You've come a Long way, baby

This morning Larkin's great-grandmother Mimi passed away. She was a beautiful, extraordinary woman, and it is important that Larkin grows up knowing all the reasons that Mimi was so special. We'll want to tell Larkin all about:

Mimi's storytelling. She loved to tell stories, and we all loved to hear them. At every one of Matt's family gatherings we would sit around Mimi while she told story after story, and everyone would listen to every word she said.

Mimi's memory. Even in her mid-90s she could remember every detail. It was amazing to hear her recall things that happened when she was a small child and cite the exact year, the names of who was there and colorful descriptions that made her stories so fun to hear.

Mimi's independence. She was completely blind for 20-something years but still lived on her own in her house until just a couple of years ago. She would prepare her own meals and weed in her garden and care for her cat Charlie and listen to books on tape she checked out from the library. When she moved into the assisted living home she would walk around pushing her walker through the halls without any help getting her from place to place. Completely blind. Incredible.

Mimi's love. Her heart was overflowing with love for her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and she was so loved in return.

Mimi was lovely and charming and funny and a true lady. She had been through a lot in her long life, but she was always positive. Being with her just made you feel good. I feel fortunate to have been welcomed so warmly into her family.

I know Matt will miss his grandmother terribly, and I will miss her, too.