I'm not quite sure what to title this post or how it will go. On Sunday afternoon while Tyler and I were baking cookies I got a phone call from my mom telling me my paternal grandmother had passed away. I knew this was coming, as I've mentioned she was old and very ill for the last several years.
I come from a very big family, we're all spread out over the US, well world now with me living in Moscow, but we're close. I knew right away that I wanted, needed, to be at the funeral. So two hours later (in which Tyler finished the cookies all on his own!), I had a ticket on BMI to London Heathrow and then a United flight (I knew all those miles would come in handy) to Cleveland via Chicago. It took me 26 hours of travel, but I made it to Ohio at midnight the night before the funeral.
I slept 6 hours and spent the morning chatting with my mom and maternal grandma. We all left for the funeral home at 9. It's so interesting how they can make the dead still look so alive. My grandmother looked really nice and peaceful.
I don't know how long my grandfather will last without her. They were married 61 years and together for 8 before that. He was comforted by having all 5 of his children with their spouses, all 15 of his grandchildren there, 4 with their spouses and 2 of those couples with their children. Then there was all the other family members. The church was packed. All the grandchildren played a part in the funeral, 4 of us doing readings (I had all the requests for prayers), 3 bringing the offerings (body and blood of chr!st), and then all of the older male cousins acted as pall bearers. I can't believe how tall my cousins are - all well above 6 feet. We're all growing up. And have gotten really good at being adults, comforting each other showing our love, just as grandma raised us to. My cousin Donavan gave a great eulogy talking about how much our grandmother encouraged us to go out see the world, get an education, raise a family, communicate, be in love. Without fail, conversations would end with us saying, "I love you grandma," and her saying "love you more." I'll miss her, but I'm so glad I got to have her for 28 years.
4 comments:
(((((Em)))))
I'm so sorry for the loss of your Grandmother. She sounds like an amazing woman and it's obvious that she had a huge influence on the lives of all memebers of your family. My thoughts and prayers will be with you during this difficult time.
Many hugs,
Cheryl
Emily - I'm sorry to hear about your grandmother. As Cheryl said, it sounds like she left her footprint on all of your lives. What an incredible legacy. My thoughts are with you, her entire family, but especially her husband. They knew each other longer than many people live. :(
Hugs and lobb,
Sandy
Em, I'm so sorry to hear about your grandmother. And so glad that you were able to be there with the rest of your family during this time. I know how important it must have been for you and for them to have you there. I loved your post - your grandmother was clearly very well-loved and will be greatly missed.
Em, I am sorry, I just saw this. THinking of you and so sorry for your loss. I am glad you were able to go home to say goodbye...
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