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Grief is a Bitch

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This is one of my last photos of her.  She didn't remember my name, but somehow she seemed to know that I belonged with her.  She held an afghan in her lap gathered up as if she was holding a baby, and she looked at me.  I, probably incorrectly, ascribed meaning to this.  I pondered the days that I was that small baby she held, soaking in the love and care that a grandmother imparts to her granddaughter. Growing up, I trusted her more than I trusted anyone.  I loved her more than I loved anyone.  This past year, my patient population has included more women born in 1918 than any I remember before this.  The women who are my patients had very diverse and different lives from my grandma's. One had lived in several places throughout the world and had two daughters in her 40s.  My grandma grew up on an Amish farm, married in her 20s, and had nine children. Nonetheless, spending time with them during our visits makes me feel as if I've had a few more minutes with her.  That&#

Introduction

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Some of you may remember my previous blog from my adventures in Europe in 2011. Welcome back! If you remember the journey from that awesome trip, going to New Mexico, back to Texas, and through that nearly fatal car wreck, I really appreciate you for giving my voice a platform.  I’ve been quiet in the blogosphere for a few years as I’ve been in a personal evolutionary metamorphosis. If you have understood my views on any subject, they’ve probably changed. Those of you who follow me on Twitter know me as the character, Jemma Scout.  I derived the name from characters from my favorite novel: To Kill a Mockingbird, Jem and Scout .  It’s a tip of the hat to characters who display social justice in the sense of doing the right things and observing equality and human rights for all.   My blog address: mattiesgranddaughter.blogspot.com is to answer the question for those who will come to ask, “Who do you think you are?”  I am the product of those who came before me.  My strength