the hardest part of living overseas

Adjusting to a new cultural environment, making new friends, and attempting to learn a new language are all difficult things that come with the expat package. You prepare for these things as best as you can then pretty much wing it and hope for the best once you're there.

The hardest part of it all is losing a loved one back home and not being able to surround yourself with family. On the morning of August 3rd, her 84th birthday, I lost my Gram as God decided to call her home. She was a short lady with a jovial heart. I'm thankful to hear that she had celebrated her birthday on Saturday with some family and had some family staying out at the cottage with her over the past week.

Going to Gram's as a kid meant tricycle races in the park, a walk down to the candy store for fake cigarettes, and holidays trudging through snow to the bowling alley. She had a fondness of apples, dogs, M&M's, and plants. Her love of the cottage and lake has been passed down to the next generations. I have many fond memories of her but I know that the last few years have brought loneliness and memory loss. I love that she has shed her old and ailing body for a new one in Heaven. 

I am so thankful for knowing her and having her as family. I wish I could celebrate her life among others who knew and loved her as well. Sending my love to Holland.