Page 39 of The Flyboy's Girl

Hugging her myself, I kiss her cheek. “Thank you. I’m sorry you had to go through that loss.”

“Don’t be sorry. It’s the trial we go through in life that builds character. Paul was just the first of many trials in my life. Even after I married Calvin there were trials, the difference was having someone to go through them with me.”

“You are an amazing woman Grandma, and I’m so glad my girls get to know you.”

She smiles and pats my hand, “Me too sweet girl. Now you go home to that handsome man of yours and give him a kiss for me.”

I laugh lightly. Grandma has always had a soft spot for Mark. “I will.”

“And next time,” she continues, “bring him with you. It’s been far too long since I’ve seen him.

“I’ll make sure I bring him along,” I promise.

After another round of goodbyes, the girls and I make our way to the car to head home.

* * *

The drive home is quiet,reflective even. Once again, I’m thankful for the women who came before me. For the trials and heartaches, they endured and their willingness to share their stories so that future generations might learn from them.

Our journey to Grandma Ruby began because my daughters found a forgotten box of old letters and photos hidden away in the attic. One day my grandchildren will find the same box, tucked away in the corner of the attic covered with dust, and my girls will be able to tell them how the Admiral’s daughter became the Flyboy’s girl.