Today we gather to honor my grandma and pay our final respects. Her time on this earth just shy of 99 years, I’ve never known life without her. Separated only by distance, Grandma was always there and she was meant to live forever. It is with great sadness I acknowledge the reality that her spirit has moved on.
Yesterday we celebrated Grandma’s birthday and I do believe that is what she wanted. Though quiet and strong, she was our biggest supporter and never liked seeing us upset. So as we say goodbye, may we each find pieces of comfort and celebrate our memories.
When Sean and I were sharing stories, most of our memories related to food. We loved her shortbread cookies, which she measured carefully on the baking sheet with a yard stick. I’ll remember her every time I bake a batch, compare them to hers but they’ll never be as good. She could make Pillsbury brownies out of a box better than anyone else (just make sure Sean got the corner pieces). Her cherry cheese pie, creamy mashed potatoes with gravy from scratch (which Mom still hasn’t mastered), her delicious bread stuffing (Scott’s favorite) has been a staple at every holiday meal.
I’ll remember her pearl white nail polish, her red lipstick, and watching her meticulously set her curls any time we were going out for dinner. I’ll remember the scent of her perfume, the jewelry dish she kept on her bedroom dresser, her great sense of fashion and accessories.
I’ll remember the poodle skirts and sun bonnets she sewed for me, even the miniature clothes she made for my dolls. I’ll remember typing on her typewriter and wondering what exactly was she writing when she wrote in shorthand. I’ll remember her rotary phone and the phone books I’d sit on at the dining room table. I’ll remember the Crayola crayon box and playing cards she kept in the cabinet for us. I’ll remember the smile on her face when the great-grandkids came to visit.
I’ll be reminded of her every time I see carnations, maple leaves, elephants and blue jays (even though her son is a Yankee fan). She was beautiful and I hope I’ve made her proud. My grandma and now my guardian angel. For this is not really goodbye, but ’til we meet again.
When i decided to say a few words today, i started to look for a poem to read. I found a good one called “She is gone”.
I researched it a little bit and found that this particular poem was read at the queen mother’s funeral. I thought this was interesting as grandma is canadian and the relationship canadians have with the queen. The Queen mother passed away at the age of 101 in her sleep. Similarly, grandma passed away in her sleep at the age of 98 just short of 99. Chosen by the queen for the queen mother, i thought grandma would approve.
——–
You can shed tears that she is gone
or you can smile because she has lived
you can close your eyes and pray that she will come back
or you can open your eyes and see all that she has left.
your heart can be empty because you cant see her
or it can be full of the love that you shared.
you can turn your back on tomorrow and live yesterday
or you can be happy for tomorrow because of yesterday
you can remember her and only that she is gone
or you can cherish her memory and let it live on
you can cry and close your mind, be empty and turn your back
or do what she would want. Smile, open your eyes, love, and go on.
———
Grandma is now with grandpa and just like their trips to the grocery store, she kept grandpa waiting a very long time.
Soon to be reunited in arlington where grandpa has saved a spot right next to his own for the past 20 years.
Goodby Mom, grandma, great grandma. although you are no longer with us, you can be sure we all miss you.
We love you, even after your blue jays beat my orioles in last years playoff game.
Dear Ron, Bonnie, Scott, Sean, and Rhiannon and Families, We are saddened to hear of your mother’s (grandmother’s) passing. She certainly lived a long life and got to enjoy her grandchildren and great grandchildren. We hope the memories you have of her will ease your grief at this difficult time. Sincerely, Jim and Barb
Today we gather to honor my grandma and pay our final respects. Her time on this earth just shy of 99 years, I’ve never known life without her. Separated only by distance, Grandma was always there and she was meant to live forever. It is with great sadness I acknowledge the reality that her spirit has moved on.
Yesterday we celebrated Grandma’s birthday and I do believe that is what she wanted. Though quiet and strong, she was our biggest supporter and never liked seeing us upset. So as we say goodbye, may we each find pieces of comfort and celebrate our memories.
When Sean and I were sharing stories, most of our memories related to food. We loved her shortbread cookies, which she measured carefully on the baking sheet with a yard stick. I’ll remember her every time I bake a batch, compare them to hers but they’ll never be as good. She could make Pillsbury brownies out of a box better than anyone else (just make sure Sean got the corner pieces). Her cherry cheese pie, creamy mashed potatoes with gravy from scratch (which Mom still hasn’t mastered), her delicious bread stuffing (Scott’s favorite) has been a staple at every holiday meal.
I’ll remember her pearl white nail polish, her red lipstick, and watching her meticulously set her curls any time we were going out for dinner. I’ll remember the scent of her perfume, the jewelry dish she kept on her bedroom dresser, her great sense of fashion and accessories.
I’ll remember the poodle skirts and sun bonnets she sewed for me, even the miniature clothes she made for my dolls. I’ll remember typing on her typewriter and wondering what exactly was she writing when she wrote in shorthand. I’ll remember her rotary phone and the phone books I’d sit on at the dining room table. I’ll remember the Crayola crayon box and playing cards she kept in the cabinet for us. I’ll remember the smile on her face when the great-grandkids came to visit.
I’ll be reminded of her every time I see carnations, maple leaves, elephants and blue jays (even though her son is a Yankee fan). She was beautiful and I hope I’ve made her proud. My grandma and now my guardian angel. For this is not really goodbye, but ’til we meet again.
When i decided to say a few words today, i started to look for a poem to read. I found a good one called “She is gone”.
I researched it a little bit and found that this particular poem was read at the queen mother’s funeral. I thought this was interesting as grandma is canadian and the relationship canadians have with the queen. The Queen mother passed away at the age of 101 in her sleep. Similarly, grandma passed away in her sleep at the age of 98 just short of 99. Chosen by the queen for the queen mother, i thought grandma would approve.
——–
You can shed tears that she is gone
or you can smile because she has lived
you can close your eyes and pray that she will come back
or you can open your eyes and see all that she has left.
your heart can be empty because you cant see her
or it can be full of the love that you shared.
you can turn your back on tomorrow and live yesterday
or you can be happy for tomorrow because of yesterday
you can remember her and only that she is gone
or you can cherish her memory and let it live on
you can cry and close your mind, be empty and turn your back
or do what she would want. Smile, open your eyes, love, and go on.
———
Grandma is now with grandpa and just like their trips to the grocery store, she kept grandpa waiting a very long time.
Soon to be reunited in arlington where grandpa has saved a spot right next to his own for the past 20 years.
Goodby Mom, grandma, great grandma. although you are no longer with us, you can be sure we all miss you.
We love you, even after your blue jays beat my orioles in last years playoff game.
Dear Ron, Bonnie, Scott, Sean, and Rhiannon and Families, We are saddened to hear of your mother’s (grandmother’s) passing. She certainly lived a long life and got to enjoy her grandchildren and great grandchildren. We hope the memories you have of her will ease your grief at this difficult time. Sincerely, Jim and Barb