My grandmother passed away yesterday afternoon at the age of 99.
We knew it was coming, but even so, it is still hard. She was one of the most amazing women I have ever met. She lived such a full and vibrant life. If my life is half as full as hers was it will be time well spent.
I remember going to visit her a few years ago. She was 93 at the time and her best friend of over 75 years was 92. It was morning and the two of them were dressed in their gorgeous suits with hand towels slung over their shoulder. They told me they were going to the fitness room. When I inquired why two women, age 92 and 93, needed to go to the fitness room, one of them said, "Oh, I am just trying to lower my cholesterol." The other one responded with, "I need to drop a few pounds." Yea, in their size four little bodies.
So many stories I could tell of the life she lived. So many ways that she was a strong woman. So many ways I see that I am like her.
When I was visiting her in October she said she wasn't ready to go yet. That makes me sad. When you live a life as full as hers and live the age of 99 you would think you would be ready. But she loved life so much she wanted more of it.
I am really glad that our family came to Florida last November to visit her. I wanted my kids to meet my grandmother so at least they could say they met her. I wanted Jason to meet her and know the woman that was so special to me. It was a good visit -- they got to see the strong vibrant woman that she was instead of the sickly woman she turned into just a year later.
Janet, I'm so sorry for your loss. She sounds like such an amazing woman.
Posted by: Donna (kygirl) | December 14, 2007 at 03:04 AM
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family today Janet. I am so sorry.
Posted by: MandaKay | December 14, 2007 at 03:15 AM
I am both happy and sad for you. Sad for your loss, you are right even though you know it is coming it is always hard. Then also happy that you had such an amazing woman in your life, with memories to cherish for your lifetime.
Posted by: Brooke - in Oregon | December 14, 2007 at 03:19 AM
I'm so sorry for your loss Janet! She sounds like an amazing woman and I know that your family will appreciate your memories further on in their life ((HUGS))
Posted by: Andrea C. | December 14, 2007 at 03:24 AM
Oh Janet, I'm so sorry. Hugs. Big hugs. It seems no matter what the case is--when someone dies, it is hard and sad. Even when we know they are at home in heaven. Even in the best possible circumstance that death may come, it's hard. How good that you got to seee her a few times over the past couple of years. She truly does sound like an amazing lady.
Posted by: Hollie | December 14, 2007 at 04:17 AM
It's never easy. I love how you've celebrated her. Hugs today!
Posted by: Jacki | December 14, 2007 at 04:38 AM
i am sorry for your loss janet. i am glad that you and your family got to see her before she fell ill. my heart and prayers go out for you.
Posted by: Lisa | December 14, 2007 at 08:45 AM
Janet - so sorry to hear this, but it sounds as if she was an amazing woman who lead an incredible life...you were truly blessed.
LESLIE
Posted by: Leslie (lhaslem) | December 14, 2007 at 10:18 AM
{{{hugs}}} to you and your family, janet.
Posted by: sarah vrolyk | December 14, 2007 at 10:47 AM
You were blessed to have a such a great relationship with someone so special. I am sorry for your loss.
Posted by: Laura | December 14, 2007 at 12:21 PM
I lost my grandmother too a few years ago. I'm so sorry for the loss of your loved one.
Posted by: Photojenic | December 14, 2007 at 01:38 PM
oh janet - i'm so sorry for you loss. sounds like she was one heck of a special person.
xoxo,d
Posted by: deann | December 14, 2007 at 04:02 PM
I'm so sorry to hear about your Grandma, Janet. But wow, what a life she must have lived in 99 years! Sounds like such a fabulous woman.
Hugs
Posted by: Jennifer Caputo | December 14, 2007 at 05:01 PM
So sorry to hear of your loss, Janet. Your words speak resoundingly of your love for your grandmother. And 99? WOW! She lived a full life, and I love that little anecdote you shared of her and her best friend :) Brought a smile to my face.
Much sympathy and prayers going out to you!
Posted by: Rona | December 14, 2007 at 06:54 PM
Praise the Lord you were all able to visit your precious Grandmother last year! I am sure the memories will you have of her life will be passed on to your children :)
Praying for the loss you feel right now though.
Posted by: Margie S. | December 14, 2007 at 09:35 PM
So sorry, my friend. I don't comment often, but know that I'm checking in on you--love keeping up with your life and family. Thanks for sharing.
Posted by: Lindy Keffer | December 15, 2007 at 06:03 PM
i'm so sorry, Janet. You look like her...i think that is a blessing in itself. Hugs to you all.
Posted by: Kelly | December 16, 2007 at 11:19 PM