I just got a call from my mom. My grandmother, Helen M. Wise, has just passed away at the age of 93. She had been in failing health for some time after being in two automobile accidents several years ago, and tonight, she finally left this mortal coil to be with her husband once more.

With this, I have no more grandparents. I lost two of them in 1988, lost another in 1993, and now tonight. To say I'm on the verge of tears is an understatement.

But... in a way, I'm not saddened by my loss. Instead, I plan on thinking of it this way: She's no longer in pain and suffering, and she's back with my grandfather, who died over 25 years ago. I'm also grateful that the last words I were able to say to her were ones of love: "I love you, Grandma. Stay strong." She stayed strong indeed, right up to this point. She was a very kind woman, but wasn't afraid to let you know when something or someone pissed her off... including me. I learned a lot from her, and even spent the summers down at her place (she ran a lakeside resort back in the day.) Those memories are irreplaceable to me, and I plan on cherishing them for as long as I can.

To those who are struggling to amend broken bridges with their family members because of extenuating circumstances, I just want to say: Don't wait. Even if they refuse to hear it, at least try. You never know when you'll lose that chance forever. I consider myself one of the lucky ones... I got that chance, and because of it, I know that I'll have absolutely no regrets.

~JaguarMaster