Bittersweet Days

baby Ellery
Originally uploaded by redbat.

Though I hated being called "carrot top" when I was a kid, I've always been proud to have red hair, and even more proud knowing that it came from my grandmother ("Grammy")--my mom's mom. My youngest cousin, James, inherited the hair color as well--though ever since he joined the Marines, it's only been allowed to grow about a half inch at most. But there's no denying that he's a redhead; a member of our secret club--forever linked not only by blood, but by the color of our hair.

Sadly--and unexpectedly--this has been a rough couple of days...

Grammy passed away on Saturday afternoon.

James left on Saturday--he's being sent to Iraq.

But in the wee hours of Monday morning, a wonderful gift arrived in the midst of all this: Ellery James Allan Johnson was born at 3:46 am; strong, healthy and full of personality. So, I became an Auntie for the fifth time. Yes, FIFTH time. Oh--and the best part? He has light red hair--a true gift, indeed.

Grammy would be proud.