Betsy Bailey

I woke up Wednesday morning to learn that my grandmother had died in the night. She was 81 and has struggled with health problems for many years, but, still, this particular crisis was unexpected and everyone was taken by surprise.

So over New Year’s, Scott and I are headed out on a whirlwind trip back to my hometown in Ohio for her funeral. It doesn’t feel real to me yet – that she’s gone from this earth – but I guess it will hit me next week once I’m with my family. My grandma was a fascinating lady and she and my granddad just doted on each other always. I can’t imagine how he must be feeling without her.

I spent a lot of time with my grandparents growing up. And I was my grandma’s shadow. Her gifts to me include, among many, many others, a deep, strong belief in myself, an ambitious nature, a LOT of books, a room of my own when I was a space-craving adolescent, a love of storytelling and cooking, a huge repertoire of recipes – including, thanks to her, baked beans I am *famous* for. She always thought I was someone special and would amount to something meaningful in this world. I hope I don’t let her down.

Rest in peace, Grandma.