Grams, age 70, has passed away.  Born as Susannah Josephine Blum in New Orleans in 1949, Mom lived a full life - survived by her son Michael, daughter Stephanie, and five(!) grandchildren - Riley, Claryssa, Reed, Conor, and Paige.   If you were to ask her, THAT IS her proud accomplishment in life.

However, there is a lot more to her story.  She's always had a big heart and boundless optimism.   In High School, she found love and like many women of her time chose to marry and start a family.   She didn't let the fact that there wasn't a happily ever after with her marriage set her back.   With her two young children, she focused on giving them the fullest lives as possible to give them the best chance at success in their lives.  Not intimidated by her circumstances, Mom went back to school and earned technical certifications that helped her on a professional track where she grew into an Office Manager.   Like life, nothing is ever guaranteed and after years at the company she had to overcome the disappointment of a lay off.   Instead of giving in and retire, Mom was determined to carve another career legacy.   She found an opportunity with Edward Jones, committed, and in 2018 achieved a Senior Branch Administrator title  -- something she was very proud of that was rivaled only to her Grand Children.   Retirement?   She saw that as 5 years or more in the future!

As many of you know, her plans came to an abrupt halt at the beginning of 2019 with the brain cancer diagnosis.   Confronted with the prognosis inevitability, she still felt she would beat the odds.  That was Mom.  When making the choice about treatment, she said "I know that the odds are against me, but I've found in life that in making the toughest decisions I am rewarded with the best outcomes".   That was Mom.   She had a great track record succeeding against all odds.  If there was a way to beat this and get another ten years, she was going to find it.    Throughout her treatment, she always kept a bright light toward the future.  Sadly, the battle was too large to beat.

Her loss will be felt.   She was never a passive Mother or Grandmother and has always been very active in her childrens' and grandchildrens' lives.   As the holidays come and go, her absence will be felt.   As each grandchild hits a new milestone/accomplishment, no doubt she will come to mind.   She has been the cheerleader on the sidelines of our lives and we will be taking comfort that she is still watching from up above and testing the patience of all other angels when she no doubt brags about it with her abundance of pride.