Life ain't always beautiful....

But it's a beautiful ride.

Yesterday marked the anniversary of the passing of my Grandpa Tom.

I spent most of my day trying to think of something to write in his honor but

words escaped me. (Don't laugh, it happens occausionally)

While thinking of him I also reflected on the short life of a girl named Amanda Parrot that

also passed away on March 30th a few years after my Grandpa. She lived down the road from me and left this earth long before her time here should have been up.

 In thinking of her I couldn't help but

reflect on all the things I've been blessed with and all the lessons I've learned. I realized that there is no greater tribute to my beloved Grandpa Tom than living life to it's fullest and learning something new every chance I get.

Here's a little of what I've learned in the last decade or so:

I am from Arlington. No matter where I go in life, Arlington will always be "home". It's an amazing town full of amazing people and I thank my lucky stars I get to call it my hometown.

My Dad ROCKS! He's such a great man. I have learned I can count on him no matter what. He may not always agree with me but he will always be behind me in everything I do.

My family really is nuts!! They laugh with me, at me and even at themselves when the need arises. Seeing them from an adult's perspective has taught me when to take life seriously and when to let things go and have fun.

Losing one grandfather taught me to appreciate my Grandpa Dwight so much more. He doesn't see my kids often but he makes the most of the time he has spent with them. I have loved being able to relate to him as an adult and a parent. I wish I could have done that with Grandpa Tom as well.

One of the bigger lessons I've learned is that life can hurt. Bad. Life can just flat out suck. It chews you up and spits you out but you have to move on. Justin Hebert taught me that through his death. He gave his life in Iraq. He went too soon. We weren't BFFs or anything but growing up alongside someone and then knowing that you're never going to see them again ever can really sting. He died at a time when I had a few other losses in my life. I used to sit next to his grave, enjoy the view overlooking some of God's most beautiful creation and ponder my life. It came to me through that unusual therapy that I could get through what I had been struggling with.

Through all it's ups and downs I can honestly say my life is amazing. I know my grandpa would be proud of me. He would be so happy for me knowing that I learned the most important life lesson of all: Happily Ever After does exist!!

If it weren't for my grandfathers and my DAD setting the bar so high I would have never been looking for (and found) a man like my sweet, patient, dedicated husband. We have created a beautiful life together full of love and laughter for our children.

What greater legacy can there be for a grandfather than that?