My Mamaw (mother's mother) died Wednesday night. She wasn't doing too well in the last few months suffering from dementia. My mother went down there in November to help care for her and I'm glad she got to spend a few months with her mother before she passed, even under difficult circumstances. It's not the easiest news to digest at 9 months pregnant but I'm doing pretty well to try to stay calm and not stress the baby with my grief.

Mamaw was a riot. She was a strong woman who said what she felt, often without filters. She was 89 and just had her 72nd wedding anniversary with my Papaw on Dec. 26th! She was the oldest of 10 kids in her family, most of whom are still living. She had 9 children (8 who are still with us), 26 grandchildren, 39 great-grandchildren, and 8 great-great grandchildren. Yeah, family gatherings are quite the production!

Selfishly I was hoping she would hang on just a little bit longer to see a photo of great-grandchild #40, but she was suffering and I am glad she is now at peace.

She was widely known for her sickeningly sweet 'sweet tea' and one of those women who wouldn't ask questions if some random kid walked into her kitchen asking for food. Her door was (literally) always open and folks knew they were welcome and that Mamaw would always look after them.

Good-bye Mamaw.