Sunday, March 16, 2014

Going home... Family Strong.

The call came late Tuesday night, March 4th that my Grandma Pat in West Virginia was in the ICU. With more details learned on Wednesday I was heading home EARLY Thursday  morning. All of the family came home; from Wyoming, Louisiana, Alabama, Virginia, New York, North Carolina and Maine. We traveled two hours one way from Maryland to Winchester, Va. to visit my grandma.


On our way we pass through Harper's Ferry which is a special place to all of us, so we took a few pictures along the way.






We had an amazing day on Saturday. Grandma was her feisty self, recognizing all of us and cuttin' up with everyone. We had strong hope after this terrific day. Her situation deteriorated Sunday and Monday. I had to return to Maine on Tuesday. My 78 yr old grandma, grampa's second wife and love of his life, passed away peacefully on Wednesday morning, March 12th, with family by her side. We are so grateful for the time we had with her on Saturday and Sunday. We all have special and fond memories of this tenacious woman; may she rest in sweet peace.






My grandfather, who is 90 yrs old, is a strong, salt of the earth man; it has been so hard to see him so sad and tired. My mother has been staying with him at The Farm in West Virginia. We are so appreciative of her staying with him to help get things in order and keep him company. Eventually she will head back to Wyoming.

Me, Grampa, my brother

Grampa's kids

The Three Granddaughters

My brother, mommy and me

Three generations 10 years apart; 
my mother, her sister, me, my cousin, my daughter and my cousins's son

It felt good to be with all of the family for those five days, reminiscing, laughing, crying and hoping.  It gave us strength and peace.

My husband and I were trying to make it back for the service this weekend but Mother Nature was in a winter fury. We got almost 20 inches of snow on Thursday. It was too much weather from here to West Virginia. I will cherish the blessing of being able to be there for her on Saturday and Sunday.








I did some stitching on Love Never Fails during my travels. I did some planning out for a hooked mug mat for a swap. I will share pictures in my next post.

It has been a long and weary week. May everyone have a peaceful and productive day.

12 comments:

Cricket-bug Corner said...

I am so sorry to hear about your loss. I'm glad you got to see her before she left - damn snow! Nothing eases the pain except for time. Hugs to you sweet friend.

Casa Pearl said...

I'm so sorry to read about your loss PJ. I'm sure she treasured and appreciated the time you had to spend with her.

Samplings from Spring Creek said...

Your Grandparents have left a wrong legacy. So happy you and your family were able to spend time with them. your Grandmother will always be a part of your heart and memories

CalamityJr said...

What beautiful memories you were able to make. They will bring you strength, I'm sure, as you grieve. She and your Grandpa looked happy together!

Saundra said...

Tho it isn't the same as having her with you, just know her soul is around you. Just remember that when a ship leaves the dock and heads toward the horizon, you cannot see the ship, but it is still there. May fond memories of her bring you peace.

Saundra

Barb said...

I am so sorry to hear about your Grandmother. It is wonderful that you and your family had such a special time together with her. I will keep you all in my thoughts and prayers, especially your Grandpa.

Chocolates4Breakfast (Terri Malinovich) said...

I am so sorry for your loss. It looks like you have a strong and loving family to help each other (especially grandpa) through this. Blessings to you all.

Chris said...

I am so sorry for your loss but so thankful that you got to visit and see her before she passed.
Hugs!

Margaret said...

I'm so sorry for your loss, but what a blessing to have the family together at the end of her life. 20 inches of snow. Ugh.

Terri said...

I am so sorry for your loss, but glad you were able to spend time with her. Hugs and prayers!

Annette-California said...

So sorry for your loss. Love how all your family was together and that you got to spend some time with her. Beautiful family photos you shared with us. hugs Annette

Donna said...

Sorry for your loss, thank you for sharing your family. Memories are what carry us.