“And the beauty of a woman, with passing years only grows!”
― Audrey Hepburn

This month, I had the opportunity to make my way to Southern California for a visit with my grandmother. She is actually my mother's beloved aunt but growing up, I've always known her simply as "Lola", the Filipino term that translates to grandma.

Upon being ushered into the house, my eyes fell upon the familiar warm and welcoming smile of Lola sitting in the living room. The laughs and affectionate hugs were exchanged as we settled in to sit and visit awhile as the desert-like heat flowed relentlessly through the screen doors on this sunny afternoon.

She's a beautiful woman in so many ways, my Lola. And while I am not technically part of her "immediate" family there was a reason why members of the extended family often spoke with such fondness about her and my grandfather - their reputation for their love and affection for family and each other was never hidden. Any visitor can see the beauty of their life and legacy in the many photographs and memorabilia proudly gracing the walls of the house.

Though she's now 94 and the stories she can share would take more than a brief afternoon visit to cover, it was more than enough for me to simply get to sit and hold her hand that still sported her signature, beautiful red manicure. I could not describe it, but in that moment, sitting with her brought a wonderful moment of pause.

A pause on the running and angst life can be filled with.

A pause to see beauty in real time through the beautiful hands of a 94 year old woman.

A pause to glimpse into the eyes that held both tears of her losses in this life as well as smiles and laughter for the deep joys alongside it.

I hope this summer is off to a great start for you and that you'll have your own opportunities to pause and collect moments with memories and joy along the way.