Josephine Thomas was my best friend’s grandmother. I spent a better part of my teens and early twenties in and around her house. She and her husband, Woody, became the surrogate grandparents I never had. Their home was always open and I was always welcome.

Jo or Gram, died on October 1st. She was 93 years old and one of the most beautiful women I have ever known. She spent her life caring for others, either through volunteer work at the local hospital or through her church. She was well known and well loved by all her neighbors. She was an example to me of how I want to live my life. She was much more of an extrovert than I am, but it was her acceptance and compassion for everyone that I admire the most. She rarely judged others, and was curious instead of suspicious about things she didn’t understand. She made me a better person. I am so grateful that I knew her and that I was included in her family. I miss her dearly.

My hope is that I can give back some of what she gave me. She made me feel important and she made me feel loved. Who could ask for more?