1 Million Dollars and 1 Phone Call

Sometimes, I go throughout my day as though circumstances were different. Specifically, as though my grandparents have not passed and are, in fact, sharing in my everyday life as they would if they were still here.

Recently, I had one of those days. It was a milestone day, and I had a conversation with 2 people who mean the world to me, or at least I wish I did.

I used to make these calls frequently, specifically to my Gram. I could call and talk to her for 45 minutes or more just about my day. But in all those important moments in my life, there was the excitement of telling Gram and Poppop about them. Like when I got my acceptance letter to Penn State, marking what would end with me being the first in their line to graduate from college. I couldn't wait to call and tell them about it.

A phone call

Today was no different. I likely would have picked up the phone at the end of my day, perhaps while I was driving home from work or cracking open a celebratory bottle of beer once I kicked my shoes off at home. Sitting down on my couch and hearing the phone ring before Gram would pick up with her voice that was always filled with so much joy when she saw or heard from me.

"Shannon!"
"Hey Gram, how's life going today?"
"Zero, can't complain. I made a roast for dinner. I'll save you some mashed potatoes for your next visit."
"Sounds good; how's Pop?"
"He's up to his usual shenanigans. Want to talk to him?"
"Sure."
"BILL, it's Shannon! She wants to talk to you. Here!"

Seeing clearly: the call with Pop

"Hey, it's the paint catcher's daughter! How is Penn State doing this year?"
"Depends on the day, honestly. But I have some awesome news to share with you. Are you ready?"
"As I'll ever be."
"The Walk crossed over 1 million dollars in fundraising to end Alzheimer's..." I would barely get it out as my eyes fill with tears.
"Well, that's a big chunk of change there, kid. Did you do that all by yourself?"
"HAHA. No way, Pop. We have more than 3 thousand registered walkers and a devoted team of volunteers and staff members who are hustling to make this happen. But you know I'm gunning for No. 1, and this ticks off that box on our way there."
"With you captaining the ship, I'm sure it'll be smooth sailing to No. 1. You're doing great. Keep up the good work. That All-timer's will be a thing of the past in no time with my Shannon on the job."
"Thanks, Pop. I love you."

Hands the phone back to Gram. "Love you, dear."
"Love you, Gram."

As I go to hang up, I hear "We'll leave the light on for ya" in the background as Poppop says goodbye.

Path to No. 1

On Wednesday, November 3, 2021, the Philadelphia Walk to End Alzheimer's crossed 1 million dollars in fundraising, the earliest date I remember us doing so ahead of Walk day. It means big things for my group of volunteers and this cause, in general, and it shows the fruits of our labor over the last calendar year. Now on to No. 1!