Energy Givers

I have several friends and have met a lot of people both near and afar.  The people who have made the most difference in my lives are the ones who don't complain, ask about me and not just talk about themselves, give me advice, are optimistic with their thoughts and suggestions and wake up most mornings on the right side of the bed.
Then, there are those individuals in my life that have gone the extra mile.  Blessings.  One such person was my 92 year old grandmother.  She died in January 2008.  Even though she is gone from this earth, I think of her often and "talk" to her once in awhile. She taught me how to live each day with passion, believe in myself and enjoy humor everyday. 
You see, I know a few of you out there who think you have bad luck, talk about what is going wrong in your life rather than what is really going right, complain about your jobs and your relationships or talk about your pain in your legs or the headache that you always have. 

Not my granny.  She woke up at 6 am every morning and drank the strongest coffee grounds I've ever seen. (Maybe that is why she was so happy all the time). 
But, yes, she cried.  She hurt and she got mad - especially with me. 
I lived with her during my college years. 
In fact, I talked to her everyday and saw her most days. 
Her name was Ethel. 
She was 5 foot 2 inches. 
I'd like to tell you how much she weighed but she never told me.  I didn't think it was the most kind thing to ask her and I didn't really care.  She'd say, "well I've put on a few pounds or my arms are getting skinny."
Yes, she was a bright and shiny star in my life.  She put up with me (I think she liked my stubborn ways) except for the times I'd come home around 1 am or I'd be difficult in conversation and raise my voice.
She'd always forgive me. 
Always.
The days I was diagnosed with cancer....twice (when I was 28 and again when I was 33). We cried for a few but after the tears dried up, she said, "enough...we'll get through this."  Both times she was there.  And, both times, after surgery, I was strong, smiled through the pain and took each day as it came. 

I've been in remission now for 7 years. 

I know deep in my heart and soul it's because of the people I surround(ed) myself with...energy givers not energy suckers.

Thank you, granny.  I love you. I miss you today and always and am so glad you are my energy giver.