This morning my Grandmama passed away peacefully. Like so many of her generation, my Grandmama was inspirationally pragmatic. She was also gentle, caring, and had such a heart for her family and her country.

She taught me how to wrap presents (and let me use that $$$ fundraising wrapping paper that we all sold her!) and use cigar tobacco to take the hurt out of a wasp sting. During the summer, I'd go with her to church in the morning and play with her Ouija board in the afternoon. She helped me build a greater love for non-domesticated animals and Breyer's vanilla bean ice cream.

I'll be lucky to live up to her legacy, but a better person for trying.