Monday, June 29, 2009

Saying Goodbye...

"I will remember you
Will you remember me?
Don't let your life pass you by
Weep not for the memories"
~Lyrics by Sarah McLachlan~

Why is it so hard to say goodbye? After 98 years she is more than ready to leave this life, but I don't want her to go... and yet, I want her to be free. Free from the body and mind that have and are failing her...

But I remember:

Sunday dinners at Grandmas house, roast beef, ham, mashed potatoes and french style green beans.

Picking rhubarb from your garden and then making the most delicious fresh pies.

The first time I spent the night at your house and was homesick. You let me call mom and she talked me in to staying. We walked down to the dime store together and you bought me a doll. The dime store is long gone, but I still remember.

I remember walking down the street to the bait store to buy penny bubble gum. The bait shop, that was also a machine shop that sold candy to the neighborhood kids. The bait shop has been replaced by soaring lakefront homes, but I still remember.

I remember singing in the car "We're on our way to Grandma's house, to Grandma's house today, We're on our way to Grandma's house and there we're going to stay!"

I remember doing puzzles together.

Playing the organ.

Pouring over the family photo books, and listening to you tell stories of the people in the pictures.

The big set of encyclopedias that you kept over the sofa, that we would read every time we came over.

Yearly school clothes shopping.

I remember introducing you to Hanna when she was born.

And then Wednesdays when you and Mom would bring Hanna a cheeseburger with extra pickles and come for a visit.

I remember wanting you to stay long enough to meet Rylee, and you did. You were 97 years old and when most kids would have been scared to approach you, she walked right up started talking to you and gave you a hug, and then she told you to walk faster...

A lifetime of memories that I will forever cherish.

I love you Grandma and I will miss you. I pray that God take you peacefully and gently home, so that finally you can rest...

Thank you for the memories.


12 comments:

  1. I know exactly what you're talking about. It's so bittersweet.

    I love your memories. Those will never leave you. :)

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  2. It's always so hard letting go of the ones you love.
    Look at all the wonderful memories you have though. Those will stay with you for a lifetime.
    Here is a quote that brought me comfort when my grandparents passed.
    "Mourn not too long that she is gone, rejoice forever that she was."

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  3. It is SO SO hard. My grandma is 98 right now too and She is always worried that she is being trouble. She is just the sweetest person and I love her so much. It will be very tough when she is gone but she will be in such a better place. I am so thankful my kids too have been able to get to really know her. they will have great memories.

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  4. Sorry for your loss, but know that she made your life experiences richer!! She'll be waiting at the side of Our Heavenly Father and looking down upon you with love free from sickness and full of life!! Hugs to you!

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  5. I'm so sorry. You have made me miss my Grandma and also that I didn't live near her growing up to have those memories. Big hugs :)

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  6. May your beautiful memories ease the ache of losing someone so dear to you.

    Hugs,
    Wanda (At Last...)

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  7. It is hard letting go of our precious loved ones. I'm sorry.
    *HUGS*

    This made me tear up because I wished I had/knew my grandparents...my mother too.

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  8. I'm so sorry for your loss... it is always so hard.

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  9. I have enjoyed reading your blog. Thanks for sharing. I am starting a new game It’s… What would your children say? Wednesday. It will be fun, I Hope you can join.

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  10. Dawn, what a lovely tribute to your wonderful, dear grandmother. Your daughters are simply beautiful. (I'm here from "Salsa" and "Double Happiness." I also read "My Charming Kids.")

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  11. Beautiful post Dawn...really touching and says so much about the special bond we have with our grandmothers...

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