Five years ago, I went through one of the toughest periods of my life. On November 3, 1999, my maternal grandmother passed away. Although she had been ill earlier that year, she had received a completely clean bill of health just two weeks prior. So even though she'd been diagnosed with a rare & severe form of adult leukemia in March or April of that year, she had beat it into remission with some hardcore chemo therapy by May, and she began to regain her health and vigor with each passing week.
My grandmother never gave up on anything, so that's why no one but her doctor was surprised that she beat cancer at 80, just like she'd beat everything else in her life. So when she suddenly landed in the hospital in October, we were shocked. My entire life seemed to unravel at the seams in the span of a couple of weeks & instead of going to work or class, I spent nearly every day & night at the hospital with my Mom, Bro, aunt, or other relative. On November 3, when she knew that the entire family was gathered by her bedside, she left peacefully in her sleep. I will always be grateful that we were all together for her that day.
My grandmother was one of the most influential figures in my life. She was in so many ways a role model for the kind of strong, independent, free thinking, ground-breaking woman I'd always wanted to be. Perhaps on another day that I'm not quite so emotional and sentimental, I can write up a proper tribute to her, but today I just need to hold tight in my heart all the memories I can muster up of this great woman whose passing still brings tears to my eyes five years later.
I don't know how five years passed so quickly, but when I think of all the ways that my life has changed for the better since she left this world, I feel that a large portion of my good fortune has been because I was blessed by the gift of her presence in my life. I am proud to be even a tiny part of her legacy.
:: Nez ::
Posted by jozjozjoz at November 3, 2004 04:03 PMOh, sweetie... at least you do know that she lives on inside of you. I bet she is very proud of who you've become.
Posted by: redsaid at November 3, 2004 04:41 PMIt's hard when sometimes, you forget. Then you read about someone who hasn't forgotten and it floods you with emotion. Thanks for helping me to remember. :) My gramma died when I was 16. I miss her terribly. One of the last conversations she had was that she wanted to dance at her great-grandchildren's wedding someday. I'm sorry my kids have to miss out on such a wonderful lady. :~)
Posted by: froggie at November 3, 2004 05:47 PMThat was an amazing post... I'm so sorry for the loss of your grandmother, but thank you for sharing that. =)
Posted by: pie at November 3, 2004 07:30 PM*lights candle*
Posted by: Deltus at November 3, 2004 07:58 PMThis was a beautiful post. I think you already have written your tribute :)
Posted by: JR at November 3, 2004 11:30 PMThanks JR, but this is a far cry from the tribute my grandmother deserves. I haven't even touched the tip of the iceberg to the amazing accomplishments of this woman.
Posted by: :: jozjozjoz :: at November 3, 2004 11:42 PM*Hugs* My grandma died July 3, 1999. Wow, it's strange same date and year... *Hugs* My heart and spirit is with you now. *Hugs*
Posted by: Lisa24293 at November 4, 2004 04:04 AMVery touching story.Reminds me of my late grandmother.She lived through a lot.ood post
Posted by: Philly Jay at November 4, 2004 07:05 AMYOU - in how you feel, admire her, write about her, and how you try to live your life - are her tribute. I cant imagine she'd want more than that (except for you to be HAPPY as well). Well done!
Posted by: meg at November 4, 2004 09:03 AMDon't know where the Jesusland map came from, my boss had it emailed to him from friends.
Posted by: OutOutBlogger at November 4, 2004 10:25 AMHUGS! Just remember that a little bit of Grandmother still lives in YOU! From what I do know about you, she would be proud.
Posted by: ann at November 4, 2004 12:24 PM*hugs* there are no words that I could say. But I know how it feels to lose someone who was very influential in your life. My maternal grandmother was mine too.
Posted by: meeta at November 4, 2004 12:38 PM
It's been three months ago today that my mom died. She was 55. It stinks. There is not a day that goes by that I wish I could pick up the phone and talk to her again.
I'm glad that I believe in an Eternity in Heaven, because I will get to see her again.
Anyway, I know how you feel. Also, last month it was 6 years since my father-in-law passed away. The time starts to fly, but you never forget and will always miss being with them.
Posted by: StrobeAlific at November 3, 2004 04:18 PM