As many of my long time readers know, I was helping to care for my Grandmother who was suffering from Dementia and heart issues. In the early morning hours of July 3rd, God called her home. Saying good-bye to someone you love isn’t easy, even when you know it is coming.
Today’s post isn’t something I typically share here on Two Kids And A Budget, but I needed to share one more time about this beautiful, funny, family centered woman who helped to mold me into the woman and mother I am today. She touched so many lives, and to be honest I don’t think she even knew it.
This past Wednesday, July 6th 2016 I spoke at her funeral, and I shared this with all of those who came to say good-bye to my dear Grandmother.
Grandma J taught me how to cook and as recently as a year ago we were in the kitchen together baking and laughing and decorating cakes for three of her great grand sons. When I was little she would pretend to be Julia Child’s the famous cook and even do Julia’s voice. Those lessons have now become a part of my own family as I have had my boys in the kitchen with me since they were 18 months old. While I can’t do Julia like she did cooking together as a family is now a tradition.
The family, her grand children, great grandchildren and great great grandchildren all knew how much we were loved by her. As my cousin eloquently put it, “She made each one of us feel like we were the most special to her.” And to be honest I can’t put it any better than that. She shared a special bond with each one of us finding something we loved to do together and made it our thing.
Even nearing the end of her life, she would light up whenever she saw the little kids as they would come to visit. On my visits with her I would often talk about the twins. She would smile and look so happy to know that two more little ones would be joining the family.
Grandma could organize a family party, and there countless over the years. She had her lists and checked off each item as they were done, never missing a detail. She taught us to always be prepared for even the smallest of emergencies.
Grandma J taught us to do our best to take care of our family, and she taught us that lesson well. It was Grandma that made our family what it is today. Even though the distance may separate us, we are close. And that isn’t something that just happens.
How do you summarize a life like that? One simple word…..love.
Julia And The Little Green Worm
How Our Family Dealt With A Recent Death
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I’m so sorry about your loss Tennille. Your grandmother sounded amazing. I lost my great-grandmother last year who had dementia problems and it was hard on everyone because she was like the backbone of the family who always brought everyone together.
Thank you Chonce. Like your great-grandmother, Grandma J was the backbone of our family as well. It’s hard to see such strong women suffer from dementia and the tole it takes on everyone.
So sorry to hear about your loss. She sounds like a remarkable woman. And reminds me a lot of my Grandma Opal. What a great way to describe her life…love. Perfect. Sending love and prayers.
Thank you Kelsey. It was difficult to let her go especially since she was such an amazing woman and a wonderful Grandmother. However, I know she is in Haven and no longer sick. And as I have taught my son, it is okay to be sad for us but we should be happy for her now that she is in Heaven and is healthy and happy.