Day 6

Today I am thankful for grandparents. Though my grandparents are no longer living, I still hear their voices guiding me through my days. At church this morning, all those from our parish who passed away this past year were remembered by reading their names and presenting their families with beautiful mums. I was shocked by the number of people they remembered and was reminded of others who have passed as well. My friends mother, my co-workers wife, 3 classmates, a student from my school, the list goes on... The one who I think of most often however, is my grandma. She passed away in April this year and I constantly hear her tidbits of wisdom pop in my head. Mostly when I am cooking, or getting dressed in the morning cursing those "Miller genes" that she would remind me ran deep in my veins. Along with her I am reminded of my grandpa. Each time I get in the car I think of him while I drive as he gave me my first driving lesson (and many reprimands following!) and found me my first car. My grandma Mary comes to mind each time I am at church and as I describe to my girls that the highlight of Sundays for me was walking to her house after Sunday school to eat her yummy rolls and spend time with her and my cousins. And though she is not my grandmother, I am often reminded of Marks great aunt Dee. She was one of the neatest ladies I have ever met and she told some of the most amazing stories. These people have all had the most wonderful impact on my life and I am thankful for the path they blazed for me. It makes me smile to know that their namesake will live on in my children...Grace Marie, Emma DeLoras, and Norah Mary.  These three are blessed beyond measure to carry the name and strength of such amazing women.