Grandma Tingey

This last week, my Grandma Judy Tingey, who has been battling breast cancer for a very long time, passed away. It is the first grandparent I have lost and it was very sad. I always think it is interesting when someone dies, that the family and friends often remember their loved one as a saint. They immediately forget all the annoying, stupid, hurtful things that they did when they were alive, and remember only the good things and good times. I think it is a lesson of what is really important. However, with my grandmother, she really was the nearest thing to a saint that I can think of. She was a wonderful example of unconditional love, patience, kindness, and cheerfulness and the stories that exemplified those qualities that were shared at her funeral were not an exaggeration of her. She is lovely.

I knew she was in the hospital when I was in Newport Beach last weekend. And when I was on the ferris wheel at Balboa Fun Zone, I remember feeling like she was there with me. I could see her smile and was overwhelmed with a feeling of her love and a deep sadness. When I got off, my eyes were full of tears and my phone had a new text message from my mom. She had just passed on.

I have an unbreakable belief that life continues after this one, and that you will see and be with your loved ones again after this life. And I can imagine my Evan meeting my Grandma for the first time, and that is a beautiful thought.