Grandma Swenson-Butler has a tumor in her stomach that has been growing non stop...her abdomen appears to be nine months pregnant ...and counting... due to her very large tumors. It is hard for us to watch her go through so much pain and discomfort. I will continue enjoying her while she is with us. I have very fond memories of my grandma who once lived across the street where I grew up, I love the advice she gave me, the warm arms that embraced me and the kind, patient loving example she has shared over the many years I have known her. My amazing grandma has always had a room just for genealogy...what a passion she has for it too! When she moved into an assisted living a few years ago, with two rooms...she chose to have her bedroom in the kitchen area and the bedroom was made into her very own genealogy office....I adore her for her passion! Go Grandma! My grandma has always been there for me when I needed her...I cleaned her house several years before college....starting at the age of 11. This woman taught me about makeup and shared much of her own. I love listening to her stories and can't seem to give her enough hugs!
The loss of a Best friend
Today was a hard day...My mom lost her first cousin and her dearest best friend. Julie Larsen has been my mom's friend ever since I have known my mom. Julie even dormed with my mom in college...they shared their lives together and I have seen so much goodness come from their great relationship. Julie died from the same disease that my mom has...pulmonary fibrosis. Julie was a remarkable lady and she will be missed dearly. During her last days, my mom helped her do mountains of wash that piled up, she helped take care of her, she washed and styled her hair. I love the bond that these women had. I know my mom will miss her tremendously. I am grateful I can still enjoy the time that I can with my mom...even if it is during trials such as these...what a great blessing it is to be able to share the good and bad times. As long as it is together. My heart is full of gratitude for the people that come and go from our lives...the people that nurture us and lead us along the way....those that love us and stand by our sides throughout this journey.
Being together...makes the journey
Mom, Brooklyn, Me & Brittney
