Meemaw died

my wonderful meemaw passed away at 2am this morning, peacefully in her sleep.
she had been in fading health the last couple of months.
she had just come home from the hospital yesterday.
i'm full of sorrow.

Brownie Irene was born on September 3, 1923.
She was one of ten children.
She smelled like cookies, sugar, and cinnamon buns.
She always wore her hair up.
She had beautiful brown eyes and almost black hair.
I was named Shannon Irene in her honor.
I have so many happy memories with her.

We were called the two irene's or i was called little irene.
she's how i got my southern drawal.
she taught me how make homemade biscuits.
she'd tell me when i was little that buying things is how she showed she loved me.
i told her the same thing when i was older and would try to buy her things.
she never fussed over herself.
she loved her grandchildren and great grandchildren with a deep absolute devotion.

as she aged she remained strong, stubborn, and adamant to be on her own.
in the past two years she had suffered a stroke, a bad fall, and finally a ruptured ulcer.
but i never heard her complain or gripe about her suffering.
she was steadfast in her faith that God would take care of her.
He took one of his everyday angels home today.
Meemaw i know heaven is awesome, but don't forget to remember i'm still down here and i miss you.

love always,
your little Irene!

I love my puggle, Sophie!!!

Soon I will be taking a trip to visit my sick grandma and sadly I must leave Sophie, my dearest beloved granddog behind. I have a neighbor that just adores her and he and his girlfriend agreed to watch her for a couple of days. He has a dog that's 1/2 beagle and 1/2 shitzu (a sheagle???) Her and Sophie play so well together. But I am nervous. I felt the same way when my 2 year old daughter (now 19) went with my parents to visit the same grandma for the very first time and I had to stay behind for college classes.

I have her little case packed. It's got some fave toys, treats, and blankie in it. People keep telling me she's just a dog, but when you live alone and the kid is off at college and only calls you when she needs money, Sophie is my best friend. She tilts her cute little noggin' left then right when I talk to her, Like she wants to understand, and she's listening.

I hope she has fun and doesn't miss me. It's only a couple of days. I will miss her so much. I love my puggle Sophie!!!