I wasn’t sure how or when I wanted to share this more personal story with all of you or if I wanted to share it all, but after this week today feels like the right time to do it. Last Saturday my grandmother passed away suddenly and unexpectedly. She was 86 years old. At 86 you’d expect most people to have some illnesses they’ve overcome or some ailments, but this just wasn’t the case. When she passed on Saturday, it was the first time she’d been in a hospital since she gave birth to my mom and her brother. At 86 years old, my grandmother was still going to the gym and working 3 days a week, sometimes for 12 hour days as a psychologist. Not because she had to, she could have retired 20 years ago, but because she wanted to. She grew up poor in a co-op in the Bronx. Despite having nothing, she put herself through college and pursued a career in Psychology eventually getting her doctorate. In the 1950s, this was not the typical path for a woman. Truthfully, we didn’t have the type of relationship most grandchildren have with their grandparents. She wasn’t one to spoil us. She was very practical and direct. An avid reader of my blog she’d often send me feedback about things she liked, and the things she didn’t. She also had a great sarcastic sense of humor. This week at her memorial, I was surprised to hear some of the stories from her patients and people she’s helped over the course of her life. We learned that several years ago she started a support group for grandparents who had custody of their grandchildren because of incarceration, addiction, or other reasons. A few years into the group, one of the grandparents fell ill and while they were in the hospital, one of the grandchildren accidentally set fire to their apartment, it burned to the ground. They had nothing left. My grandmother rallied some friends and furnished an entire four bedroom apartment for them. Over the years she’s helped them along the way. They still live there today. The woman who told this story said she did this anonymously. She didn’t want anyone to know. It’s hard when someone who you thought would always be around is all of a sudden gone. So many things you wish you could’ve done or said. Unfortunately sometimes, there are no do-overs. So don’t forget to do and say the things that are important to you. Let go of grudges. Be a little kinder, a little more generous, a little more compassionate. A little bit goes a long way.
xx Jess
If you’re looking for something to buy, try, read, share or pin, we’ve got you covered. Here’s the best of the week…
Jess (J) & Caylin (C)
The French know red meat (among many other things) and this recipe for steak au poivre has me reminiscing to a filet I had in France, I swear the red meat there tastes different! (C)
Really enjoyed some #realtalk in this video from Marie Claire featuring four women who are kicking ass in their respective industries.
For some garden inspo, follow Floret Flowers. You’ve probably seen their infamous image of buckets of flowers in a pickup truck on Instagram.
In case you’re planning a getaway with your bff.
When Joe Biden our former VP meets Joe Biden the golden retriever puppy, cute things happen.
Um guys, have you seen these tiny envelope paintings? ::Heart eyed emoji::
Am I behind on the times? Or has this been around forever and I just didn’t know? Roku has a travel stick so you can stream your favorite shows when you travel. My business trips would be so much better with this. (C)
If Prince Charming and Cinderella had a modern day home.
If you want to watch a great doc-series, try Netflix’s Chef’s Table: France. The first episode on Alain Passard and his all veggie cuisine had me fantasizing about going to France to see his organic gardens in person. (C)
An interesting look at how society encourages working till you drop, but should you really have to do that to get by?
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