Sunday, June 6, 2010

Hello and Goodbye


Life has been hectic lately. The end of the school year with its report cards, room clean-up, inventory and permanent record updating usually throws me into a tail spin, but this year it's worse. So much worse. Several weeks ago my grandma (the one I wrote about here) went into hospice. Saying goodbye has been sad - even though I support her choice to stop taking her medications and let nature take its course. Despite the stress of dealing with her impending death, there has been a silver lining...

I took this photo on the first day my mother and her two surviving brothers had been in the same room in over 25 years. Yes, you read that right - 25 years. No, there wasn't a falling out; just a great deal of geography between them. Uncle Rob lived in Ecuador and then Japan, Uncle Andrew moved to Arkansas and my mom remained in Michigan (though she has been in Egypt for two years.) You should have seen grandma's face light up when the three of them walked into her room together. It was such a beautiful thing.

Blogging in these parts will be sporadic at best for the next little while. The kids and I will be spending quite a bit of time off the island with their Great Grandma. I'll still be crafting and trying to post, but I want to savor every minute with grandma we have left...

12 comments:

Erin said...

I went through this very thing in 2008 with my grandmother in hospice. It was very hard, but beautiful and comforting as well. I'll pray for you and your family as you grieve.

stitching under oaks said...

Liz, your investment in your grandmother's life is so important and so very worthwhile. Savor every moment you have with her. She's blessed to have such a loving and obviously caring granddaughter.

Sara said...

We went through this with my husband's grandfather last summer. It was awful and beautiful at the same time to be there while he passed, and to know he was able to make the choice that it was time to go. I dread going through this with my grandmother's so my heart goes out to you.

Karen Bosch said...

Saying a prayer for you and your family. I haven't done much blogging recently either - first the end of school and then a dear friend hospitalized with a massive stroke. I am spending many hours at her side in the hospital. I hope you can find peace and joy in the midst of this difficult time.

Deanna said...

I will be praying for you and your family. And what a wonderful blessing to have your Mom and uncles together. Such a special gift for your Grandmother.

Anonymous said...

Enjoy your time with your Grandma. I pray her days are filled with much joy and happiness.

clara said...

Hi Liz, May the Lord bless and enrich grandma and everyone in the family with love and faith. Remembering you my friend.

Mandy said...

Liz--

Thinking of you as you spend as much time with your grandma as possible right now. I know she is special to you just as my Nana is to me. She is not doing so well either so I try to spend as much time with her as I can. I have already been to her house this morning before I got the kids on the bus.

We will continue to pray for your family.

Linn Woodard said...

We'll be thinking of you and your family, Liz. I'm glad you'll be able to savor the moments together in the coming days.

pam said...

A true blessing that you and your children will be able to share these days with your grandma. How fortunate you are to be able to be with her often and share this part of her life too. Both a great sadness and a beautiful blessing.

My heart and thoughts are with you.

Ellen said...

Oh Liz,
I'm late in replying to this, but I just wanted to send you lots of love and encouragement. It's so hard to let a loved one go.

Kim Walus said...

What a beautiful and touching post about your grandmother. I especially love the picture of her hand. That alone tells a beautiful story of her life. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this precious time.