I’ve been very fortunate to have 5 generations in my family for the past 8 years….Grandma Sandolfini-otherwise known as Grandma Fini or GG (Great Grandma) is currently 88 years old and has 5 Great-Great Grandchildren & 17 Great Grandchildren. She hasn’t been herself for quite sometime- she suffers from dementia and sometimes doesn’t know who we are……..more now than ever. I’ll be the first to tell you, I haven’t gone to visit her nearly as much as I SHOULD. My excuse….life gets in the way or I’m sooo busy……but it’s a horrible excuse really! Having lost a sister several years ago, I know first hand that family is the most important part of what makes us US and it bothers me that I haven’t made the time to visit her more regularly. The smile I got was SOO worth it!

Yesterday, my Mom and I spent the afternoon together and made it a point to go visit Grandma Fini in the local assisted living home she’s been staying. I know that she had no idea who we were but deep down I want to believe that when she was smiling…that even for a split second, she remembered us. Walking thru the halls and seeing the loneliness broke my heart. I’m sure some of the patients get visited often and then others haven’t seen their loved ones in weeks, months and in some very sad cases…years.

With November officially upon us…the month of being thankful….I wanted to start off by saying that I am thankful for having such strong women in my life. Women who endured some of life’s worse challenges but persevered despite it all. Woman who had amazing values and were engrained with such a strong work ethic. Everyone of us has our own story…..and I’m so fortunate to be part of such an AMAZING one.

That’s the smile I always remembered….just with a few more wrinkles! 🙂

Grandma Fini with a picture of her wedding day with her late husband-my Great-Grandfather Leno. Pictures…..they’re worth so much more than the paper they are printed on!

For those of you who haven’t seen your loved one’s in a while….I encourage you to take time of your busy schedule to visit them………..don’t let “life’s too busy” be an excuse. Be thankful for what you have NOW….because you never know how much time you’ll have!