Synopsis "Because I Said So"
"I love you so much it hurts me." I could barely decipher those words when swallowed up into my grandmother's apron, but I knew what they were and what they meant. They were the same words Grandmother always said as she squeezed the daylights out of me. I would answer, "It hurts me too," with a muffled voice due to a temporary lack of oxygen. My words weren't as profound as those of my grandmother's though. When she was done clutching me, she would hold me back at arm's length and say, "Why Jean Michelle (She was the only one who called me by my full name, named after her), your hair is in your eyes again." Then I would say, "But Grandmother, I can see through my hair." See what I mean-my words weren't nearly as deep. Still, I would grow to understand her words and the feeling of loving something so much that it hurts. I have daughters of my own now and grandbabies in my future. They may never see me in an apron, but hopefully, will remember the warmth and life-giving words I have breathed into them, passed down from those who loved me. While Grandmother's apron lies in the hope chest, her words and those of others, offer wisdom and hope for today's children. I collected decades' worth of inspiration from those who made a difference, and whose higher thoughts pushed me to be my best me, including words from our Heavenly Father. This book may not contain a single original thought from me, but if I liked the way someone said it, I tried to give them credit. May all the quotes be a blessing to you. Take them to heart and don't ever forget that I Am For You. And yes, I love you so much it hurts me! "Beautiful girl, you can do hard things." -Unknown
