You Choose Your Legacy in Small Choices Every Day

Last year, to the day, my grandma passed away. It was the phone call you never want to receive. But when the phone rings before dawn on Christmas Day, there cannot be good news on the other end. Today, I am sharing with you a snippet of her life. It is the same message that I shared at her service.  

This year, in meditation, a received a message from my Grandma. She stood by me while I buried and laid to rest the part of myself that continues to rush and be too busy. As a mom, a business owner, a wife, a daughter, a friend, there is always more to do.  But, rushing is not what we were put on this planet for.  

How do you wish to be remembered? Will others think of you fondly for the impact you made in their life? I hope so.  

If you are ready to move forward, to stop rushing, to get your BIG goals done in a way that feels good and honors who you are, let's talk (include a link to schedule a virtual coffee)  

I hope you enjoy reading about my Grandma as much as I am enjoying sharing her with you.​

Wishing you peace, joy, and light in this holiday season.

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In the year 1920 women were given the right to vote. But before that happened, my Grandma, Jeannette Borden Studley, was born.

She was an amazing woman. Stern - “Respect your Daddy.  Don’t bother him when he walks in the door from work.” “Eat what your mama gives you.” “If you name him Joshua then you call him Joshua”. But you always knew where you stood with her.

Because she knew what family, respect and responsibility meant.

And, that none of those values matter if they do not come from a deep, deep love and connection.

She had three amazing children, George, Donald and JoEllen, before the doctor said, ‘no more’. As she told me, being pregnant didn’t agree with her. But she LOVED babies and children. After raising her three and looking out for others as an aunt and friend, She was nanny to 5 others including my nephew Dylan, earning her the title "Nanny Grandma".

Grandma loved. She could see people where they were, where they were struggling and still see the brilliant person within. She truly had a heart for those in need.

I understand, from others, that she had a southern accent. I never heard it. Just her voice.

Always put together.Her hair was done, lipstick on, dressed.

And her smile. Nearly always present. She came up with the most unexpected things to surprise you and make you laugh. You will remember, or see in the slideshow, that mischievous twinkle in her eye. The humor gene runs strong in our family.

She traveled and loved the outdoors and wildlife. Because of Grandma, I tried to save the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge when I was 12 years old and I can tell you the names of the birds that come to our feeders. Because of Grandma, I know about the Sierra Club and the Audubon Society.

She loved this country and all it has to offer and not in the love it or leave it mentality. She was well aware of the faults in our history, but she said there was no need to travel abroad when there was so much to see right here. When my grandparents retired for the first time, they spent years traveling across the US and exploring.

My grandparents adopted a vegetarian lifestyle before it was the popular thing to do and ate healthy meals…Grandma shared that she craved a head of iceberg lettuce when she was pregnant... it was never safe to keep Ho Hos in the house. 

I cannot say that I know my friend’s grandparents, but they knew mine. Grandma (and Grandpa) were at every event. They were there for everyday life.
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Even though I knew with my head, this day would come, it felt like she would live forever. She talked about watching her great granddaughters get ready for the prom together while she watched from heaven with a smile on her face. 

She was always there. Ready for a hug.