Sunday, November 9, 2008

In Memory


We said goodbye to my grandmother this weekend. After several years struggling with Alzheimer's Disease, her suffering finally came to an end. As the minister at her funeral said, this time came with a conflict of emotion. I certainly felt a sense of relief knowing that my grandmother is no longer suffering, but the loss that comes with the finality of death is always difficult and she will be missed dearly.
My grandmother lived a very long and full life; her struggle with Alzheimer's was just a tiny blip in her lifespan and it is not how she will be remembered by all of us who loved her. She was born in 1919 and it is incredible to think that women did not even have the right to vote when she was born! She lived through the Great Depression, World War I & II, the Korean War, Vietnam, the Civil Rights Movement, etc, etc. It is amazing to reflect on how much our world has evolved and changed just in my grandmother's lifetime. She is survived by my grandfather, who is 92 years old. My grandparents would have celebrated their 69th wedding anniversary on 12/31. Isn't that absolutely incredible? What an inspiration.
My grandmother was an amazing, unforgettable, and feisty woman. She lived her life passionately and that passion spread to those around her. She worked very hard and she also played very hard! One of her many passions was playing games. She had a closet full of boardgames suitable for all ages. She especially loved to play cards and she was ruthless! She played to win and, well, I think she did always win! This was also a lesson she taught us in life: give it everything you've got and never, ever give up. Oh, and, make sure you are having fun along the way!
Another lesson my grandmother taught me through the way she lived her life was to never apologize for who I am and never compromise what is important to me. My grandmother had very strong convictions that guided her life and she stood strong by those convictions. She never wavered on what was important to her: her faith and her family. My grandmother was especially uncompromising when it came to family traditions, like Christmas Eve. Every year, we gathered at my grandparents house (along with all my aunts, uncles, and cousins) on Christmas Eve and we always had a family service before ANY gifts were opened. This involved gathering together to read the Christmas story, sing hymnals, and focus on the true meaning of the holiday. Of course, as kids we would grumble, but we all loved it and it brought us all closer together as a family, even if for just one night out of the year. These memories are so special to me and such an ingrained part of who I am.
My grandmother and I did not always see eye to eye on various things, but that was okay because through that she challenged me to be a stronger person, to think more critically about my values and beliefs, and to not apologize for them, even if they were not the same as hers. Unfortunately, it took me awhile to figure some of these things out and I did not get the opportunity to thank her for teaching me to push the boundaries of my own convictions. That, I suppose, is the struggle for those left behind after a death. But, my grandmother wouldn't care about that. My guess is she would not want any of us to dwell on regrets because that would just be a waste of time and energy! Get up and do something, she would say!
Thank you, grandma. I love you and will miss you dearly.

12 comments:

Arena Mom said...

I am so sorry for your loss. She sounds like an amazing person!

Donna said...

I'm so sorry that your grandmother passed away. What a beauitful post describing such an important person in your life! It will be a great resource for Eli later to learn all about his Great-Grandma!

She sounds like a wonderful and a complicated lady - much like most of us!

My grandmother had senility/Alzherimers for several years before she passed away. In some wierd way, once she passed away, I felt like I could talk to her again...like I got her back after not having her for so long...maybe you'll find that, too?

I hope you and yor family are comforted during this time.

many ((hugs))

Nicole said...

Thinking of you...

Anonymous said...

Hi Steph -

We're so sorry to hear about your grandmother, and hope you and the rest of your family are coping. Eli helps with that a lot, probably.

Jess said...

Wow, she sounds incredible! I am so sorry for your loss and I'll be praying for you as you grieve.

Bobbi said...

Our sympathies to you, and your family.

Your post has moved me to tears. What a wonderful woman she was. Your respect and admiration of her will carry with you through life. How wonderful that she lived long enough to meet your precious son.

Anonymous said...

Steph, I am so sorry for your loss. What a wonderful post. It was very moving. Thinking of you... Becky

Guatmama said...

What a nice tribute, sounds like you had many wonderful years with her.

Guatemama said...

We are thinking of you and what an amazing tribute to your Grandmother. It sounds like she was a wonderful person.
Tracy

Pam L said...

What a lovely tribute to your Grandmother. You gave all of us a glimpse into her wonderful life and helped us to understand why she will be so greatly missed by you and your family.
I'll keep you and yours in my prayers.

Kimberly said...

I'm sorry for your loss. Your post is beautifully written.

Kelly said...

I am so sorry for your loss.