"Jubilee" and "I Resolve" by Jen

Here's Jen:

I didn’t have difficulty coming up with a resolution to celebrate Katherine each year, as we just passed a major milestone – the first birthday without her here.  Her birthday fell on Thanksgiving weekend, a time of gratitude but also sorrow as my family misses her so much.  I decided we needed to honor her on her birthday, in a way that would’ve made her smile.  Friends and family all helped prepare and serve a dinner at Jubilee Women’s Center, a local transitional housing facility for homeless women.  It was the kind of event Kath would’ve loved, and we all made sure we were present (as Katherine always was) as we talked to the women.  A perfect way to honor her!

Journaling: For Katherine’s birthday, I needed to find a way to honor her … to turn our grief to celebration.  I planned a group dinner at Jubilee Women’s Center – nearly a dozen friends & family showed.  After a quick speech, we ate our spaghetti dinner and talked to the residents.  This cause was perfect … and I know she was there with us.

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As I have completed these Good Grief challenges, I’ve noticed that the pictures I do have of my Grandma are few and far between.  The ones I do have are posed; there are no casual pictures.  So many memories of Grandma are from the little moments, and since I don’t have these pictures, I want to make sure I take more pictures in the future.  Life’s too short … I want to document the little experiences, not just the major events.

 
Journaling: To take more pictures just because, to document the little moments, to capture candid shots, and to not worry what others think.  I wish I had more pictures of Grandma, but I cherish these ones.