Roses for Rose

It's been a week and a half since Grandma Rose died, and our family is in the process of emptying my grandparents' house for good and preparing it for sale. Over the last week I've been writing and drawing nonstop about my memories of Grandma Rose and Grandpa Andy and how deeply both of them impacted me. It is so very hard to say goodbye, especially from far away, but I try to remember that losing them is not what impacts me, it's my memories of them. One of my favorite memories of Rose was from a couple of years ago, when we were sitting across the table from each other while she colored and I tried to draw her beautiful pysanky, which were displayed as a centerpiece. We talked about colored pencils and enjoyed each other's company for an hour or so. I'm so grateful to have her sense of artistry and color and detail, and my grandpa's interest in storytelling, so I can better bring these memories of my grandparents to life.

I love this photo of us. We're both wearing out favorite flower and we're sitting together on my parents' back porch in Upstate NY.

Below is a bouquet of roses lovingly sent to me by my coworkers.