Stunning, isn't she? This is my beautiful Grandma. Today at 8:15 she passed on. Her name was Lucille and she was really a lady. It may seem a little awkward that I am blogging about her passing so soon, but she's been "in between" for a long time now. Years ago her kids sold her house and my amazing Aunt Elaine took her in. From then she would often rotate between my aunts and my mom homes, until that became too much and she settled with Elaine. My mom is so amazing for giving so much of herself, her time, and all her energy to help take care of her. At any time I would never know if my mom was at home in Idaho or in Utah taking care of my Grandma.
My memories of my grandma are sweet and innocent. When I was young I would often look forward to sleep overs at her house. That's where I first saw "It's A Wonderful Life" and had my first bread with butter and honey. Her back yard was huge with a big hill and a million places to hide when we played "sardines." She was a hard worker who kept a fruitful garden and always had beautiful roses. In the summers the kids would pick honey suckles and suck them bone dry. My parents lived with her for the first few years of their marriage and it was with her I collected my first memories of life. And there was no better place to do so.
I love my Grandma, she's the only one I ever knew. But I'm not shedding one tear, if not for joy, because about 3 years ago I got the opportunity to say goodbye. She'd had dementia for a while so she often called me by other names and never knew what to actually say to me when I talked to her. But this time we really talked, about nothing really, just about something on TV. And then as I left for bed she said "goodbye" and said my name. I knew then, that she was really saying goodbye to me. She knew who I was, she told me she loved me, and said goodbye. I started to cry, but she just smiled. I think she was glad to just speak her heart and be understood. I know she is so happy right now. So many people she has missed for so long- she gets to be with them now. What a great idea. Getting to be with those you have missed. I love this Gospel of Jesus Christ, and the Plan of Salvation that lets me know with surety where she is. Any other thought or question of "what could be" after death can't even penetrate my mind because I know in my heart it's true, and I'm glad she did to.
Love you Grandma.
15 comments:
Beautiful Rachel. What a great memory. What amazing ladies we come from and what wonderful things to say about a woman who ment so much to you.
We are lucky to have an amazing Grandma like her. :)
I'm sorry Rach. But I'm glad that she has passed on to be with those who have gone before her. That is a sweet story, how she remembered your name. What a good last memory of her to hold on to forever. She really is beautiful :)
Sorry to hear about your Grandma. Thank you for sharing a little bit of your testimony as well. You are such an amazing person and I know having the wonderful women in your life that you have been blessed to have had a huge influence in that. Your Grandma seemed just as amazing!
She is stunning. I love the memories you had with her. Those are the kind of things that should be remembered and cherished.
Beautifully said...thank you for sharing. Give those two peeps you live with a hug from me and then have them both give you a hug from me:)
Sorry about your grandma Rachel. We miss you.
Wow, stunning is definitely the word! What a beautiful tribute. I remember playing in her backyard and enjoying the apricots! She was so generous and loving and I have always thought of her as Grandma Lucille, even though she's not my grandma! What a blessing for you to have that goodbye with her. I'm sure she's happy to be herself again. I hope your family is doing okay. Love you!
I'm so sorry for your loss, Rachel. She sounds like an amazing woman (and I know for certain she has an amazing granddaughter!). There is a definite resemblance between you two!
I hope that your fond memories and your strong testimony continue to be a comfort to you.
Stunning is right - what a beauty! I'm glad you got to say goodbye in your own way, even though I'm sure it's still hard for your family. I remember being happy when my grandpa died - not because he was gone - but because I knew he lived a great life and he was going to be with my grandma again. What a wonderful tribute to your amazing grandma. She has left a great legacy! :)
This is a beautiful post. Your grandmother is stunning and so are you (I forgot what a gorgeous bride you were). I need to call you soon.
Thanks for this wonderful blog, Rachel. It's nice to start remembering the real her as she's been sick for so long. I remember after Jeff passed it took a little time to stop remembering him in his sick condition, and start remembering the healthy, happy Jeff that he was, and is once again. I especially like your mention of the honeysuckles!
Thanks for the sweet comments guys!
I'm sorry for you -- I'm sure you look forward to seeing her again someday when she can really tell you all that you meant to her again!
Thanks for posting your thoughts. I really enjoyed your memories of your Grandma. I am lucky she is my mom and you are my daughter.
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