My Grandmother

[Indy-One]

Today I lost my grandmother.

She was an incredible woman, who lived a long life (almost 94 years) mixed with bitter struggles and warm, happy times. She has been an inspiration for the 46 years of my life, and just as my Mom and Dad gave me examples of how to be a good parent she showed me what a real grandparent was, full of unquestionable love and compassion.

Mamaw, you were such a blessing to have in my life and I will miss you greatly.

You're in a better place, I've heard a thousand times
And at least a thousand times I've rejoiced for you
But the reason why I'm broken, the reason why I cry
Is how long must I wait to be with you

I close my eyes and I see your face
If home's where my heart is then I'm out of place
Lord, won't you give me strength to make it through somehow
I've never been more homesick than now

[Truth Detector]

Sorry to hear about your loss.

I buried my grandmother in October. IIRC she was 94. Like me you are lucky to have known her as long as you did.

Thoughts & prayers to you & your family.

[Kurt Cobain]

I'm sorry to hear of your loss. Prayers to you.

[badart]

My thoughts as well.

[mstove]

I'm sorry for your loss.

[Slim]

I'm so sorry for your loss. I know the feeling all too well as I lost my last grandmother on Valentine's day. Grandmother's are incredible women. They give so much and ask for so little in return.

Godspeed to your grandmother.

[Truth Detector]

Grandmother's are incredible women.

No doubt, Slim. Mine went to school on "buses" pulled by horses. She worked during the depression and walked miles to and from work. Her husband wanted my dad to quit school when he was 14 so they could hunt & fish together. Grandma put her foot down and saw to it that Dad graduated from high school & college. It's hard to imagine how different my life would be w/o grandma's influence.

[Liz]

Thoughts & prayers...I'm sorry for your loss.

[PHJIndy]

My condolences to you and your family!

[Turn13]

A long life well lived, but it is still a loss. Thanks for sharing this with us, Indy-One.

[Indy-One]

Grandmother's are incredible women.

That they are.

Now I can type without my eyes watering up.

I had the incredible privilege of growing up right next door to my grandparents. Wow, the memories. I would get in trouble at home when I was a boy and then just simply run next door to find love, comfort, and a jar of cookies and cold glass of milk setting on the table. Even when I grew to be a man, I would visit and knew where to find the cookies and milk.

She lived a difficult life, though you would never know it by the way she carried herself day in and day out. She had six children, and, sadly, had to bury four of them. Her and my Grandpa raised a family during the depression, and that makes them part of an incredible generation, the strength of which I'm not so sure my generation of today has. My Grandpa built their house with his two strong hands, and they lived their until their health forced them to go to a nursing home just four years ago when they were 90.

My Grandparents celebrated their 71st anniversary this past year. I can't imagine being married that long. I'm sure their separation will be a short one.

They were a big influence in my life as far as my faith goes. I grew up knowing they would be a church whenever the doors were open, and I followed suit.

In the end she fought her brief illness hard, yet passed peacefully from this life to the next surrounded by those who loved her.

Thanks for the kind thoughts. Typing this out helps.

[indyracefan]

...man that's tough, I know. My condolences on your loss.

[Red Byrd]

Very sorry to hear. My thoughts and prayers are with ya.

[fivehundred2go]

You were blessed - as I - with having one for so long in our lives. My kids lost all of theirs by the time they were 15 and 11. Our parents were gone all too soon and too young to be a positive influence in their lives. My condolances to you for your loss.

[DannyB]

You'll have plenty of good memories at least, but sorry to hear that.

My grandmother was a huge influence on me growing up. I stayed with her quite a bit. She died on March 13, 1966 and I still miss her. I sit in her favorite rocking chair here most every day.