I was hoping to post pictures from our trip to Green Bay and talk a little smack about the Vikings this week. But, that hardly seems appropriate now. (maybe next week!)
After nearly a year of suffering from Pulmonary Fibrosis, my Grandma 'Doon passed away peacefully yesterday morning, 09/11/2008. I had been to see her on Sunday and said my goodbyes but I still hoped to get home in time to be there when she died. Unfortunately, she passed as I was driving home through torential downpours on four bald tires. (Note to self, need new tires before first snowfall).
I thought that I might regret seeing her after she died because I have heard your body can change so much after death - but her appearance was much like it was a few days ago, only more peaceful. The last time I saw her, she was mere skin and bones. She looked like a skeleton and struggled for every breath. It was very difficult to see her that way. I prayed that Jesus would bring her home soon so she could be free from the difficulty of taking each breath.
Yesterday was a mixture of tears, sadness, and even laughter. It also brought relief, knowing that she was probably meeting my Grandpa at the gates of Heaven. I have pictured him sitting there, with a turkey sandwich and a fishing pole, just waiting on her for 16 years. Today, I still feel relief because she isn't struggling anymore. I am sad but joyful at the same time. I have a lot of wonderful memories to be thankful for.
My cousin, Jason, and I will give the eulogy. I pray that we are both able to portray our Grandma exactly how she was. I will share some of my favorite memories of her - from how I taught her how to make the around the world quilt that she is so famous for to making her sell fake Viagra in a casino when we threw her a bachelorette party. (Yes folks, I won't say this in church but I will here, we did all the naughty things you do at bachelorette parties, we even made her wear a giant penis pinned to her shirt!) I was blessed to have a Grandmother that was not only a person of strong faith but someone her loved a good time, even if it was a bit naughty! I smile just thinking about it.
Yesterday was a day of healing as the family came and went. There were lots of hugs with aunts, uncles and cousins. There were lots of funny stories and making fun of each other. We did all of the things that families do in times of crisis and it brought immediate peace and healing.
Before she became too sick to go, Grandma played Bingo on Thursday nights at the Monticello Legion. She knew a lot of people there and had many friends. Many of us would go play with her from time to time - so it was only fitting that the whole family decided to go play bingo last night. Three of us won - I know Grandma was helping with that (She always won!) I couldn't think of a better way to spend an evening and I know Grandma couldn't either.
2 comments:
Tracy,
My thoughts are with you as you mourn this loss and specifically with your mom. I have always heard great things about your grandmother from my parents and feel very sad for you right now. I think it's wonderful that you will provide the eulogy for her and she sounds like a lovely woman.
I'm sorry too that this comes at a time when fall football is just beginning and you have two babies to think of.
I'm hoping to bypass a day of work at Dell tomorrow due to hurricane force winds :) I have an odd schedule with Sun and Wed's off that I loathe. That's sales for ya.
Aaron did look good, I have to say. But I'm more into Jets now that Brett's onboard.
Oh Trac! I'm so sorry to hear about your Grandma. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
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