Yesterday, I spent the last day of my twenties attending the wake of my boyfriends grandmother. I sat poised to leave one era of my life behind, as I watched an entire family cry over a life that had ended.

Today, I spent my 30th birthday at a graveside service for Memaw. I sat and watched those closest to her grieve for her loss. If I ever felt even a little sad that I was spending such an important birthday amidst such deafening sadness, it was quickly erased by the understanding that I was viewing something much more important.

Today I was privileged to see the product of a life well-lived. This was an important reminder, that when all is said and done, the only thing that you're able to leave this world with are the things that other people thought of you, and the impression that you've left in their lives.

Some things can't be taken away from you.