On Saturday my beloved Grandma died. Though she had been ill since August, her passing is still heartbreaking. We’re never prepared to say goodbye. Regardless of the age of the individual, or the circumstances, death always hurts.
My grandma was an amazing woman. Her birth story is a miracle that I never tire of recounting, and she lived her life with humor, energy, and joy. She was one of the most hard-working, gracious, classy, and polite women I’ve ever known. She always had a smile on her face and a twinkle in her eye.
She sewed, she cooked, and she played games with me. It was a little over a decade ago that we were playing poker with her and found ourselves laughing as she asked, “Is it good to have all the same suit on your cards?”
I recall how every summer my family would take vacations, and grandma would always join us. I remember as a little girl I would love accompanying her to the family saw-grinding shop, and I would spend my days watching her greet customers and bustle around carrying saw blades half her size.
She was a key part of our family, and there’s a huge hole now that she’s not here. Words can not possibly describe how much I will miss this beautiful lady.
My grandma passed while ABBA was playing on the radio. ABBA was one of her favourite groups, and I have fond childhood memories of dancing to their music in my grandma’s living room.
I felt nostalgic and dug up Chiquitita to listen to. The lyrics were perfect….
Chiquitita, you and I know
How the heartaches come and they go and the scars they’re leaving
You’ll be dancing once again, and the pain will end
You will have no time for grieving
Chiquitita, you and I cry
But the sun is still in the sky and shining above you
Let me hear you sing once more like you did before
Sing a new song, Chiquitita
Try once more like you did before
Sing a new song, Chiquitita
My heart hurts with love and loss. Je t’aime grand-maman.
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I recently told my newsletter subscribers that I would be launching a parenting series starting today. I feel, given the circumstances, I won’t be able to give it the attention I would like. Therefore, I will defer the launch of the series to next week. Right now I need time to pause, heal, reflect, and celebrate the beautiful life of this extraordinary woman.
Thank you and blessings to you.
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I am so very sorry for the loss of your beloved, grandmother. We lost mine almost 6 years ago next month and there is still a hole missing years later from her being gone for me. So, I know no words can truly be quite enough for this, but just know I am thinking about you and sending love and prayers your way now. xoxo
I said this on Facebook too but it bears repeating – I’m sorry for your loss. We are never prepared to lose those we love. You have a lot going on right now, the blog face-lift, new homeschooling site (both look wonderful by the way), take all the time you need before launching the parenting series!
She sounds like she was an amazing woman. I will definitely be keeping your family in my thoughts and prayers during this time.
I’m very sorry for your loss, Jennifer. You certainly deserve some time off to mourn. Your grandmother sounds like a great lady, and I’m sure she will be greatly missed by your family. Take care.
Monica
I’m so sorry to hear of the loss of your grandma. I can truly relate to the pain that you might be going through as I recently lost my own mother. You just have to focus on the fact that while she may not be present with you here on earth, she’ll always be present in your memories. Here’s a big hug coming from me to you.
Your grandma really does sound like she was an amazing woman. I’ll continue to keep you guys in my prayers Jennifer. Big, virtual hugs!
xoxo
I’m so very, very sorry for your loss!!!! <3
It sounds like she was an extraordinary woman, Jennifer. Thanks for sharing her with us.
Reading your post brought tears to my eyes because my own grandfather passed away last evening. This was not unexpected, either, as he had been sick for some time. As you noted, though, it still hurts.
As my family works through the grieving process I will remember to pray for yours. I hope you experience much peace and are able to enjoy many fond memories in the days to come.
I’m so sorry for your loss. You and your family are in my thoughts during this difficult time (((hugs)))
So sorry for your loss, Jennifer. It is never easy even when it is expected. Sending you hugs and prayers for healing & peace.
I’m so sorry to hear. I’ve read everything you’ve written about her with such interest, because she reminds me of my grandmother. I hope your kids have great memories of their great-grandmother. That’s something I’m thankful for – that Scarlet remembers my Nana Jane and always will.
Lots of love to you.
Sorry for your loss. Grandmothers can hold such a special place in our hearts.
I am so sorry for your loss. I was very close with all four of my grandparents so can somewhat understand your ambivalent feelings. She sounds like an amazing woman. No matter the circumstances or the age, I still think it leaves a hole in one’s heart. Sending my love your way.
I’m so sorry for your loss. It sounds like you have a lot of cherished memories with her.
Jennifer, I’m so sorry for the loss of your dear Grandma. What a special relationship you both had! I pray that God will bring you peace and comfort!
Hi Jennifer, I am truly sorry for your loss. I remember reading a lovely post you wrote about your Grandma not so long a go and she was an amazing lady. You are right to take time to reflect on her life and what she meant to you.
Sending you big hugs and hope the world seems a brighter place to you very soon.
xx
Jennifer,
My heart and prayers to go out to you and your family as you have suffered this loss. Reading about your Grandma reminds me of mine. I remember the pain of losing my grandma. I was asked to write a poem for her funeral and could barely finish through the tears. I pray that God will watch over you and strengthen you as you go through this difficult time. I wrote a post just last week about hope for the hurting during the holidays. I pray you are encouraged. Blessings to you and yours in 2016!
Big hugs and I’m so very sorry for your loss! Sounds like she was a wonderful lady who lived an awesome life!
Such a touching post. You are so right – no matter how much you prepare, you are never ready to say good-bye.
You’re right that death always hurts, no matter the age of the person. It is good that you are taking time off to focus on your family right now, your new series can wait until you’ve healed and feel up to the task. *hugs*
OH Jennifer, I am so so sorry for your loss my friend! What a beautiful testimony to a well-lived life and the love of your grandmother that will live with you forever. I will be praying for you to feel peace and comfort in your grief.
Jennifer, I’m so sorry to hear of your loss and this post brought me to tears. Your grandmother seemed like a lovely person and I can feel the love you have for her through your writing. Reading this made me think of my grandmother. You may have seen me post about her recently. She is 88 and I pray for her strength and health everyday. I pray that God gives you the strength you need to cope with her passing and that you remember that she lives on through you and everyone that was close to her. She is always with you.