We woke up this morning to the news that Sam’s grandma had passed away. It was not a surprise, as she’d been in hospice for a short time. She was 94 years old.

After Sam and I were married, I got to meet Gigi for the first time. She welcomed me into the family with open arms, literally. She told me, “In this family, we hug!” Sam and I visited her often and she always had stories to share with us. I loved listening to her. She was like my bonus grandma.

When the kids came along, she loved on them a lot! My kids loved seeing their Gigi. It is not often that a child gets to meet and interact with the great grandparents. Both of our kids were lucky enough to do that!

Gigi was all smiles holding Ella when she was only 6 days old.

She was just as happy to hold 13 day old Andrew.

Despite the noise they made when we went over to visit, she loved watching and listening to them. Every once in a while, Sam would visit and I wouldn’t be there because of work or something. She’d tell Sam to make sure I stop by with her the next time she went.

One of my favorite pictures of Gigi is with Sam at her baby shower.

When visits were over, I always made sure to give Gigi a hug and tell her that I loved her. She always told me she loved me too. Sam and I both had the chance to stop and see her before she passed. We went separately so one of us could keep the kids.

When I went to see her, it was difficult. It took me back to those final hours before my mother passed away. Gigi was more alert, though. She was talking, but much of it I couldn’t make out. I told her that the kids sent their love and wanted her to know how much they were going to miss her. I talked about Ella and she said clear as a bell, “She’s smart!” I agreed with her.

I thanked her for all she has done for us. She then said that Sam and I were “lucky to have each other.” I told her that I was the lucky one and how I couldn’t live with out Sam. She smiled. I asked her if I could pray with her. She took my hand without me asking and I prayed.

Afterward, she started to doze off. Sam’s Aunt Tana came in and sat next to me. We talked a bit and Gigi would occasionally start to say something to us. As I got ready to leave, I again told her that I loved her and told her to say hello to my mom and the rest of the family when she arrived in heaven. She clearly said, “Bye bye” and I kissed her on the forehead. I hugged Tana and chatted a bit with Sam’s Uncle before I left to go to work.

If you would be so kind as to keep my father-in-law, my wife, and her family in your prayers in the days and weeks ahead, I’d appreciate it.

Obviously, this is a pre-hug photo with Aunt Tana and me,

Gigi had a very strong faith and I know that we will be reunited in the future.

See you later, Gigi.