Tuesday, January 6, 2009

In Memory

My grandmother peacefully passed away late last night in a hospital in Hawaii. Grandma was there visiting one of her five sons and his family for Christmas. She just turned 86 in the Presidential Suite of the ICU on New Years Day. =) As I mentioned before, she had emergency surgery a few days ago. She was doing better and then she took a turn for the worse yesterday afternoon. When it was determined that there was nothing else the doctors could do to help her, she was moved last night to the "comfort room." She received the Catholic Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick from a local Priest and I know that meant so much to her.

She had the opportunity to say goodbye by phone to her other 5 kids. As you can imagine, my Mom said it was one of the hardest phone calls ever. Among other things, Grandma told my Mom to tell my Dad she loved him and he was her favorite son-in-law. My Mom quickly reminded her that my Dad was her only son-in-law (she does have 5 daughter-in-laws) and she laughed and said she knew that. =) Mom promised her that she would give baby J a big kiss when he arrived. He was to be her first great grandbaby and as you might remember, A and I are naming him after her late husband, my Grandfather. She wrote me a beautiful letter a few months ago telling me how much this meant to her and would have meant to my Grandfather. I know I will cherish this letter in the years to come. My uncle sat with Grandma until she died and described it as a serene and beautiful moment.

After making it through the surgery, Grandma told my Mom on Sunday that she was ready to die now since she felt better. My Mom laughed it off because we really thought she was going to get better. God and Grandma had other plans. She always said she was not looking forward to losing her independence. She was very lucky that she never did. For the past 15 years or so she has been a resident of Palm Springs, California. She and my late Grandfather moved there from Atlanta because of his pulmonary fibrosis. The dry air of the desert really helped him during his last years of life. After her husband died, Grandma decided to stay put in Palm Springs. She made many, many friends and was very involved in her church. She has lived by herself in her condo since my Grandfather's death. She traveled to visit her large family all over the world, drove, went to mass everyday and even won a bridge tournament last month! My Mom spent a week with her in Palm Springs this past fall and I know those memories will comfort my Mom in the upcoming weeks. They were very close and her death is going to be very hard on her only daughter.

Some of my favorite memories of my Grandmother are from my childhood. She and my Grandfather lived just 25 minutes away from us when we were growing up in Atlanta, they were present for every major event including birthdays and Grandparent's Day at school. Grandma was known for her wonderful baking. My personal favorites were her Turkey cookies and made from scratch Apple pie. Her Turkey cookies were always waiting in a Tupperware container for me each Thanksgiving. My aunt made a recipe book with her best recipes and I know that there will be many Turkey cookies in my children's future.

A was wonderful last night and came home immediately when I called him despite having just told me earlier in the day that he had tons of work to do. He got me some good pasta and some Crumbs cupcakes and provided lots of hugs and tissues. My job right now is to try not to lose it too much because I know it is not good for the baby. Of course, staying calm when you are grieving a lose and have raging pregnancy hormones is easier said then done. =) It's especially hard to be in NYC away from my family and know that my travel days are over for at least a few months. I especially wish I could be there for my Mom right now. Grandma wrote very detailed instructions about how she wants everything to be carried out. She insists that her funeral be a celebration of her life and that it happen at a time when it is convenient for her 6 children and 12 grandchildren (who live in California, Singapore, Hawaii, Alabama, Florida and Georgia). Perhaps Baby J and I will get to go after all. While he will never get to meet this amazing woman, he still has lots of great aunts and uncles and 2nd cousins to meet! I also know he has one more angel in heaven smiling down on him today and watching out for him. I know my Grandma will be with me the next few weeks, but today I just want to cry a little and remember what a wonderful person she was. Thanks for "listening." =)

Please keep my family in your thoughts and prayers this week.

85 comments:

Steph said...

I am so sorry for your loss!
I will keep you and your famiy in my thoughts!

Mrs Anne said...

this is such a beautiful post.
may your grandmother be at peace.
i will pray for your family.
embrace the memories.
smile on all the good times.

SCM said...

I'm so sorry for your family. Your grandmother sounds like a remarkable lady. I'll keep you and your family in my prayers.

Suburban prep said...

I am so sorry for your loss.
A strong and loving woman is what the memories of your grandmother are.
Carry those memories on for your child and they will not be lost and will live on in you and your children.

*Pink Preppy Party Girl* said...

I am sorry to hear about your loss. It sounds like your grandmother was a very special person and will be missed by all. You are lucky to have had her in your life for so long. My grandmother died last year at age 94. We still have two other grandmothers 95 and 96. My prayers are with you and your family.

Blue-Eyed Bride said...

i'm so sorry for your loss. your family will be in my prayers. i'm sure your mother would be proud to read this sweet post about her mother.

Rachel Ann said...

I'm sorry to hear of your loss. I'm glad that you have so many beautiful memories of her and that she was able to be independent her entire life.

Grove Gal K said...

I am so so sorry to hear of your loss. Your entire family will be in my thoughts and prayers. She sounds like an amazing woman!

Mrs.Preppy said...

Your grandmother sounds like a wonderful lady and I am sure she would have been proud to read such a thoughtful and sweet post.

I am sorry that you are not able to travel anymore... It must be incredibly difficult to have to be away from your mom (and rest of your family) during this time.

You all are in my thoughts in prayers.

Well I Do Declare said...

So sorry for your loss. I can tell by reading this post that your grandmother was a very special woman. I hope these wonderful memories will confort you during the tough times!

Some Like it Southern said...

I am so sorry to hear about your Grandmother. Thinking and praying for you and your family.

Maria said...

What a lovely post. MY sympathies.

:::hugs:::

Gwen said...

I am so sorry for your loss. You and your family are in my prayers.

Sarah said...

oh sweetie I'm so sorry! I can't imagine how hard this is on you right now, you sound like you are being so strong.

I'm the only girl of five and since being married my mom always calls my husband her favorite son-in-law too, that brought a smile to my face.

you and your family will definitely be in my thoughts and prayers. big hugs!!!!xoxo

Midwest Prep said...

Ok, I know I am hormonal too, but I am sitting here crying- reading this at work. You wrote beautiful things about her-and I am sure it was obvious to her how much you loved and treasured her. I am so sorry for your loss. I am glad you have a loving husband to take care of you and a cute puppy to cuddle with and a lil baby to look forward to while you are going through this difficult time. Before you know it, you will be with your family- and I hope you can really celebrate your grandmothers life- and remember her in stories that you tell your son. Sending you internet hugs

Melissa said...

I'm so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

BroncoMom said...

MMM,
I am so sorry for your loss.
Please take comfort in the thought that many of your blogging friends are holding you close in our thoughts and prayers.
Thank you for sharing such a personal and beautiful story.

Susan said...

I'm so sorry for your loss. Your memories will help carry you through this difficult time, and will be precious treasure for your little one. You and your family are in our thoughts just now.

Sweet Simplicity said...

I'm so sorry for your loss. It sounds like your grandma was an amazing lady. This is a beautifully written post.

Kim said...

I'm so sorry for your lost...you and your family are definitely in my thoughts!

Jen said...

thoughts and prayers are absolutely with you during this time!

Buford Betty said...

I am so very sorry for your loss! What a beautiful post... you'll appreciate having written that later. I will be praying for you. I know your heart is broken. Lots of love to you and your family!

Cami said...

I'm so incredibly sorry for your loss. I will keep you and your family in my prayers. This was a beautiful tribute to your grandmother.

The Wife said...

I am so sorry for your loss. You and your family are in my thoughts.

Mrs. Shelton said...

I am so sorry for your lost. She sounds like a wonderful person. I will definitely have you and your family in my prayers!

Wila (aka Ali) said...

What a wonderful tribute you are to this special lady. My thoughts are with you and your family...

Melissa @ I Pick Pretty said...

What a lovely tribute to your wonderful grandmother. I am so very sorry for your loss.

Muffy said...

Oh, I am SO SO SO SORRY. I will keep you and your family in my prayers. It is very sad but she is in a better place now!

Angie said...

Your grandma sounds like an amazing woman!! Your family is in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

Wifer said...

I am so very sorry. My nana was the most important person in my first 12 years.

Unknown said...

My thoughts and prayers are with your family. I lost my grandmother 5 years ago, and know that it does get better and you will constantly remember all the good memories you have with her.

Melissa said...

What a wonderful tribute to your grandmother. I truly enjoyed reading it. Sounds like an very very special lady.

PaperCourt said...

I'm so sorry for your loss! You will be in my thoughts and prayers!

Sunshine In The City said...

This is a beautiful post and I am so sorry for your loss. If you'd like a friend to share cupcakes with let me know :)

Gracie Beth said...

I am so sorry for your loss! That was such a beautiful post.

Anonymous said...

This is a beautiful post and it takes quite a special person to write the things you did while feeling the way you do. You and your grandma were both very lucky to have each other :) My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family

noelle said...

i couldn't help but cry when reading this post. my grandmother and i were so close but now she doesn't even remember me. you were so blessed to have her in your life and i will pray for you and your family in this difficult time.

Jennifer said...

I am so sorry for your loss! I will keep you in my prayers during this difficult time.

Mandy Rose said...

I will definitely be keeping you and your family in my thoughts and prayers. What a great tribute to your grandmother! She sounds like a wonderful lady!

lisagh said...

My most sincere condolences.

Nomers said...

I am so sorry for your loss. That was such a beautiful post about your grandmother.

Anonymous said...

I am so sorry for your loss; I agree with you that your grandmother is protecting you, A, and the baby from above. Losing my grandmother was one of the hardest moments of my life, but that is just a testament to how wonderful and important to me she was. My thoughts are with you and your family.

Julia said...

My prayers are with you and your family. God bless you.

Sandra said...

My prayers are with you and your family. What a wonderful woman your grandmother was and what a wonderful legacy she leaves. May you always be blessed with the wonderful, happy memories of her.

Anonymous said...

I am sorry for your loss. What you wrote about your Grandmother was lovely.

workinthatpreppy said...

wow..i am so sorry. she sounds like the most wonderful woman. take care of that baby...

icing on the cake said...

You and your family are in my prayers. I'm so sorry for your loss.

GrannySmithGreen said...

Bless your heart. I'm so sorry to hear of your grandmother's passing. I too lost one of my grandmothers while I was expecting. She was 86 and said, "I'm not old enough to be a great grandmother". It still makes me laugh.

Rest assured today and always that your grandmother is in the loving arms of our Lord. Thinking of you.

Anonymous said...

I am sincerely sorry for your loss. You and your family are in my thoughts tonight.

Suz said...

Please accept my condolences; your grandmother sounds like a wonderful woman. Thinking of you and your family.

Amy said...

My sincere condolences. It sounds like your grandmother lived a very happy and full life. May you and your family find peace ahead.

AEOT said...

I'm so sorry for you and am keeping you and your family and baby J in my prayers. I know how hard this will be for me (when it happens) and I don't wish it upon anyone. Grandparents are incredibly special, and we are so lucky to have great ones in our lives!! I hope you are okay.

Jessi said...

I will keep your family in my prayers.

Preppy in Philly said...

I am so sorry for your loss. You expressed your thoughts and obvious admiration for your grandmother beautifully in your post. I think she would be so honored to read it.

Anonymous said...

You sure know how to make someone cry! Mom told me about this post and it really is as beautiful as she said. I love you. Stay strong and take care of my baby.
-your lil sis

Kristin said...

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I am so sorry for your loss. I am sure Baby J (and future children) will grow up with lots of good stories of their amazing great grandparents.

Anonymous said...

I am sorry to hear of your loss; your Grandmother sounds like she was indeed a special person.

We'll keep you in our thoughts and prayers Miss MM&M....

tp

magnoliabelle said...

i'm so sorry...I know how hard it is..I lost my grandfather over 2 years ago and I still miss him each day...I know the next few weeks and months will be hard for your family, but cherish each other and the memories you have of your grandmother...keeping all of you in my prayers..

Elizabeth said...

Oh man, I'm sorry girl. I don't comment often since I read you through a reader but I am always here reading and keeping up with you and the baby.

You and the fam are in my prayers.

Susan said...

That was such a lovely post about your grandmother and my thoughts go out to you at this difficult time.

Preppy Mama said...

So sorry for your loss. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.

Belle (from Life of a...) said...

What a loving tribute...you and your family will be in our thoughts and prayers.

Preppy Pink Crocodile said...

I'm so terribly sorry for your great loss! You and your family are in my heart and prayers!!

The Palm Gifts said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Susan D. said...

I am so sorry for your loss ... your Grandmother sounds like she was a wonderful person. Sending you good thoughts and prayers.

linda said...

What a beautiful tribute to your Grandmother....I am so , so very sorry for your loss.My prayers are with you and your family.

Anonymous said...

I am very sorry for your loss. I will keep you & your family in my prayers. My grandfather died one week before Christmas and I completely understand your feelings. May God bless you, your hubby and the baby.

chathu said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Always Organizing said...

I am so sorry for your loss. You are in my prayers.

Mrs LSL said...

I am so sorry for your loss. My Grandpa died on December 29th, and I'm still finding it hard. I'm not able to attend the funeral, since it's in Scotland. Much like you, I'm greatful for the time that we had together.

Thinking of you and your family!

Kate said...

I am so sorry! I lost a beloved relative over the summer and am still sad. I will keep you and your family in my thoughts

Andy said...

Oh I am so very sorry. Sorry for the loss of your beautiful Grandmother. And sorry for the timing with you not able to fly. Peace to you and your family as you celebrate her life and remember the wonderful times together.

Unknown said...

So sorry for your loss. I hope you and baby j get to be there for the memorial!

Belle said...

Oh, Honey. I'm so, so sorry. Thinking of you and your precious family.
Much love,
Belle

The Kramer Angle said...

I lost my Grandma ten years ago when I was pregnant with my second child and have always mourned the fact she never met him. But I keep her spirit alive with my kids by talking about her and telling family stories.

You never forget, you just learn to live with it.

Gail

amanda said...

I'm so sorry to hear about your grandmother. I'm glad you can find comfort in her peace and in those memories, but know that your heart is heavy tonight. You and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers.

Anonymous said...

Sweet loving thoughts are being sent your way xoxo

k e r r y said...

What a lovely post and tribute to your Grandmother...

Cindy said...

What a beautiful post. I'm so sorry for your loss but happy for the good memories you hold. You are certainly in my thoughts.

The Mrs. said...

What a wonderful woman. I know she is going to be watcing over you and baby! An angel for sure!

Lauren @ Adventures of a Southern Newlywed said...

I am so sorry to hear about your grandmother's passing. She sounded like the perfect grandmother and she must have been so incredibly proud of the beautiful person you are. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers.

Petunia said...

I am so sorry to hear of the passing of your grandmother. She sounded like an extraordinary woman!

Lulu said...

I am so sorry for your loss, MMM... We're all thinking of you at this difficult time.
xoxo,
Lulu

Suzanne said...

I'm so sorry to hear about your loss. Cherish your memories of her and focus on your new addition.

Hopsy said...

I know I am a few days behind, but I am so sorry to hear this news. My thoughts are with your family. With death comes life and you grandmother will be watching over you all!

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