this too shall pass.

Day 16 - A picture of someone who inspires you.

 I have been very lucky to have had a very close relationship with all of my grandparents and each of them inspire me in different ways. One common characteristic that is common within all of my grandparents is their strength. Mum's parents have been permanent fixtures in my life. Never missing a birthday, Christmas concert, Ballet recital. They've always been so supportive of me. Always have words of encouragement that help me to find strength within myself. My Nanny and I are both Pisces. We connect on an entirely different level to everyone else in the family. It may be the dreamer in us both, but I cherish that connection that I have with her. 

Nanny, Grandpa, Mum and I - March 2010

It's ironic that this post falls on the one year death of my other grandmother on my Dad's side. Although she is gone, she still inspires me everyday. For those of you who are reading this and knew my grandmother, you know that she was an influential part of my life. Like Mum's parents, she was also a permanent fixture. I remember being walked to the bus stop every morning by her when I was in kindergarten. Spending countless Christmases and birthdays together. My favourite was our New Year's trips to the USA where she would stay up late with Kendall, Alex (a close family friend) and I. We'd watch movies, dance parties, eat junk food and even a little champagne at midnight. 

Growing up, I always turned to her for advice and help. She used to sit and listen to me for hours about my dreams, my concerns, my love life (or lack thereof)... "this too shall pass" she would say to me.

I've spent the day going about my regular business. I had a job interview. I window shopped on Regent Street. I think of her everyday, but today I spent the day remembering her. Her smile. Her laugh. Her delicate hands when she would search through her purse looking for her glasses... 

I walk around London and wonder what she would say. What would she think of me now? I know deep down she would be proud that I persevered. I couldn't have done it without those words in my head. I repeat them to myself whenever something goes wrong... or when I feel like the world around is crashing down... "this too shall pass" ... "this too shall pass". And she was right. It does pass. As time goes on... things get easier. I am so grateful to have these strong people in my life because they inspire me to be strong. To persevere and strive to be who they know I can be. 

I have been truly blessed.

Kendall, Grandma and I - Easter 2007

 
here is the deepest secret nobody knows
(here is the root of the root and the bud of the bud
and the sky of the sky of a tree called life;which grows
higher than the soul can hope or mind can hide)
and this is the wonder that's keeping the stars apart

i carry your heart(i carry it in my heart)