05.04.2013: My Last Day With Gramma

I was actually planning on being in Riverside this weekend.  Shelly was going to go out of town and I was going to go out to help watch Gramma & Papa.  But Shelly cancelled her trip....so I decided to wait to go out until Monday.  However, yesterday morning, Mom called to let us know that Gramma wasn't doing too well.  We were kinda on standby to go out just in case her condition got worse.  I decided to head out on Sat morning, either way.  Just felt like I should be there, and thought I might be helpful in case they needed me for anything.  So, I woke up and hit the road with Kaizen.  I got home about 3:30pm...and stopped by the house to unload.  Was catching up with Dad before I headed over to Gramma & Papa's....when Mom called to let us know that Gramma had just passed away. 

I rushed over there, and was able to see her and say my good-byes to her, even though she was already gone.  I knew God had taken her home....ended her suffering.  It was a good thing, and supposed to be a moment of peace and grace....but it was hard not to be devastated.  I felt blessed to be able to be there in that moment with Papa and my Mom and Tina & Shelly....but it was heartbreaking at the same time.

Gramma was 77 years old, and one month to the day when she passed.  She had been suffering from dementia over the past year or so, and required someone to be there to help care for her around the clock.  I was able to spend some of those hours helping care for her...and getting to know her again....and being able to remind her of all the wonderful memories we have shared together.  Even though she had a tough time communicating with us, I truly believe that she was still all there.  I have many, many moments shared with Gramma over this past year...funny and touching ones, loving and calming ones, sometimes frustrating ones, and almost always "interesting".  I am so glad I was blessed to be able to experience these times with her....as I know Mom and my aunts are as well.

Gramma had changed so much and so quickly, but her heart & soul were the same...her spirit and spunk were the same....they hadn't left her and they certainly hadn't changed.  She was still the same amazing woman that she always had been.  No disease could ever take that from her.  

Gramma led a great life, with a loving husband of 58 years, 3 caring daughters, wonderful grandchildren...and adorable great-grandchildren.  She lived, laughed, and loved...and there is not much more you can ask or hope for.  Her life was complete, and she will not just be remembered, but she will forever live on within each of us. 

Gramma will continue to be there for us....
Just as she always has been.