We are a family! I got all my sisters with me!

This week I have retreated to Abilene, Texas. Never heard of it? Justifiable. It's even more uneventful than Bryan-College Station. But I don't go there for cultural attractions and crazy nightlife, I go there to get back in touch with who I am and where I came from.

My grandma lives in Abilene, next door to one of my uncles and his family. My other uncle and his corresponding fam live in Lubbock, which isn't too far from Abilene. So, for the past 21 years of my life, a couple times a year my family (used to be mom, dad, and bro, but now my mom is left out of it) makes the trek (approx. 4.5 hours from SAtown) to Abilene to see everyone.

So many memories have been made here. And almost all of them involve my grandpa. It's hard to believe the impact he's had on this town. We can't walk into many stores or restaurants without someone saying how much they loved and miss my Grandpa. He was a silly and gregarious person, as well as a kind soul with infectious blue, smiling eyes. Five months after his early death, I still have trouble thinking about him without wanting to sob.

My grandma has handled it well, but it's clear how much pain she is in. She talks about him all the time, mostly telling funny stories but occasionally remembering a touching memory that causes her to break down. Yesterday was her birthday, and she was greeted by a surprise visit from my brother and my Lubbock uncle. I thought she was going to have a heart attack. Last night, eight of us were gathered in the living room after she had opened presents and we passed around newly discovered pictures of my grandpa when he was in high school and when he was entering the service. Grandma told the story of how they met. I LOVE that story. It was such a comforting time, to be around people you have known your entire life and share both joyful and tearful memories. Crazy as they are, I love my family.

The purpose of this post is to encourage you to sit down today and look at what you have and the people who love you. Cherish the moment. My life philosophy for the past year or so has been to just live in the moment, and truly experience every moment as sincerely as you can. Being in the house of a lost loved one reminds me why.

So, in the words of Jason Mraz: Live high. Live mighty. Live righteously.