I wanted to do a Summer Solstice post, as it’s always been my favorite day of the year.

It also happens to be a few short days after our anniversary and a few short days before Tom’s tumorversary. It’s a time of great gratitude around here.

When I got word this morning that my grandmother passed away last night, on the summer solstice, it almost seemed fitting. She’s not been doing very well for a long time. Our relationship was, well, complicated at best and this picture from 2006 is the last time I saw her and the only time Abby met her.

Look at how she’s looking at Abby. Mom told me that this picture (or one from this visit) was on her wall when she died. Mom also said this:

If we didn’t have Pat, we wouldn’t have me. If we didn’t have me we wouldn’t have YOU. If we didn’t have YOU, we wouldn’t have Dear Sweet Abby.

So, thank you, Gramma Pat. Truly. I’ll think of you every Summer Solstice and add you to the growing list of all that we’re thankful for this time of year. I hope you find a whole peace now.