14 July 2008

Good-bye to a good woman!

I am not trying to sound like "Debbie Downer", but we had a death in the family last Friday. Andy's Grandmother died in the afternoon as most of her children were en route to visit her. Her youngest son, Rick, was with her when she died. Grandma's passing was a blessing. She had Alzheimer's and really had not recognized us for years. She was 87. It is still hard, though, because the piece of her that was still physically here is gone.

In the early days of my marriage, she would often ask me when Andy and I were starting a family. She wanted to see us have children. We had Peter after being married 3 years. When we took him as a baby to see Great-grandma, she mistook him for one of her own babies. My sons never had the chance to know their Great-Grandma. It is really a shame. She was mother to 7 children; grandmother to, I think, 17; and Great-grandmother to 15 so far. She was a devout Catholic, faith-filled woman. Her husband, whom I never met, died 17 years ago. I am sure there was one big party in heaven last Friday night. God Bless you, Grandma! We will miss you!

7 comments:

Amy said...

People like that will have a legacy that lives on and on. Sometimes realizing this helps. Sorry for your loss.

Anonymous said...

I'm sorry for your loss. What a large beautiful family to carry on her wonderful memory.

Anonymous said...

So sorry for your loss. I know it's a blessing, but that doesn't make it easy. It's a shame she was never lucid enough to recognize and interact with your boys.

Kelly said...

So sorry to hear of your loss; what a bittersweat passing. Sounds like you inherited some good family!

Gramma 2 Many said...

Therese, you have really experienced some hard days. I am so happy you know where Grandma is today. It is so difficult for those with no faith and no expectation for something better than this life.
Your family has been blessed to have had such a wonderful grandma.
On another note, I did not know anyone else said that. I get such strange looks when I say it. I always have to explain it to people.
Have a good night.

Ellen said...

Thoughts with you and your family.

Sooz said...

Therese, I'm so sorry for your loss.