Thank you all for your supportive comments. They were so encouraging and I kept coming back to read them over. Gramom lived such an inspiring life to me ~ she grew up on a farm, loved animals, cooked a mean pie, and her sewing room rocked: it was filled with dressers full of materials and had blue fabric as wallpaper. She could sew anything, cook anything, do anything ~ I've walked creeks with her, climbed mountains, and hiked to Delicate Arch with her when she was 76. I am filled with stories and memories that I will cherish, and I do feel that her life has shaped mine in so many ways. I am so lucky to have had an influence like hers.
I've been kind of mopey for a few days but overall we're grateful she went so peacefully and gently ~ she had dealt with Alzheimers for so long that by the end last week, it just seemed right to go. She died two weeks from the day she had stopped eating. Two weeks. She was living on some kind of spiritual energy and was so with it and present. Everyone was home for Christmas break and so we all got to see her last week. Her four children and PopPop were with her when she slipped into a coma and then stopped breathing. How lucky to go safe, warm and surrounded by loved ones at the end of a long life! I can only hope for the same.
I keep thinking how I'm part of such a big cycle: youth, aging, friends, family, life, death. I'm young and I will be old. She was young once too. Our bodies age but our personalities stay youthful inside of us as we gain experiences and wisdom. I am happy to be alive, to be here, and to be on my journey where I am.
I got the best sympathy card from a friend:
I am so sorry. Death is painful. I hate it.
I have to say it made me smile because how else can one say it so simply and truthfully? Death is a part of life, we don't have to like it but it is deepening in so many ways.
As I write this Tim is throwing another log on the fire, Lucy is begging for attention, and my chamomile citrus tea tempts me as it steams. Life continues.
*
8 comments:
beautiful post, brooke - thanks for sharing what's on your heart :)
Death is painful. I am not looking forward to it at all. (Not mine exactly, that of people or animals I care about.)
I am so sorry about your gramom. I love the photos you shared of her; her smile is so contagious and open and happy. Such wonderful memories - it sounds like a part of her will live on in you.
thx for sharing this brooke. i guess your grandmom touched a wider circle because she inspired you and you inspire with YOUR art. so thank you!
Dearest Brooke,
I would have loved to have known your Gramom as she sounds like one amazing lady. My grandparents raised me most of my life and had and still do have a profound impact on who I am and who I want to be. They too passed gently while surrounded by those they love. Your Gramom lives on in you Brooke and every story that you tell of her, thought you have of her, picture of her you gently rub, every recipe of hers you cook, every tree and mountain that remind you of her. I feel and believe that my Grandmother watches me and mentors me from afar. I wish you that feeling too.
XOXOX Stephanie
Thank you so much, everyone, for sharing your encouragement! It it so appreciated. :) I know we've all been or will be through this experience and it is good to hear from you.
i just read this now. thanks for sharing. it made me sad and happy all at once. i wish i knew your gramom a little better-
i'm glad you have tim and mimi and the dogs and tea to comfort you.
xoxoxoxo
So sorry to hear, and your friend put it perfectly.
So glad you have the comforts of home around you.
Thanks so much! :) I'm appreciating all those things and am so glad to have them.
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