This one's for you, Grandma

I said goodbye to my grandmother yesterday.

She passed away unexpectedly, but peacefully, on Friday, Sept. 26.

She was an angel on earth, who has finally found her way home. A woman who would give and give, and never accepted anything in return.

For me, it has been difficult.

Most memories of my grandmother are from when I was young. She took my family into her home through the most difficult of times. She would take care of me and my younger sisters when we came home from school, while my mother would work to make life better for us.

It was her home that I spent most of my childhood growing up in. In this home, I was always surrounded by family that taught me the values I now carry with me as a man. I remember the loving hugs and kisses that only a grandma can give to her beloved grandchildren.

So as I ran my 5 miles yesterday, the memories of her were still fresh in my mind. After only 2 miles, I could go no further. I broke down. And as I stood there and looked up into the heavens, I remembered the words the pastor said at her memorial service earlier in the day: That no matter what we do now, she will be looking down on us, making sure we are doing good. And scold us when we are not, just as she did in life.

So I bowed my head, put one foot in front of the other, and continued forward.

As I turned west along my running route, I saw the most beautiful sunset. I closed my eyes, lifted my arms, and felt as though my spirit was being lifted. My run felt effortless, and my conscious was clear.

It was the most difficult run of all. But in this very moment, I felt her presence beside God. It made me happy, and gave me the will and the strength to carry on.

For this, I am grateful.

Thank you, grandmother, for blessing us with your time here on earth.

You will always be in my heart.