Life is full of obstacles.
Some hardships are easier to overcome than others, but in actuality, all hindrances are the same; difficult to bear and even more difficult to overcome.
I truly believe that encumbrances can make an individual stronger within a more powerful sense of self-being. My personal experiences have led be to be able to individually attest to this. At the age of thirteen, I had to cope with the passing of my best friend; my deceased grandmother, my Meme.
It has been eight years since we were together. The memories of her departure are sadly, slowly fading. However, the realization of our enduring connection will always stay present in my heart. My Meme was unlike any other woman I have ever met. To this day, I have yet to find a being with equal or greater charisma and generosity.
We shared more than simply a grandmother-granddaughter relationship, we shared an intimate friendship. I would not be the same young woman today, if it had not been for her guidance and moral integrity. I feel so grateful and blessed to have had her as such an influential figure in my young, adolescent life.
Her death was extremely hard to encounter. I had to take recuperating one day at a time. When you lose a loved one so dear, it is hard to face the repercussions of their absence. She died from a second battle with breast cancer. She overcame the illness the first time, but when it returned, she could not defeat it.
She was beautiful, with skin so fine and fair. In the summer of 2007, she flourished and blossomed. In the winter she wilted and shriveled. However, in the spring of 2008, she was unable to bud again. I learned that through leading my life the way she would have wanted me to, and following her teachings, it was easier to fill her void. Following in her footsteps opened my eyes to the opportunities that awaited me, and the ability that I had to make a difference within my own world. I wanted to live life in honor of her, and I wanted to make her proud.
Relay For Life is how I do this. This is not only my way of giving back to the community, but it is also my way of honoring my Meme and proving that I have the ability to make a change. She certainly has been very influential; however, I feel that in a sense, her death has held an even greater impact over my life. I have learned to live life to its fullest and to be appreciative of my family and friends.
My Meme taught me these life skills, and now, I try to lead others with them. My Meme is my inspiration.
Who is yours?