My Granny
This morning, my Granny died. She’d not been well for some time (having heart disease (including some heart attacks in recent years), suffering from type 2 diabetes, breast cancer and debilitating osteoporosis), yet I still didn’t expect when my dad called this morning that he was calling to tell me that his mom was gone. The last few times I’d been there to visit, she’d told me that she’d had a good long life and that she was tired and was ready to go when “the good Lord was ready” to take her. I would always tell her that we liked having her around and that we’d really miss her when she was gone. And even though we knew it was coming, it’s still hard to believe now that it’s happened.
My family thought about not telling me right away, since I’m leaving on Mondayfor a week in Mexico and they didn’t want to ruin my trip. But they quickly realized that they had to tell me. I mean, what if one of my cousins mentioned it on Facebook (which, of course, one of them did. And why wouldn’t they?) and I saw it there. My dad told me that even though the funeral will be next week, I should still got to Mexico rather than canceling my trip and heading to Ontario for the funeral. “You can’t get your money back, right? Granny was always so careful with money and she’d be really upset with you if you wasted money! Grampa said to tell you that he knows you are with him and that he’s surrounded by family and that you should go to Mexico.” After talking to my dad, I talked to my mom for a bit and she told me about the dress they’d picked out for Granny to wear. I asked to make sure they’d picked nice shoes because Granny, like me, loved shoes, especially high heeled ones. My mom said they had thought of that and chosen a nice pair, with heels, that go with her dress.
I’m sure that over the next few days this will become more real to me. It’s hard to believe that she’s gone. I’m very glad that I have a lot of happy memories of my Granny – for some reason, the first one that comes to mind is how she used to put orange juice in the blender to make it frothy for me and my cousins. I remember how she pulled me aside the first time I saw her after I told my whole family that I was getting divorced and she told me how sorry she was about my marriage breaking up and how she was proud of me for doing what was right for me and that she knew I was strong and that she wanted me to be happy. I remember how she complimented my platform sandals that I bought on eBay, saying they were the type of shoes she would have worn in her youth.
Last year, when I was in Ontario for Christmas, my dad’s whole family got together to take a big family photo and my Granny was really happy to have the whole family there in one room. Here’s the photo (which is already out of date as we had two new babies in the family this year):
My Granny is survived by Des, her loving husband of 65 years; five of her six children (predeceased by her beloved son, Bob); her nine grandchildren; her twelve great grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild. I’m proud to share my Granny’s name. I love you, Granny.
Comments |5|
This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.
I am so sorry for your loss Beth. I lost my grandmother just over a year ago and it was difficult. Take care of yourself and try and have a good time in Mexico.
Oh honey — we are so sorry. I know that she was so sick and that she is no longer suffering, but it still sucks. She was such a sweet lady, and she will certainly be missed. How is your Dad doing?
I am glad that you are still going away; for all the reasons you cited and because storm after storm is due to hit ON this week, so there is a real possibility that you wouldn’t make it to the GTA anyway.
Your family will be in our thoughts (and prayers). Let us know if there is anything we can do.
I’m sending you a big hug right now.
That is such a nice speech. Thanks for writing that Beth.
oh Beth, this is so sad and sweet at the same time. I’m thinking of you and the rest of the family right now… big hugs.