Alice Dean

As you're reading this, I'm en route to Louisiana. And while one might think it's a simple Spring Break trip, that's simply not the case. 

And if you've been reading here for more than five seconds, you know that I adore this woman. Dearly. My grandmother is one of my favorite people on the planet. Hands down. We are alike in soooo many ways, which can lead to feisty conversation, but there's just no way to express in words what she's meant to me over the years.

Long after we moved to Texas, I headed back to her house for every holiday and summer vacation. This went on for years. And there are more memories - good ones! - from those days than I can summarize. Just know that time holds a special place in my heart.

Also, she loves my girl. Fiercely. As did my grandfather. One of the things I'm most thankful for in life is that he was able to meet Taylor. She was about 18 months old when he passed away but I can assure you there was no greater light in his life. 

Nor has there ever been a great-grandmother who has been more in love with a child than she is my Taylor.

So that brings me back to the trip. Tomorrow she'll be having open heart surgery. Triple bypass and valve replacement, to be more exact. (And, no, that doesn't mean I'm announcing my home is up for a nice robbery because Tonto and the girl are not traveling.)

Though the miles may be long and distance cause strain on any relationship, there's no one I love more than this woman. Maybe equally but definitely not more. :-)

So, if you're the praying type, I would love for you to join me in the request that all will go well. Smoothly. Perhaps even better than anyone could ask or imagine.

Some things you just can't put into words. And the importance of the next few days - for me - is one of those things. So hug the ones you love. And never take a day for granted.