A Bittersweet Birthday

I'm not one to get sad when my birthday rolls around each year.

I don't declare it "birthday week" either* though. 

The one constant on that day the past 31 years? 

Sharing it with one of my favorite people. 

Don't get me wrong. 
I'm happy, have a great job, family and friends. 
I'm doing pretty well out here in Philly. 

This is my first birthday without her

and it feels lonely knowing we won't 

talk and laugh together on our shared day. 

Mamaw, 

I know you're smiling down at me and sending *hugs*

Happy Birthday and I miss you. 

So much. 

***To any friends who do "birthday week",  I'm not judging in the slightest. 

I love celebrating with you! 

I get by with a little help from my friends...

I'm definitely in the need of a cheer up this week. 

Here are a couple of things making me happy! 

1. Berlin. 

Only 4 more wake-ups until I jet off

to meet Anthony and spend 10 days exploring! 

It couldn't come at a better time. 

Photo credit and info

2. The outpouring of love and support for our family. 

Thanks to everyone for sending prayers 

and love as we grieve this loss. 

It's not been easy, 

but all of you have made it so much better. 

One of my fav paintings we have of Sue's. 

The title? 

Box Turtle. 

Love it. 

3. This video. 

I'm not a Mumford & Sons fan, 

but this video is pretty rad 

and added some sunshine 

to an otherwise gloomy day today. 

Make sure to watch to at least the 1:15 mark :-) 

4. Friday night video game night with friends. 

...and chips...

...and beers...

...and cheese...

Sometimes the best way to cheer up 

is by getting your booty kicked in Mario Kart all evening 

and then getting up early the next day 

and taking the pup on a long long run. 

Thanks again friends. 

xoxo

-kb

Home

The storm has cleared, 

the rained has stopped, 

and my grandma Sue has gone home. 

Mamaw Sue...

You taught me how to paint, 

to dance the Jitterbug, 

and were always there to laugh with me. 

We share a birthday. 

We went to Pacer's games and

drank Hot Damn shots in the hotel after. 

We yelled at Hoosier basketball together. 

We are such kindred spirits. 

But your time here with us grew short. 

So we held your hand. 

We laughed and cried together.

We said goodbye. 

And now you're at peace. 

Please pray for our family as we celebrate 

this amazing woman who lead a long and joy-filled life.