I Loved You

You were there. Always. 

From the first moment I ever inked up a stamp, you were there.

You patiently taught me how to emboss. You smiled at each new creation I made and even fussed over the ones that didn't deserve it. 

Every year we would mark our calendars with a big red heart - Valentine's card making day with Grandma and Becca. I would make a collection of cards and you would be right there with me, across the table making your own. When we were all glittered out and there was simply no more craftiness that could be accomplished, we lined them up one by one, in order of our favorites. 

You'd help me decide which card matched whose personality. Without question, you gave me free reign of your stamps, your finest designer paper, and you always had any tool I could ever imagine - and gave free lessons to go along with them. I swear to goodness, I'll never know how you managed to complete a project with all the times you had to get up to find me that perfect something to finish a card.  

We'd turn on the radio to old bluesy hymns and both sing along while we crafted away. There was no one with a quicker smile or a kinder spirit. I don't know that I'll ever have a Valentine's Day that's the same again.

You were always there to foster my creativity and you were a true family matriarch. You organized themed "card parties" to get us all together, and your intricate coloring and use of dies is something I never could quite live up to. 

At the "Fancy Lady" card party 

At the Mardi Gras card party

You won the mask competition with your flamingo

You were a crafty guru, and never let anything stop you

My forever Valentine.

My Grandma Mead passed away this weekend. My greatest crafting friend and the most amazing woman. You were always the first to lend an ear, or give a needed hug. I loved you. So much. And I'll miss you. I'm grateful to have been able to give you my heart and that you took the time to show me yours. I'm grateful that I didn't just have a Grandma, I had a best friend. Always.