Reading someone’s post this morning inspired me to write about death. We think that when someone dies, they are gone forever. But really, if they made an impact in your life, they are with you every day!! They are now the Angels that live within us. Let me tell you about my Angels….

My Mommie, Katie Crawford- the epitome of beauty! Loved being beautiful, she loved dressing up, she loved dancing, she loved having a good time, and she loved her children. There is so much of her that lives in me. Mom, thank you for your life and I’m still living it for you, and you still live in me!!

Lewis Sasnett, my Grandfather, I never saw him with a job, but he always worked. Hustling!  Had a barbecue pit, funeral home, and car service. And who hustles like that, me…,thru My Bigdaddy Lewis. I’ve always hustled, so he’s in me.

My Grandmother Vallie “Dollbaby” Sasnett. Never worked a day in her life. But she loved like no other. Was the best cook in Eatonton Ga and loved God unconditionally. She loved her family and sacrificed all she had for us.  She raised me right. And who cooks amazing, who loves unconditionally..me! Thanks Bigma for living in me.

My Uncle Earl Crawford, My Dad’s twin. I spent Summers with him and he was the one I called “rich”. Lol. Pool in the back yard was rich!! (Which he also had to save me in) But he showed me there was more to life than Eatonton, and how to raise my kids with education! He was firm, but he was my Uncle and my friend, and I loved him like a Father! Well, thanks Uncle Earl for living in me! I got it with the kids!! And I got out of Eatonton. You’d be proud, but you live in me.

My Brother Murl Jr. We were born 9 months apart. He was almost my twin. He was full of laughs, full of joy, and always the life of the party!  And the biggest Pittsburg Steelers fan ever!! You live thru me Jr! I got you on all those!

My Bigdaddy Alex Crawford. I thought he was the toughest ever! He gave advice, taught me how to shoot squirrels, and cook rabbit and squirrel! Lol. But he had the biggest heart ever when it came to family. There was nothing he would not do! Quiet spirit, but always in control. Well Bigdaddy, I didn’t take that quiet spirit, but you live in me thru everything else.

And finally- my other Grandmother Myra Bell Crawford.. I know some of y’all saying, uh oh!! Lol. Right!! The most cussing, smack talking, say what is on ya mind and don’t care woman I knew! She had some ways that we still can’t understand. But needless to say, as much junk as I talk about her, she lives in me too. If y’all know me, y’all know when Myra Bell comes out!  Lol. Thank you Bigma for giving me my “sass”!

Since I wrote this post, I have an additional Angel to add.. My Daddy.. Murl Crawford Sr. The most stubborn, cursing, cooking, loving man I know! Daddy was a jack of all trades, the 1st black Electrician for GA Power, and could fix ANYTHING! He raised 4 children as a widow, and he did the best he knew how to do.  He led with a firm arm, but there is nothing he wouldn’t do for anyone.  He had so many different faces of him that so many people never knew!  Some good, some bad, but he was a great Father that raised us to love each other unconditionally. I know he has our back now as our newest Angel.  In me he leaves, his recipes for the family, the love of all the family, the ability to be strong and always be responsible. He also leaves some of his stubborn ways in me, and I have those just like him!! LOL.. Well rest on Daddy, and welcome to the Angel club!

So when you start missing your loved ones that have gone, look in the mirror and see them in you!

Love & Hugs

The Real Mommie Teresa