Today is a day of ups and downs. It is my birthday but am hardly in a celebratory mood as my maternal grandmother passed away today. My last surviving grandparent. She had lived a good long life to age 93 but it still makes me sad. It was expected--that fall and hip fracture last month did her no favors with existing health problems and ultimately it was too much to deal with. DJ and I had just left for my birthday lunch out when the call came in.
The funeral is Monday and I will be riding with my brother in TN and his family. It is about 4 hours or so to his house and about 8 1/2 hours to Springfield, MO from their house. I'll be taking a blogging break then from Saturday morning till about Wednesday leaving my husband behind to take care of the cat (He had told me he would not be going and I couldn't convince him that he had to)
This picture was taken in the summer of 54 and is one of my favorites of the two of us. I don't know if I was teasing her or her teasing me but we both look happy. I was two or close to it in this picture. I made her a grandma at 39--pretty young really.
I have to smile because she had to put pincurls in her hair to get it look mine did naturally. Actually my hair color (auburn) and the curls came from her dad skipping two generations. The family story was when they told my great granddad that I had hair just like his used to be, he replied that the last time he looked, it WAS red! He was blinded in a dynamite blast in a workplace accident when he was in his twenties so he never saw it turning gray or white.
I got a day's reprieve from walking till tomorrow even though I got dressed in my walking clothes. He didn't have to tell me twice that I didn't have to go. Birthday girls don't have to do anything they don't want to around here, slept in about an hour, finished up the binding on Betsy's quilt and one of the WTIL's, lunch out as mentioned, flowers yesterday, no cake but a lovely card from my husband--not too mushy this time so it didn't make me cry.
A day of ups and downs.............
I'm so sorry to hear about your grandmother, but your memories are yet young. What a wonderful picture that is. How time flies! Happy birthday, anyway.
ReplyDeleteI'm so very sorry to hear about your grandmother. Have a very safe trip, OK?
ReplyDeleteI am sorry about your grandmother - happy birthday anyway
ReplyDeleteMy heart goes out to you hon. Your Grandma is in a happy place where she's not feeling pain anymore. It's lovely that you have so many lovely memories with her.
ReplyDeleteBe safe on your journey
*hugs*
Tazzie
x o x
I love that picture. I hope you have that displayed somewhere where you can view it often. It is such a happy moment and invokes such happy memories of your grandmother.
ReplyDeleteWe will miss you while you are gone to TN. We will think of you often and remember you in our prayers.
Thanks for sharing such a loving picture. It's so wonderful that you have that. Sounds like it was time for her to go, leaving you with nothing but fond memories and a sad heart. Be careful on your travels there and we'll be thinking of you.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful picture of your grandmother and you. My maternal grandmother raised me and has been gone almost 20 years - I still want to pick up the phone to call her. My heartfelt sympathies go out to you and yours.
ReplyDeleteLinda,
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry to hear about your beloved grandma. Please know my prayers are with you.
Hugs
Laurie
even though you were expecting it, sorry it had to come on your birthday sweetie!
ReplyDeleteI am sorry to hear about your grandma and that it had to be on your birthday.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great picture of the two of you Linda..*S* And I notice that you have a very similar facial profile to your Gram's. Love that you got the curls..*S*and of course had to take the red hair to go with them. I think it's beautiful..*VBS* I'm glad you have the family stories and memories. It will good for you to connect with family again, even tho it's a sad occasion. I think a life like hers deserves celebrating!...I'll keep you all in my thoughts and prayers til you are safely back home. Hugs, Finn
ReplyDeleteSo sorry to hear of your Grandmother's passing, especially on your birthday.
ReplyDeleteLove and hugs Jan Mac
Aussie
I am so sorry for your loss Linda.
ReplyDeleteSoft hugs and warm thoughts from Hanne
I love the pictures and memories you have of your grandma. Thanks for sharing. Have a safe trip. It's nice you and your brother are close.
ReplyDeleteMelanie
I'm sorry for your loss, I hope all the loving memories will keep you warm.
ReplyDelete(((((((HUGS)))))))) to you for the the bad AND the good from the day.
ReplyDeleteSo sorry to hear about your Grandma. Have a safe trip. Will be thinking of you.
ReplyDeletesounds like you've had a good relationship with your family... the stories are so full of love. May the good memories wrap themselves around you as you travel at this difficult time.
ReplyDeleteI wont say happy birthday but how bout blessed birthday instead. I am so so sorry about your grandma, I know I still miss my Nana 9 yrs later. Your picture is precious and so are your memories, thanks for sharing a glimpse into them. ((hugs)) and travel safely! xoxo melzie
ReplyDeleteSorry to hear about you Grandma. It is sad to lose someone close even if they are 93. The picture is great and hopefully it brings back good memories and helps ease the pain. Have a safe trip.
ReplyDeleteSo sorry to hear about your grandmother's passing. It is so hard to give them up. Take care. And birthday wishes too.
ReplyDeleteLinda, my thoughts and prayers are with you today and for the weekend. Bittersweet day, indeed! Wonderful picture. And, life goes on...Hugs
ReplyDeleteSorry to hear about your grandmother. A tough way to spend your birthday. My thoughts are with you and your family.
ReplyDeleteGreat picture Linda!! You both look very happy. I sent you an email back and don't worry about responding.
ReplyDeleteSafe trip!
May your good memories of times with your grandmother stay with you in the days ahead. So sorry for your loss - and that it had to happen on your birthday. Wishing you safe travel.
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry for your loss.
ReplyDeleteThirty nine is young to be a grandma! I'm 45 and way too young -my sisters are teasing me that now that my oldest son is getting married that I'll be a grandma before long but I've already talked to Chris about that!
Sorry to hear about your grandma, and hope next year's birthday is a more cheerful one.
ReplyDeleteYour picture is so sweet and will bring to mind all of the fun memories you have with your grandma if you begin to feel down.
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday!
ReplyDeleteSo sorry to hear about your Grandmother. Just remember she's still living....in you!
Have a safe trip.
Linda,
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry about your Grandmother. She is in God's hands now. Celebrate her life by living yours to the fullest.
I'm so sorry to hear about the loss of your grandmother. You have beautiful memories to carry in your heart always.
ReplyDeleteNot a fun birthday, for sure, so I'll wish peace and comfort for you today!
((HUGS))
Linda: I'm sorry about your grandmother. It's always hard to let them go. I'm glad you have good memories of her. I'm sorry her passing was on your birthday.
ReplyDeleteJudy L.
I am so sorry you have lost your grandmother. Much love goes out to you :-( Happy birthday, too- when you are ready to feel happy.
ReplyDelete