Dianne Ross Lamont (12/19/31-7/26/06)

Something sad, but ultimately inevitable, happened to my family this week. We lost Grammie, my stepmom's mother, early Wednesday morning. She's always been like a real Grandma to me and my brother, and she was an incredible mother, grandmother, role model and friend. The visitation was Friday night and the funeral Saturday. It was a testament to her influence and reach that the memorial was a packed house.

I'll admit that I shed a few man tears during some parts of the funeral. When my bro delivered a rousing tribute to her with a long speech and poem, everyone (myself included) became overwhelmed with emotion and I'm sure there were only a few dry eyes in the room. She was 75, she had cancer, she leaves six children and 16 grandchildren, and she was truly one of a kind.

It was extremely weird being at her house for the reception following the ceremony. Missing from the head of the table was the original "Miss Manners" and the centerpiece of such a strong family. If any good can come out of the death of a loved one, I suppose it is getting the chance to visit and reunite with your entire family. The circumstances were bittersweet, but I'm definitely glad I went. I guess, in the end, death is indeed a part of life. But the world is now without a great person who I'll truly miss. Thanks for everything, Grammie.

KhalilG is a DC-area blogger who wants to leave a lasting legacy on Earth because life is incredibly too short.