September 4, 1914-October 24, 2009
My sweet grandmother passed away last night. She was 95 and had a great life. I didn't think it would be so hard to see her go. I was headed to dinner with my sister when my mom called and told me she wasn't expected to make it through the night so we rushed to go say good bye to her. She died not 10 minutes before we got to her bed side. When we got there she had only been gone for 10 minutes and I couldn't believe how different she looked. It was the first time I realized that your personality is all in your spirit. Once the spirit leaves the body, the body automatically changes. As we walked in my Dad kissed his mother on the forehead and then we kissed her and said our goodbyes. I just kept waiting for her to wake up and talk to us. What made me feel so bad was that I went to see her last week and as I left, I promised I'd come back and see her soon. I didn't think that would be the last time I would get to see her. I regret not spending more time with her.
My best memories of my Grandma were growing up. We were raised in South America so her and my Grandpa would come visit us. I remember when we would go places she would have to take a picture of everything! A rock, a cow, anything! She was always so thoughtful to us. We didn't really have TV in S. America so she would record episodes of The Cosby Show and made for TV movies and send them to us. What made it so funny was half the movies she recorded would be cut off at the end. She loved us and she always showed it by doing thoughtful things for us.
Her and my Grandpa lived in California and we would go visit them every summer. I remember getting into town late at night and my Mom would want to put us to bed but she would pull out the mint chocolate chip ice cream and want to stay up and visit with us. Then the next day she would take us to all the garage sales. Those were some fun summers!
My Grandma had such a sense of humor and was very social. She loved peopled. She loved to write and ride horses. Most of all she loved, loved, loved to talk and would talk to anyone who would listen. Her favorite story to tell was of how she met my Grandpa. They both loved to danced and that is how they met. Of course, the story always changed a bit when she would tell it. Her and my Grandpa danced every Saturday night. Even when their kids were grown. That was their thing. My Grandma always describes their dancing experiences with such enthusiasm. My Grandpa would carry a towel with him. My Grandma, wearing high, high heels dancing the night away.
My Grandpa died 17 years ago. So my Grandma had been alone for so many years that in 2003 my parents decided it was time for her to move to Utah and live with them. I was a flight attendant at the time so I flew out to California and picked her up and flew her to Utah. I will never forget the flight back with her and just being able to visit with her. Since she has been living here I think she has gotten more and more lonely and her health has gotten worse and worse but she kept on going. A few weeks ago they submitted her into the hospital and that is when I went to see her. I remember telling her she was one stubborn women and she replied, "I'm not stubborn. I'm determined!" That she was!
I can only imagine what her reunion must have been like with her husband, family and friends. I imagine her dancing around, being the center of attention (which she loved to be!) and talking every one's ear off. We all met at her bed side last night and talked for hours sharing our favorite memories of her. I didn't think I would be so sad because I really am so very happy for her and for her new opportunities to come. I guess I'm just sad to have to say goodbye to such a funny, loving grandma. I love your Grandma! You will be missed!
(My Grandpa and Grandma)
