This isn't paradise, but I can see it from here......

...is a common joke around our house and, I'm guessing, around our city because there is a town named "Paradise" just a few miles down the road.

But today "paradise" isn't a town, it's a state of mind.

Skiing with Chloe yesterday was so very good.  The sun was shining, it wasn't too warm or too cold, the snow was fresh (not icy) and we tried a bunch of new runs.  We got on and off the lifts perfectly every time (okay, the chair hit my butt a couple of times but at least I didn't fall down!)  I skiied all day and I'm not even suffering too much today!  The sunshine boosted my mood and my success on new runs boosted my self-confidence.

I can see "paradise" today :)

Dear Grandma

Dear Grandma,

Today is your birthday.  As you know, you would have been 95 years old.  It's only been a few weeks but I'm having a hard time moving on.

I know you were ready to go, you've been talking about dying for many years, but I never really believed you and I certainly wasn't ready for you to go.  It happened so fast.  I'm sorry I wasn't there at the end.  I could have been.  I'm sorry I didn't call or come visit more often.

You gave me so much.  Did you know I notice the way the carpet looks after I vacuum?  I can't stand footprints on it :)  I love to sew and I'm reasonably good at it.  I'm a perfectionist and very independent. 

Life was hard for you.  I know you fought for everything you had and everything you were even though sometimes you didn't have to.  It was just the way you were.  You thrived on the challenges that life presented you.  You were so very social.  I knew you best these last few years when you were softened by age and suffering but your spirit still burned within.  You were strong and amazing and fierce and I miss you.

Happy Birthday.