Not too long after I wrote this post and went to bed, my Grandma passed away. My dad called me at 8am on Wednesday and as soon as I heard his ring tone I knew what had happened.
We just barely made it back in time on Monday night for me to see her on Tuesday. I went by myself knowing that she probably wouldn't be awake anyway.
I didn't want the boys to see her like that and it was good. I needed the time to just sit by her side, talk to her a bit, and reflect.
I held her hand, but she looked so bad and sounded so wheezy that I just didn't want to remember her that way. So I looked up at the pictures on the bulletin board above her head. None of them are these, but they were good pictures.
These first ones are all photos out of my scrapbooks that I've taken over the years. (so please excuse the poor quality as they are pictures of pictures) This is how I want to remember her.
She was pretty much the only Grandma I had. I remember her coming to visit us a few times when we lived in Oregon. I remember the looooong drive to Spokane to visit her.
What I remember most is the relationship I got to have with her after high school. Going to visit on my own at spring break and in the summer.
Although I have one special memory from high school. She came over to watch me be in the Junior Miss Program (basically a pageant without the swimsuits) and spent the day with me while everyone else was in school/working and I was getting ready. I don't remember what stories she told me, but I do remember learning a lot about her. More than I had known before about who she was as a person. It was a very special day.
She was the only one to make it to my high school graduation, my college graduation (the first one anyway!), and my wedding. College was the last big trip she took and just a few weeks later she fell and broke her hip. We thought we'd lose her then, but it's been 7 1/2 more years!
She moved over near us so we got to see her a lot more often. She was more a regular part of our lives even as she started to remember less.
She got to meet both her great grandsons. I hope Cory will remember her some. Especially how she made the shrimp noises at him (don't ask!). He loved to play with her necklaces and stuffed animals.
Mostly what I want to remember is that family was important to her and she loved us. She wasn't perfect, but none of us are.
She had a lot of character and maybe I don't want to be just like her when I get old, but I hope I have a full life too.
Grandma, I've missed you for awhile. I'll see you again someday!
She sounds like a wonderful, involved grandmother to have had! Glad you had some time alone with her before she died and I will be praying peace for the family!
What a nice tribute, Krista. I am so sorry for your loss.
This is a wonderful memorial to Grandma. She would love it.
I am balling right now. Your post makes me think about my grandmother. To this day, I miss her and think about her all the time.