an earthly good-bye.

Today and tomorrow are two days which are sure to remain in both of our hearts for a lifetime:

{cv} and I will be saying our earthly good-bye to his grandmother, {dv}. 

Diagnosed only five weeks ago with spinal and lung cancer, her body succumbed to her illness

while we were away this weekend at the wedding in Blacksburg, Virginia. Though hearing the

news wasn't easy, it certainly wasn't unexpected. {cv} and I have visited a few times in recent

weeks--and in our last visit, I had a feeling it might be our last. We said the Lord's Prayer before

we left her to fall peacefully back to sleep and it helped bring a smile to my face because I knew

{dv} was completely at ease and ready to make her trip to her heavenly home.

Though my hair in the last two Christmas pictures shows the wear of a long evening, these photos

are some that I know we'll treasure for a lifetime. {dv} brought so much joy to so many--and she

welcomed me with open arms to the {v} family. Her warmness and her ever-constant smile

always made you feel at home. In our first meeting, she told me I was a lucky girl to snag her {cv}...

and, boy, she was right. She and {cv}'s grandfather, {lv}, have provided a remarkable example 

of married love--as high-school sweethearts, lifelong partners and incredible parents.

Since we'll be traveling up to the wake and funeral in New Hampshire today and tomorrow,

there will be radio silence on {long distance loving} until Friday at 12:00am...

when I'll be back for the 25th Friday's Fancies link-up. 

Until then, give your family members an extra squeeze and cherish every moment with them.

Though {dv} wasn't my grandmother by blood, I certainly counted her as one. 

The Lord got a very special angel this week--and I can't wait to see her again one day!

I'll see you all back here on Friday--all of my love, {av}