Discovery

I recently returned from a weekend trip to Carson City, Nevada. My family drove there Friday and drove home Monday (18 hours round trip not including stops). All to celebrate the 75th birthday of my "Grandma Jar." It was a surprise and we literally took her breath away. No, like literally -- she had to get her oxygen after we jumped out from the side of the house. Don't worry though, everything was fine and she was very happy to see us. ( : We were happy to see her, too.

I cannot describe how wonderful it was to see my family there. My aunt, uncles, cousins, all of whom I don't know very well but would like to know infinitely better. I feel like for the first time, I really bonded with them. We discovered similar interests, learned new things about each other, talked, played, and spent time just being in each others' company. The hours slipped blissfully by and we left with hugs and promises to see each other soon.

But the most wonderful thing I discovered was a part of me.

For the first time, I saw exactly where my laugh comes from. The laugh that pulls my lips back and buries my eyes. Look for yourself;

That is my laugh and my grandmother is wearing it.

She is an incredible woman whom I wish I knew better. But I just discovered that I know her better than I thought I did because I just found a piece of her inside of me and I am so happy that it's there.