Daisy and the Daily

The greatest woman I ever knew was my Grandma Mary.

She had a heart of gold, an infectious smile, and the strength of a warrior.

She lost two husbands, a fiancé, and a son. She also fought lung cancer.

Looking back, I regret not spending more time with her. Or simply taking the days with her for granted.

She passed away when I was in 5th grade. I was 10 years old.

Of course, I miss our time together but now it's more of wondering how different life would be if she was here.

I wonder if she would be proud of me.

If she would come to my concerts.

If she would read my blog.

I guess we will never know.

Grandma had a list of things she loved. Some of those things included bowling, cooking, doing puzzles, playing cards, and gardening. Her favorite color was green, she always played country music in the house and she loved daisies. But most importantly, she loved her family more than anything.

Her garden in the back of the house used to be filled with beautiful flowers. Now that she's passed, it's just overgrown with weeds. Living in her old house now, I woke up one morning and saw daisies among the weeds. Grandma's favorite.

Perhaps you've seen my daisy tattoo on my shoulder.

If you didn't know what it was for, now you do.

Daisies, for me, are a symbol of strength. They remind me of sweet Grandma Mary and her carefree yet stubborn spirit. She didn't let anything get her down.

There's been a lot of days when I get upset easily or I let my depression get the best of me. And that's when I know exactly what Grandma would do.

She'd give me a hug, offer me some candy (usually jelly beans) and say, "Wipe your tears and let's play cards."

Heaven is lucky to have her beautiful soul.

While daisies mean so much to me, the cross remains as the ultimate symbol of hope.

We all face the consequences of sin. Our struggles (illness, death, heartbreak...insert yours here) can feel insurmountable at times.

And that my friends, is when we look to the cross. Jesus, the Lamb of God, was the perfect sacrifice for our sins. His blood has washed us clean. Sanctified. Made holy in the eyes of our Creator.

Sinners redeemed and now called saints.

Our hope comes in the fact that Jesus has called us by name and has prepared us a place with Him in eternity. These worldly struggles will not last forever.

And that's a daily promise He continues to keep.