Grandma Swenson

This lovely lady is my maternal grandmother, Jessie Swenson. She passed away last week, and I miss her. She was the first of my grandparents to pass away despite most of them having pretty serious health conditions for a number of years. For a while there, I thought they'd all live forever.

I was closer to Jessie than the rest of my grandparents. She was always there for her children and grandchildren and always made me feel important. Jessie loved crafts, gadgets, music, writing letters, and laughter - all qualities that have seeped through her children and grandchildren. After my own parents and siblings, Jessie probably had the most influence on who I am today. Case in point, I probably wouldn't have my religious beliefs today if she hadn't insisted that her kids be baptized.

I was lucky enough to be able to fly down to my childhood stomping grounds in Orange County, California for the funeral. It was a beautiful service. I loved seeing loved ones again and I was so glad that I was able to pay my last respects to a wonderful woman.

This was the first time in 15 years that I've been back in the OC; it was a little strange seeing all the places and all my relatives again after so long, but it was a wonderful trip that I won't soon forget. Plus, In-N-Out...need I say more?

This was a display at the funeral. Grandma loved making crafts for everyone and this table contained only a minuscule portion of her work. She made those Christmas stockings for all her kids and grandkids (a tradition my Mom continued forward). After the funeral, I received the original stocking she made for me which I now proudly hang on my wall for the remainder of the Christmas season.

Me and my sibs. We haven't all been together since Christmas 2007. Dan the Man was much shorter back then...and not yet fashionable enough to wear a pink tie.

The 3 Musketeers. It's hardest to get the three of us together, but it's always a good time. Sometimes I wish I lived closer to them, just to make them laugh; they both have excellent laughs.

The original Swenson clan, one last time.