Aunt Della took the express elevator to heaven recently and the next generations gathered to celebrate her life. I had to drive 3 1/2 hours to the gathering in Mount Vernon Illinois. As I drove I had countless memories of this dear and wonderful woman. Her life was filled with her Christian faith so for her it was not an end but a chance to rejoin her loved ones who ahd proceeded her. She embraced and welcomed this gift and her reward will be everlasting Peace.

The memories that were on the top of my list was her amazing smile and kind words. But most of all was her GOLDEN HUGS! Yes a Hug from Aunt Della warmed your soul and tinkled your toes. She had adversity and the death of many of her loved ones including her spouses Harold and Joe but you would never known it unless someone else recounted her journey.

Pondering her limited presence in my life I realized that it wasn't just her but my entire family! Uncles, Aunts, cousins and innocent bystanders. But it had it's origin in Grandma Mary LeGrand. When I was very young she would wheel me around her massive garden in her wheel barrow and chuckle and encourage me. Yes she embodied the positivity and vibrancy of life and most assuredly was the inspiration for who I am today and why I wanted to share that philopsophy with this website VIVA LE GRAND VIDA!