My 91-year-old great-grandmother passed away this afternoon. I am her oldest daughter's oldest son's oldest daughter. Had I gotten pregnant, we would have five generations in the family. I'm not sure the circumstances of Grandma's death, but she's been sickly for quite some time now. Esophagus issues for several years, digestive issues and weight loss recently... her hearing was almost gone and she just started sort of shutting down. 91 years is a heck of a go, though. I'm proud of her for staying as long as she did but am thankful that she went. I'm sure it was graceful and full of dignity, as was her life. My family's been making jokes for at least ten years now how she'd be around forever. We knew the end would come soon, but the women on that side of the family are tough old biddies. Grandma told me point blank in July of 2005 that she was staying alive for my wedding, which happened in September, '05.
I'm okay about this death. It's always sad to see a loved one pass, but it's also a really joyful and contemplative time for me. Grandma was always giving and faithful. I'm glad she's healthy on the other side. I know I'll be devastated when my own parents, siblings, and friends die (if I don't beat 'em there), but these slightly more peripheral dear ones are opportunities for me to be with, comfort, and console other people that I love. It's sad but true that I've been to more funerals than weddings for family members (I want to say it's 7:4, if you include my own wedding).
I have a few memories of hanging out with my great-grandmother and her daughter, (one of my four) Aunt Mary(s). When I was very young, I told them, "You're my favorite people." I was all cute like that when I was little. After my eighth grade year in school, Grandma and Aunt Mary took me on a graduation trip, as they intended to do for all of the great-grandchildren. We went to Quebec City and to Prince Edward Island. I was a huge fan of the Anne of Green Gables book series, which was set there, and I had just taken a semester of French, so they thought Quebec would be fun, too. It was a wonderful trip! I've always been fond of traveling (my family does it so often anyway that my motto was "might as well enjoy it"), but this trip was the first without my parents and really helped seal the deal.
So, this week will be full of family and memories and hugs and tears. Please pray for my loved ones who are mourning, especially my dad and his siblings, my grandmother, and my great-aunt. Thanks
Comments (22)
many blessings,
sue
It sounds like she was a wonderful influence in your life. Although there will surely be times of sadness at the loss, funerals are also sort of reunions. If I were you, I would drag my camera around wherever you go and get some shots pf family members that you will never have the opportunity to get again...of course you must do it tastefully!
Lovely, lovely tribute to your great-gram. Thanks for stopping by and for your words, they're encouraging when they come from you. Yes, I value your opinion.
I remember the last time someone in your family died. Totally different tone here. And, by the way, you're still "all cute like that."
91 IS a heck of a go!
There is a segment on the weekend Today shows that shows pictures of people over 100 who are celebrating birthdays, and I always enjoy hearing about what they attribute their longevity to. People over 70 are spunky! I guess once you have been retired for a bunch of years, you get a little goofy, but gosh it's so refreshing to see people enjoying life, even if they are on permanent medication or something like that.
I'm sorry for your loss. Your memories will always be with you, and in that way, so will she. I never really got to know my dad's mother because for most of my life - she had something like Alzheimer's (it was never diagnosed) - so you should consider yourself very lucky for having had her in your life as long as you did. Your family sounds very close. I wish mine were that close.
Oh, and that's a good game.
You are right , your great grandma is always alive but on the other bank of the Life river .
Nevertheless you have all of my support . Separation always is hard to bear .
Love
Michel