Page 1 of 4 1 2 3 ... LastLast
Results 1 to 10 of 31

Hybrid View

Previous Post Previous Post   Next Post Next Post
  1. #1
    mommyoftwo Guest

    Default A tribute to my grandma

    As some of you know, my grandma has been very ill. About an hour ago, she passed away. I could really use your prayers right now. It's been very hard for me to not be able to say goodbye in person. The funeral is tentatively scheduled for Friday and I have no idea how we are going to get there. We can't afford to drive let alone fly. We've been having a lot of trouble paying our bills lately with my recent hospital bills. Anyway, any good thoughts or prayers about figuring out that situation would be appreciated. As a way of processing my grief, I wrote a few words about my grandma in the moments after her death. I'm sharing them with you because I think it will help me to grieve. I'm also posting one of the very last pictures taken of her. It is of my grandma and Amelia at Christmas.



    http://www.windsorpeak.com/dc/user_files/35514.jpg


    My grandmother and I didn't always see eye to eye on certain things, but one thing I always knew was that she loved me with all her heart and would do anything for me. Growing up, my grandma had endless patience and spent countless hours working on various craft projects that would have been enough to make anyone crazy. When everyone else was busy, she would take the time to help me weave paper baskets and fill them with flowers (one of my favorite craft projects). She could read the same story twenty times in a row and never complain or suggest a new book. She loved to talk with me and spent many and afternoons and evenings with me recounting stories of her youth growing up on a farm. Although I'm sure I didn't fully appreciate what she did for me at the time, even then I knew that she was something special. I think of her every day as I sing the bedtime lullaby to my girls that her mother sang to her when she was a child. It is something that I cherish and I hope Amelia and Linnea will pass that tradition on to their own children someday.

    My grandma was an inspiration to me in many ways. She didn't have an easy life, but she never gave up. After my grandfather died and left her as a widow in her fifties, she got a job (several actually) to support herself. She walked to work every day until she was into her seventies. She had more youth and energy than many people half her age. Everyone she worked with loved her. One of her favorite songs was "Don't worry, be happy." Whenever it came on the radio at work, she would sing and dance with the girls she worked with at the Why-not Drive In. They thought it was so cute that they had a custom tote bag made for her with the phrase on it. She was so proud of that bag when she showed it to me and she used it every day.

    When I was a little older and in high school, I didn't get to see her much anymore because we lived in different cities. She was still ever present in my life though. For my french class we were supposed to collect newspaper articles and advertisements that referred to France or french things. My grandma scoured the paper every day and sent me letters on a weekly basis in envelopes brimming with clippings. My french teacher must have wondered when I found time to do anything but clip articles. She loved to tell me every little detail about her day in her letters and I used to wonder why she thought I would care about such mundane things. Now I'm glad she did write all those letters. It gives me a much better appreciation for the life that she lived and gives me some great stories to tell.

    The last few years have not been easy for my grandma. She moved out of the last home she shared with my grandfather to be close to my parents. She was diagnosed with and treated for lymphoma and then had to move into a nursing home for medical care. Even there she made her mark. She loved to work as a volunteer at the nursing home. She ran craft projects and bingo games (her favorite). She was a favorite with the staff and other residents alike. I'm glad that she is no longer in pain and is in a better place, but she will be greatly missed. I love you grandma.

  2. #2
    Join Date
    May 2005
    Location
    .
    Posts
    4,732

    Default RE: A tribute to my grandma

    Huge hugs, Jessica.
    I know how hard it must be for you to have not been able to say good-bye, but based on the way you speak of her, I am sure she knew how mmuch you loved her.
    Saying a prayer for your grandma, and hoping that you can find some happiness in your memories of her, and in the knowledge that she is at peace.
    Alicia
    Mama to four amazing children.

  3. #3
    Alice523 Guest

    Default RE: A tribute to my grandma

    I am sorry for your loss, Jessica. Losing a loved one is so difficult. Your words about your grandmother are beautiful and I hope you save them. I will send up a prayer for your grandma and for you.

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Apr 2006
    Location
    NJ, US.
    Posts
    13

    Default RE: A tribute to my grandma

    Cry as much as you want. When my grandmother passed away several years ago my tears just streammed down non-stop with no control. I wasn't able to be there to say goodbye too. I know there is no consolation, even though you know that your grandma IS in better place with the Lord and no longer suffering. I'll pray that the Lord will find a way to send you to her funeral.

    You can search "bereavement fare" on internet to look for discount:
    http://www.oakridgefuneralcare.com/airline.htm
    http://airtravel.about.com/cs/airtra...ereavement.htm

    Amtrak has it too. There are traveling agencies specialize in this - try getting a quote from them:
    http://www.post-gazette.com/travel/2...ve0303trp8.asp

    If none of those work, try ride-sharing/carpooling board in your own town, especially those in college. When I was in college I once had to go to a place 6 hours away and was surprised to be able to find a ride, which I offered to pay the drive $20. The driver thought I overpaid him so the ride back was free.

    Lily

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Jul 2005
    Location
    Indy
    Posts
    1,848

    Default RE: A tribute to my grandma

    I'm sorry Jessica. I hope the many fond memories you have of your grandma will warm your heart and help you through your grief.

    ((Big Hugs))
    Ashley

    DD 10/2005

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Oct 2005
    Location
    .
    Posts
    251

    Default RE: A tribute to my grandma

    I'm so sorry for your loss. My grandma died this summer 2 days after her 99th birthday, so I know how sad you must be. (((HUGS)))

  7. #7
    JTsMom is offline Diamond level (5000+ posts)
    Join Date
    Mar 2005
    Location
    Atlanta, GA
    Posts
    8,666

    Default RE: A tribute to my grandma

    What a beautiful tribute. Sending big hugs and good thoughts your way. I'm very sorry for your loss.

    Lori
    Mom to Jason 05/05
    and Zachary 05/10

  8. #8
    karolyp is offline Sapphire level (2000+ posts)
    Join Date
    Oct 2004
    Posts
    2,097

    Default RE: A tribute to my grandma

    What a beautiful woman she was. I am so sorry for your loss and I'll be praying that you can find away to attend her funeral.

    Hugs mama

  9. #9
    newnana is offline Sapphire level (2000+ posts)
    Join Date
    Sep 2005
    Location
    Midwest
    Posts
    2,351

    Default RE: A tribute to my grandma

    I'm so sorry for your loss. You and your family will be in our thoughts. While I know that getting to the funeral is extremely important to you and I hope that you get to go (I agree with pp on the bereavement fares) my grandfather used to say that it was more important that you were in their life, that was when it mattered. I'm sure that's little consolation, but it helped when I couldn't get to his funeral. Peace to you.
    Michelle

  10. #10
    schums's Avatar
    schums is offline Platinum level (1000+ posts)
    Join Date
    Nov 2001
    Location
    near Ann Arbor MI
    Posts
    1,788

    Default RE: A tribute to my grandma

    (((((HUGS))))) You're in my thoughts and prayers. Hope you can find a way home!

    Sarah
    Mom to Alex (3/2002) and Catherine (8/2003)

Page 1 of 4 1 2 3 ... LastLast

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •