and Great Aunts and Uncles that I never knew all that well. I loved learning more about her, Grandfather, and my family. Also the photos were priceless.
Grandmom is quite possibly one of the strongest women I have ever met, and I am so thankful to count her as a role model in my life (and especially thankful for her sweet tooth).