life beyond the well…

Tag Archives: Family


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coming to you from Phoenix, AZ

It’s been a long time since I’ve posted on this blog. I’m kind of disappointed with myself for not keeping up with it like I feel like I should. I’ll do better. Really, I will.

So, as the title indicates, I’m writing this entry live from Phoenix, Arizona. I’ve been here since Monday evening (really early Tuesday morning) enjoying Christmas with my mommy and my sisters and my brother. It’s such an interesting experience.

One thing I’ve learned since being here is that I will NEVER outgrow my mom’s cooking, or laying my head in her lap while we’re watching television. Call me crazy, or a big overgrown kid…I say that I’m appreciating the simple things in life.

I’ve also REALLY noticed how much my sisters and my brother are growing up. Obviously, there are the physical changes (way to go puberty), but also having conversations with them and listening to how they process things is amazing to me. It also makes me wonder if I was “like that” at ages 13, 15, and 16. They never cease to amaze me, and I’m proud to have siblings who are so beautiful, so talented, and so giving.

While Phoenix is not “home” for me, this visit has been a reminder that home really isn’t the physical structure- it’s the people you’re with, the memories you share and create, and the unconditional love. A house doesn’t give that, but you can find it wherever you make your home.

Wishing you God’s best….


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One Year Later…

So, today marks one year since the death of my grandmother; and it was a very difficult day. It’s amazing how vivid some memories are. This year has been full of many blessings, as well as many trials; and part of what has been difficult for me is being unable to call my grandmother and talk with her.

You never really realize and understand the true impact that someone has in your life until they are gone. I suppose this can be argued, and that some will dispute this. What I really mean is that I always appreciated having my grandmother in my life, but I didn’t realize how much it affected me. This past year has shown me that.

The worst moments come when I truly acknowledge that there will be events in my life where her presence would be welcomed. Graduations. Marriages. Birth of children. Despite knowing that she’ll be there in spirit, I still want to SEE her. Hug her. Talk to her. I’m sad that I missed out on so much with my grandmother because I was being a selfish, disagreeable child. But hindsight is 20/20.

The truth is that after a year, it seems more difficult at times. Some memories are much more vivid, some regrets are much more prominent. And still, some days I just want to be able to talk to her on the phone…