Originally Posted by Ellis D.

we need to make the wheels out of pizza.

Originally Posted by Governor

Time Bandits!



What's wrong with you people?

Originally Posted by Ego Tripping

At this point, Democratic or Republican, theres no way the establishment will let anything less than a total war monger into the oval office.

It's the American way.

Originally Posted by J - Wonder

-"terror free since 2003"

Originally Posted by AnimalLover420

By my age, most people have dealt with the loss of a grandparent. In fact, many of my friends don't have any grandparents left. I have been lucky to make it this far without knowing what it's like to lose someone who helped raise me. Until this morning, that is, when my dear grandmother passed away. Her health has been declining for years now. I've been trying to mentally prepare myself, knowing what was coming. She's been in such bad shape lately that my heart skips a beat when I see a call coming in from my dad, scared that he might have bad news. Then today, on my way out the door to go to work, I got the message that she's gone. I have a ridiculously strong work ethic and was attempting to still go in when my husband stopped me and pointed out that I was a blubbering mess and there's no way I could make it through the day like that. So he sat with me and let me cry it out.

I'm not sure what my goal is with this thread. Perhaps if you have any words of wisdom on how to deal with the loss of someone who helped shape you, that would be appreciated. Love and kindness are always welcome too. And maybe if you guys don't mind, I could tell you a few of my favorite things about her?...

- I have my grandma to thank for the fact that I could never settle for being a ditzy woman. She pushed me very hard to do well in school and to seek knowledge outside of school as well, because she thought each person should see the inherent value in learning.

- Every time I have my nose in a book, I am fulfilling the example she set for me. She was an avid reader herself, and from the time I first started reading she nourished that quality in me. To this day, one of my favorite things to do is get all wrapped up in a good book.

- Many people in my family are racist and say insensitive things. She never took part in that. She had a very pure soul and never once did I catch her saying anything negative toward any group of people. I admired that about her from an early age and I think she helped me escape any unnecessary hate that I could have allowed myself to harbor.

- My grandma taught me the value of being a lady. When I was young, I thought her opinions were dated. And I don't follow all of her beliefs in this respect (those of you who know the kind a language I use will understand). But I picked up certain lessons and have incorporated them into who I am. For example, I'm not a fighter. I will probably sound old-fashioned and possibly a little sexist for saying this, but I think a woman's job is to be sweet and nurturing to others, not to buck up and throw punches. I don't belch at the dinner table or play with my phone while having a conversation. I used to fight her on some of these things, but I've noticed her influence in parts of my personality and I think sometimes it's okay to be old-fashioned.

- She was very "live and let live". Some of my religious family members freely expressed their disapproval when my husband and I lived together before we were married. I never let their opinions sway my decisions, but I also got sick of hearing it. My grandma always made me feel loved and accepted. She let me live my life the way I chose without ever reprimanding me for the choices I made. I will always be thankful for the fact that I could talk to her about anything and know that she would listen and offer any encouragement I might need without judgment.

My grandma was a sweet, lovely woman who gathered many loyal friends throughout her lifetime. I hope I can live my life in a way that would make her proud. She lived a long life and died peacefully, and I know I should feel blessed for those reasons but it's still very shocking to know I won't see her again in this life. Thanks, friends, for letting me talk about these things with you all.