RIP Stephanie

On July 11th, I got a call from my mom on the way to the car dealership telling me that my step-grandma, Stephanie, had passed away. We found out she had cancer on April Fool's Day and her diagnosis wasn't very good. We also knew earlier in the week that she probably wasn't going to make it much longer, but when you get that call, no matter how much you prepare for it, it is still so difficult. Of all my grandparents, I can't believe Stephanie was the first to go. She has always felt more like an Aunt to me because of her young, vibrant spirit and up until the shocking cancer diagnosis, she was by far the healthiest. She was such a bright light in my childhood and taught us so much about how important art and creativity are. She loved us as if we were her own grand kids and always made a huge effort to spend time with us. I feel awful that I haven't seen her much in the past few years and the times I did, I regret not taking a photo with her (which is so unlike me). Thankfully, my mom was in Maui and had visited her a few days earlier. She delivered messages from all of us kids and it made her smile, so I at least got to say by to her in a way. I will miss her terribly, but will always keep the memories I have with her close to my heart.