Ten years ago today

My grandmother died 10 years ago today. She was The World's Best Grandmother. Her actual name was Granny Smith, and she always had her namesake apples in the refrigerator. Her love for her family was boundless, she was the smartest person in any room, and she didn't suffer fools gladly. She had a difficult childhood that she spent her lifetime making up for. Since she had been treated badly by her stepfather when she was a child, she focused on making sure that her kids and grandkids always felt both loved and well-cared for. I could tell you a million stories about how well-loved we all were, but you probably have a grandmother of your own. We used to joke that even if we murdered someone, Granny would have thought they must have deserved it.

Of all her good qualities -- the fierce intelligence, sly sense of humor -- her strength of character was most legendary. Once she had decided upon a course of action, it was as good as done, with no wavering, no changing course midstream. What she herself did not do, she delegated to my grandfather. She did not drive, but decided she liked the looks of a VW Karman Ghia, so made my grandfather buy one to drive her to the grocery store in. My Kentucky-born grandfather, not a fan of any imported car, reluctantly acquiesed and learned to enjoy it. And if you were unfortunate enough to be mean to a family member, well, she had no use for you. Ever again. In your lifetime. Almost completely self-educated, she was the smartest person I've ever met. She was just -- always -- right. About everything, whether it mattered or not.

So one day, ten years ago, a celebrity died. One who seemed so full of life, with everything going for him, went so suddenly that it rocked her world. And she saw very clearly that if he could die, in his mid-thirties and at the top of his game, that one of her kids could die without warning as well. Or one of her grandkids. And she would not, could not, live with that. So, she chose to leave first. And because once her mind was made up and there was no changing it, without really saying goodbye to any of us, she up and went.

Just like that.