9 months

it’s been nine months since my sister went to heaven.

Nine months without hearing her laugh, seeing her smile, or feeling the comfort of knowing she was just a phone call away.

I still struggle to wrap my head around the fact that she’s truly gone. Some days, the grief comes crashing in like a wave — an unexpected reminder that she’s not coming back, that I can’t share the little moments with her anymore. Birthdays, holidays, even ordinary days feel different now. Her absence is constant.

She wasn’t just my sister — she was my best friend, my confidant, my safe haven. She had this beautiful way of making everything feel okay, even when nothing was. Her laughter, her love, her strength… they still echo in my heart every single day.

There’s a part of me that feels incomplete without her. Grief doesn’t follow a schedule, and some days are harder than others. But I find peace in believing she’s at rest, smiling down on me, still guiding me through the storm — just like she always did.

I miss her more than words could ever express. But I carry her with me — in every lesson she taught, every memory we created, and every ounce of love she left behind.

Nine months ago, heaven gained someone extraordinary. And while my heart still aches, I’m forever grateful for the time we shared. I’ll continue loving her, missing her, and honoring her for the rest of my life.

Until we meet again, sis… I hope you know how deeply you’re missed and how fiercely you’re loved.

Next month, I’ll be with your babies. I’ll love on them, spoil them, and tell them stories about you — so they’ll always know the amazing woman their mama was.

Happy 1st Birthday to My Precious Grandbaby!

 Happy 1st Birthday to My Precious Grandbaby!

Today is a day filled with so much joy, love, and gratitude as we celebrate the first year of your life, my sweet grandbaby! It's hard to believe that a whole year has passed since you came into this world, bringing light and happiness to everyone around you. From the moment you were born, you captured our hearts in ways words can't even express.

I remember the first time I held you in my arms—your tiny fingers wrapped around mine, and your innocent little face just shining with curiosity. It feels like just yesterday, yet here we are, marking a full year of your beautiful journey. Watching you grow, discover new things, and share your little giggles has been the most magical experience.

Your first year has been filled with so many milestones. From your first smile to your first steps, each moment has been a gift. You've already shown us how strong, bright, and full of joy you are, and I can't wait to see all the amazing things you’ll continue to accomplish in the years ahead.

To my sweet granddaughter, thank you for making my life so much richer. Your laughter brightens every room, and your hugs make my heart melt. You're a blessing beyond measure, and I am so grateful to be your grandparent.

As you blow out your little candle today (with a little help, of course!), know that my love for you will always be limitless. No matter how much you grow, you’ll always be my precious little one. Here's to many more birthdays, memories, and moments to cherish.

Happy 1st birthday, my sweet grandbaby! I love you more than words could ever say. 

With all my love,
Nana

4 Hobbies for Spending More Time Outdoors

 Modern life pushes us to spend a lot of time indoors. During some parts of the year, we’re outside for virtually no time at all. Even during the summer months, we can find ourselves staring at a computer screen all day before making a meal and then hitting the hay.

Yet, while it’s understandable that we spend time indoors, that doesn’t necessarily mean that we should. There are a host of physical and mental health benefits that can come from spending more time outside, including better sleep and reduced stress. 

If you find it difficult to motivate yourself to head outside, then look at taking up a hobby that forces you to get out of the house. We’ve put together a few fun and interesting hobbies below that should do the trick. 

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Hiking

Hiking is oh-so-fun and offers a wide range of benefits. Not only will you be greatly enhancing your physical well-being, but you’ll also be giving your mental health a boost. There’s something about going for a long walk in nature that simply encourages you to forget about your everyday problems and think big. 

Not sure how to get started? Look at joining a local hiker’s group. This is a great way to explore the outdoors safely, and you might even find that you make a bunch of new friends.

Cycling

Going for a hike outdoors is fun for some, but it’s not for everyone. Plus, if you live in a city, then it might not be feasible to do it on a regular basis anyway. In that case, take a look at cycling. Hopping on your bike, rather than getting into your car, is a fun and convenient way to get around, and it’ll also improve your physical health. Live slightly too far away from work to cycle there each day? Then take a look at the best electric bikes to buy; they allow for much longer journeys than traditional bikes, ensuring that you can comfortably travel for up to 40 miles. As well as cycling to work, you’ll find that you’re much more inclined to go for a nice ride on a summer’s evening when you have a good bike to ride. 

Gardening

There’s so much to love about gardening. It’s excellent for your physical and mental health, it gets you outdoors, and, in the case of vegetable gardens, it can even provide you with delicious food. If you have an outdoor area, then look at developing your green thumb. The level of peace it can provide can be game-changing. 

Exercising

Finally, take a look at exercising outdoors. Most people exercise at a gym, but you really don’t need to. Outdoor exercising is a great way to spend more time outdoors and it’ll even save you money. Take a look to see if there are any outdoor gyms in your local area. If there’s not, then simply go for a jog and then do a callisthenics workout. It’ll have you working up a sweat like nothing else — and you’ll be outside! 

8 months

 It’s hard to believe it’s been 8 months since you went to Heaven. Time has a way of passing, yet it still feels like yesterday when I heard your voice, saw your smile, and felt the warmth of your presence. The world feels a little quieter, a little less bright without you here, but I try to find comfort in the memories we shared.

In these months, I’ve learned to carry you with me, not just in my heart, but in the little things – the moments when I catch myself smiling at something that reminds me of you or when your favorite song plays and I can’t help but sing along. Though you're no longer physically here, I know you’re still with me in so many ways.

The ache of missing you doesn’t fade, but I know I have to keep going, honoring the love we had. I still talk to you sometimes, as if you’re just a phone call away, and I like to think you hear me. I know you're watching over us, guiding us, and I take comfort in that.

It’s a strange thing, this feeling of both pain and gratitude. Pain because I miss you so deeply, and gratitude because I got to have you in my life, even if for only a short time.

8 months, yet it feels like a lifetime, and still, the love I have for you grows stronger every day. You’re always in my heart. Always.