Here's to laptops!...

I've been sitting here for ten minutes trying to decide how to start this post. Then, remembering that I'm one of the only three people that actually read this, I've decided that perfection isn't really necessary. So, for the other two of you, I apologize in advance if this is a little all over the place.

Although I'd never wish cancer on anyone, I'm finding myself selfishly grateful for the time I've been able to spend with my grandma this week. Beppie was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer around a month ago and is now staying in hospice care in Indianapolis. Luckily the facility is just down the hall from my grandparent's apartment so my Grandpa has been able to make daily visits easily. Their apartment has also become "home base" for my mom and uncle who have been able to take time off of work (and/or work remotely) to help as much as possible. So, if the apartment is "home base," Beppie's hospice room has become the "remote office." With our laptops in hand, Uncle John, my mom and I have been taking turns sitting at Beppie's side to make sure she's always safe and comfortable all while squeaking in some work, and facebook time, on the side.

Our impending cross country move almost made my visit here impossible but luckily I have an extremely supportive and productive husband. Bobby being around to take care of the dogs and continue to finish up the packing is what has allowed me to not only be here physically, but mentally. (Insert wise-crack about my normal mental state.) This is the most time I've ever spent with Beppie and certainly the most one-on-one time we've ever had. She is asleep most of my "shift" but the afternoons have been filled with great conversation. Yesterday, Beppie, my mom and I shared a moment that I will never forget. Beppie asked about her cancer, where it was and what it all really meant. It's not the first time she's heard the news but I think it's the first time she really took it to heart. There were many tears shed between the three generations in the room but they were all tears of love. God has given us a very special gift of being able to say all of those things that we always meant to but never got around to saying. It doesn't make this time any less sad, but it definitely has given me closure and a certain amount of peace. I didn't get a chance (or was too young, or didn't take the time) to talk to my other Grandma, Audry, like this before she died so I think I'm making up for lost time...

So, before I get myself crying, I'll wrap this up. Here's to laptops! I may be on mine WAY more than necessary, but this little guy has enabled me to work remotely so that I can live and love close to what counts...my family.