Great-grandma

On August 8, 2011, my grandmother passed. She had been declining over the past few years but about three weeks ago she came down with pneumonia and was just too weak to fight it. Thankfully, the week before her passing my father was able to join the rest of the family in Ohio to spend some time with her. It was pretty clear from the beginning of this diagnosis that she would not recover from this illness.

While I'm sad that I did not get to hold her hand or hug her for one last time, I am so thankful that I was given the opportunity to say my good-byes and tell her how much I loved her. The week before her passing was honestly more difficult than the day I found out she was gone. I've never lost anyone that close to me before. And at 32 years old I realize how lucky and blessed I've been. In my many conversations with my father that week he said that she loved looking at pictures of the kids so one night I took some pictures and sent them to him to share with her.

This was one of them....



He had it printed for her and it was right by her bedside. For some reason that brought me some comfort.

The days prior to her passing were difficult. She was not herself and very ready to go. So much so that when dad called to tell me of her passing it was almost a relief. She was ready and she passed peacefully. I guess you couldn't ask for anything more than that.

My brother and I drove out to Ohio for the funeral and as awful as the circumstances were it was so nice to see Grandpa and Aunt Sue.



Joel and I were overwhelmed with all the people who attended the funeral from their assisted living complex. I can't tell you how many people came up to us to tell us how special our grandparents were and all they did for everyone. But more importantly, how immensely proud she was of her children, the both of us and her great-grandchildren. Joel and I were honored to be there and were so thankful we were.

Grandpa is doing well and was quick to tell everyone that he is being "treated like a king" at his new apartment. He took care of his wife through thick and thin and it wasn't until the end he finally admitted he couldn't do it anymore. I am so comforted to know that he is being well taken care of and that he has a host of friends watching out for him. He's such a special man and gave us quite a few laughs when we could all use a few. ;-)