Reflections on another's life well spent

Today I bumped into a sweet lady and her daughter from Gram's ward. We had a nice little chat, it had been a long time since I had seen either of them. Since Gram has passed away, I have really been out of the loop! She held so many people together.

Afterwards, while driving home I thought about how incredibly grateful I am for my Grandmother. I am so grateful for all the years I had her here with me. I am so grateful for the time I was able to spend with her, and the countless ways in which she blessed my life.

I remember several occassions of tearfully pleading with the Lord to spare her. I could not imagine my life without her here on this earth. She has been one of my greatest comforts, and certainly one of my greatest heroes and examples. I want to be just like her in so many ways.

When she passed away, something remarkable happened. I felt joyfully at peace. I felt grateful. And I felt like I had gained her for eternity, I had not lost her. I know where she is. She made it. She is a Saint, and I know she is about doing good in the next life, just as she did in this one. How very blessed I am to have her, and to keep her always.

Love is in the air. And so is gunsmoke.

Last month my sweet cousin Em offered to watch the gals so Mr. AH and I could go out on a date. I don't think that Meemers has ever really been baby-sat, and the last time hubby and I went out it was grocery shopping with the small fries. (Which is perfectly fine. Family dates! Hurray!)

And now a word about guns.

The last time I shot a pistol I was 5. I couldn't even pull the trigger, and when my Dad did for me, the gun jumped back and hit me in the face. So naturally I haven't touched one since. (Not that I have an aversion, just mere coincidence). Until last night. Mr. AH and I went target shooting at an indoor range for our Valentine's date! Romance was just zipping through the air, as I'm sure you can imagine. Such ambiance!

It really was fun.

And loud.

And I think it may have set my natural heart rhythm slightly askew, but totally exciting regardless.

We shot a Glock (40 whatevers), and a .375 or something. They both had kick! I got shelled about a dozen times (hit by a flying bullet cartridge). The Glock spits a red hot one out every time you shoot. For a girl who is proud of her pellet gun (my only gun, other than my trusty daisy b-b), I really had a great time. And, for full disclosure, going to the range was totally my very own idea. (A side note to the gals: You should have heard the excitement in Mr. AH's voice when I suggested we do this for our date. Try it sometime).

Alas, we forgot our camera. No evidence of our exploits.

Anyway, so this got me thinking about other things that I would really like to try out. Maybe someday I'll take up archery! Sounds like fun to me...