The first time I really listened to the lyrics of The Edge of Glory, I was in my car driving out to my grandparent's house for lunch. This visit was a very dear one for me because it would be the last before Adam and I got married. As some of you know, I was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to student teach at a school that was five minutes from my grandparent's house. I got to see them at least once a week last year; a perk of the job that became an indescribable gift. So you can only imagine the emotions that were swirling in my head as I drove out to visit with my grandparents, who celebrated their 62 wedding anniversary this past November, the wednesday before the wedding. The song made tears swell in my eyes as I felt like I was on the edge of glory. I was just a few days away from marrying my best friend and I was on my way to spending a few last minutes with three of my greatest role models and inspirations. At that moment I felt so full of life and love and experienced a humbling reminder that my life was about to change for the better.
Then, after spending our first Thanksgiving as a married couple, away from all family, a special came on NBC, A Very Gaga Thanksgiving! I know she is kind of crazy, but I just love her and her music. All of her songs have personal meaning and that inspires me. So when I was able to hear who she wrote The Edge of Glory for, it all made sense. Who would she write this song for? Of course, her grandparents!!! She described being in the hospital during the end of her grandfather's life when she witnessed a moment between her grandparents. They were holding hands, not exchanging words, just simply looking into each others eyes. She said it was as if they were saying to each other, "Wow, what an incredible life we have been able to experience together!" They had lived their life on the edge of glory and lived each day to the fullest.
After the show there was only one thing I wanted for Christmas...the Lady Gaga cd! And who got it for me? My mountain man who inspires and pushes me to live on the edge of glory every day. As Christmas reminds us of the greatest miracle and meaning of life, it also reminded me of all the reasons to live on the edge of glory...here they are :)
Adam loves coming to Queensbridge so he can play with Sally. He tells me he hopes we have a little girl just like her :) I hope someday we have that blessing.
Christmas tradition: making cookies from my Grandma Hasper's recipes
Grandma Hasper's hand-written recipe to my mom, written on my grandfather's work stationary. Look at the date in the top right corner. This piece of paper has seen many wonderful Christmases
There is nothing like a fire made by my dad :)
This bloom is filled with JOY and glory
special ornament from my mom
one of my grandmother's favorite ornaments and mine too :)
My great-great Aunt hand-tatted snowflakes for my parents as a wedding gift. Every year they drift upon our tree and fill it with her glory :)
ornament from my dad when I was a little girl
GLORY!
Spark and Trentie :)
Barbie and KK
our first Christmas and my mom's favorite picture
three exceptional reasons to live on the edge of glory
this spot brings me chills and will forever be a spot that I am reminded of glory
Santa hat for my two boys
This was made for my great-grandmother her last Christmas. It has since been on my Grandmother's kitchen table every Christmas. I love little things and this has brought me joy since I was a little girl.
for some reason the telephone has always been my favorite part
On Christmas day, Trent and Adam got the old record player going(the huge piece of furniture in the background is the record player). My 87 year old grandfather got up and started dancing!!!
Adam captured this picture :) It will forever be special to me. His face describes it all!
Live each day to the fullest, chasing your dreams, giving love, doing what inspires you and live on THE EDGE OF GLORY!!!!
