Testosterone Fridays

Looking Up to Her

Grandma's funeral was yesterday. That seems like such a dreary term to me - it's a celebration of someone's life! And with all the celebrating that took place yesterday - I'd say G-M'as funeral was more like a party! There are countless reasons we look up to her.  I was not able to be there, but I rest in gratefulness for being there to help care for her in those last days. I will always remain confident she went in peace. And, my presence was there yesterday in the program design. When my Grandfather passed away, G-Ma designed his headstone using an Irish sweater of theirs. I created the same Celtic weave (or as close as I could get!) for the border of G-Ma's program, along with some other touches. Many people were there to celebrate her and her accomplishments. My mama was approached by other women, informing her that it was G-Ma that got them the job that they still held today, decades later. G-Ma was a pioneer of her time, where women working out of the household (holding positions previously only held by men) was a new concept. And not one accepted by many. This is just one of many legacies she leaves to her community, city and nation. 

Many of the guests yesterday (and the stories they brought along with them), are proof that she lived a life of substance. Of impact. Of change. There was no sitting on the sidelines for this woman. It is clear that she fought for what she believed was right, and against what was corrupt - and did so graciously. It was simply a "these are the facts" type approach she had. Yep, she was actually arrested for "Disruption of Congress," but watching the videos and the many nationally aired interviews following, it is only more evidence of her fact base driven approach. 

My Uncle Dave is a writer for the Washington Post and ESPN. You may have heard of the Dan Snyder commotion; Yes, that was my uncle. He also happens to be good friends with White House Press Secretary Jay Carney. They are in a band. Jay was alongside my family yesterday - and it appears again today. When calling to check on Uncle Dave and hearing that Uncle Dave was feeling down - he tracked him down at the coffee shop where Dave was writing (this is the same coffee shop we met at on our visit). But it wasn't just Jay that came to comfort him. Barack Obama came too. He came to express his condolences to my Uncle. This just confirms the significance in my Grandma's intent to keep/make/renew this country as it was meant to be. And for one more fun note - apparently Obama is requesting that he be let into the band ;)

Please see my pictures below. They are important to me ;)

Also! Check out the entry in the WH press briefing from yesterday.

A beautiful but hard departure!

Waking up to the sound and sight of snow piles blowing off your roof is pure awesomeness! 

We 

rode along with mom to old town alexandria  

this morning

and had the best time. Old Town is one of my faves and we didn't have enough time to visit when rob and I were here a few weeks ago. This was the best way I could have spent my last few hours here. 

great conversation over coffee, a walk through the torpedo factory art gallery, waterfront park marina and a wonderful lunch at chart house. now its time to go:(

Grandma

So much to say. But for now, pictures will have to speak our celebrating you today. This morning was precious. These last few days were precious. The millions of stories I've been able to tell and hear about you over these last few days are priceless. We love you!! You went to be with our Lord this morning and sent us some beautiful entertainment!

An American View

American Airlines, that is...

Tyler:

To Dallas: