Monday, March 31, 2014

weekend review {a bittersweet goodbye}

Playing at the park with daddy. Our only pit stop on our 7 hour drive.
My sweet grandma passed away last week at the age of 98. When people ask if it was a surprise, I can't help but think yes. Even though she was 98, how do you prepare for saying goodbye and having to miss that person for the rest of your life?
We packed up and drove to Colorado for grandma's funeral this past weekend. Can I just brag on my baby for a minute? It feels like we were in the jeep more than we weren't over the weekend, plus we just went on a long road trip only a couple weeks ago to Arizona! And Mia was an angel! I think I complained more than she did ;) Anyway, I'm so glad we went to the funeral and got to see SO much of my family!
During the funeral they offered to let anyone go up and say whatever they wanted about grandma. I knew what I was going to say, but when the time came, I didn't go up. I'm not sure why? But I will share it here! I know how grandma (and granddad) touched my life and my family's lives. Three words, so. much. love! But it has been an incredible experience to see how they have touched the lives of those I hold dearest to my heart now. They welcomed Eric into the family and it was as if he had been their grandson forever! And the first time grandma met Mia? I'll never forget it! Grandma had my dad at the age of 48... he was definitely a surprise! She felt some guilt because she was sure she would never live to see him get married or have children. When granddad passed away 2 years ago, I suspected she would soon follow. How do you continue living without your partner of 77 years (did you catch that? They were married SEVENTY SEVEN YEARS!) but grandma made sure she got to see my dad become a grandparent! We took Mia to visit for the first time when she was barely 2 months old. When I lifted Mia's car seat cover she was all eyes for grandma. After staring at her for a few seconds, she flashed the most brilliant smile! She was instantly in love! Anyone and everyone fell instantly in love with my grandparents :) I want to be as kind, inviting and loving as they always were!
I am incredibly grateful I got to have them in my life as long as I did!! I (we) will miss them so much, but I'm glad that grandma and granddad have been reunited and there is no more suffering for them! And most of all, I can't wait to see them again!

19 comments:

Unknown said...

So sorry to hear about your grandma. So glad she got to meet your Mia... and that you were there to honor her passing. It's always sad, but sadness just means they left a footprint on our hearts right?
Carolyn
http://www.ccmcafeeperspective.com/

Katrin said...

I am so sorry for your loss! Your grandparents definitely sound like such wonderful, warm and loving people!

~Dawn~ said...

So sorry for the loss of your sweet Grandma!! Even tho she was 98 and lived such a long and beautiful life, it's still never easy saying goodbye. Thinking of you and your family!

Unknown said...

I'm so sorry for your loss. I love, so much, how she (and your grandfather) touched your life and loved you and your family so much. :) Lots of love, lady. xo

P!nky said...

I'm so sorry for your loss. Sending you prayers and <3

tina bumblebee said...

77 YEARS?!?! Wow!!!! I'm so sorry for your loss and my thoughts are with you and your family. It's wonderful that you have such great things to say about your family. After 2 years apart, now your grandparents are together again :)

Elizabeth said...

So sorry for your loss! But hey, it sounds like she had an awesome life! She got to meet Mia too! And I hope one day to be with someone for 77 years!

Love Always,
Elizabeth
thejourneycreatingme.blogspot.com

Cayla said...

So sorry for your loss. And wow! 77 years?! I can only hope the Mr and I come close to that. Thinking of you. xoxo

Chrissy@SimpleJoysBlog said...

So sorry for your loss! What a good job that little Miss was so good in the car. Adorable photo!

Allyssa said...

I'm so sorry about your grandma, Courtney. Yesterday in church we talked about how God is the God of all comfort and he is the true source of comfort in times like these. =] Hang in there, friend!

Ashleigh said...

I am so very sorry sweet girl for you loss... Goodbyes are never easy!

Julie said...

Goodbyes will never be easy but knowing you'll meet up with them again one day makes it even better!

Laurie @ Stylin Savanna said...

I am so sorry love, I don't think anyone is ever really prepared for death, such a sad thing. Hugs to you sweets!

Sarah said...

77 years is amazing! I can only hope Micah and I will be together for a long long time like that!

Kirsty and Seth said...

This is beautiful, Courtney. How amazing to have been married for that long, what an inspiration x


kirstyandseth.blogspot.co.uk

Ashley Brickner said...

So sorry for your loss Courtney, lots of love your way.

wordsaboutwaverly.blogspot.com

Mandie said...

I'm really glad that Mia was good for you & that you got to see family, I just wish it was for a better reason. I'm sorry for your loss, I know how special & wonderful grandparents are. Hugs.

sara [at] journey of doing said...

I hear you... and I feel you... and I really love how beautifully you captured the truth... "Even though she was 98, how do you prepare for saying goodbye and having to miss that person for the rest of your life?"

We lost my greatgrandmother in December... she was 97. I feel you.

xoxo

Crazy Shenanigans-JMO said...

Sending you positive thoughts! Sorry for your loss.

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