Almost exactly a year ago, I lost my dear aunt Linda. She was one of the most happy, beautiful, wonderful people I have ever known. She even changed her middle name to Happy.

This week has been heartbreaking and frustrating for me, since it’s brought up so many feelings of the week we cared for Linda, loved her so much, and lost her to cancer. She literally fought till the very end, which made it painful to watch all of her suffering. The morning after she left this world, I started my first craft blog (made possible by a lot of denial and shock). I felt okay. I wanted to pursue my crafty dreams in honor of Linda, who lived life more fully than anyone I know. Even in her final months, she traveled the country and blessed more people than I can count. We talked about traveling everywhere together. I know she would have gone, too.

We said goodbye to her on April 21st of last year, in her pretty house on Tulip Lane. The family was there, we prayed, we cried, she told us all that she loved us, and then she took her last breath. For the past year, I have been remembering that moment and going crazy all too often. I know that grief is different for everyone, but mine seems abnormally…awful. I miss her so much.

Tomorrow, we are having brunch at my grandma’s house and doing family things. My family is beautiful and strong. I’m thankful.