Ten years ago my Grandmother Marge passed away. I remember the day so clearly. January 12th, a cold winter day, but with an odd twist. There was a thunderstorm. My mom and my aunts and uncles were surrounded by the bedside watching her pass as they prayed. I remember not knowing, but something felt weird. My dad drove me to first grade that day and he barely said a word. After school felt weird too, my parents were not there to pick me up. My best friends mom took me to her house and it was on a school day so it was strange. I remember it being 8 pm and my whole family picking me up. No one said a word, the only thing you could hear is the faint sound of the radio and the cars passing by. We got home around 9 and my mom sat me down on the brown couch in my family room and told me that my grandma passed away.
I did not understand death at the time. All I knew is that I was never going to see her again and that she was in a place that was filled with happiness. Now I understand, ten years later, 17 years old. She is not coming back. If she was here she would be able to support me through my eating disorder recovery, comfort my parents during the hard times and protect my brothers as they are in law enforcement.
If I could see her one more time, I think I would ask about what her life was like growing up and ask for advice on my life. Grandma Marge was an amazing person to get to know. Between giving her grandchildren quarters to go down the street to the candy store or having her wear her favorite sweater her the grandkids name on it or her scrambled eggs I will never forget her.
A word I could use to describe my grandma I have found  within my family. The word is inspire. I see my grandma within my mom as she cares for my grandpa as his health declines. I see my grandma within my brother, Patrick as he joins the police and cares for his community. I see my grandma in my brother, Phillip as he traveled to Honduras to help the people in need. I see my grandma within my dad as he volunteers and helps our community. I see my grandma in myself as I recover from anorexia and find ways to fill my time, such as giving hope to the hopeless. No matter where I go, Grandma Marge will always be found.