Tuesday, July 15, 2008

Grandma Viola

This last February we went up to Wyoming to celebrate grandma Vi's 90Th birthday. We had such a nice trip and I had a particularly special experience with grandma that I will hold near and dear to me forever. Unfortunately, since then her health has deteriorated; she has had numerous strokes, broken her leg, and has pneumonia... just to name a few. It is a miracle she is still here with us! Now grandma Viola is bed ridden and reliant on 24hr care...of which my in laws will be giving her for a month. We recently returned home after staying with them for ten days to help as much as possible. The experience was life changing in many ways for me! I honestly did not know if I could do it...the emotional and physical toll everyone was under was hard for me to handle. You can ask Andy, the only thing I am really afraid of is death its self. I could hardly stand to see grandma, once so beautiful and full of life, in her state. I couldn't help but think soon enough I would be in her position and it really was eye opening in many ways. I won't go into the details of what is done for her each day, but it is a lot of HARD work and the emotional toll is just as difficult. And yet, life goes on...and hopefully grandma knows how much we love her and is at a peaceful place in her journey.

I love the contrast their hands create...89 years between them.


Grandma Vi reached her hand out to touch Tate's cheek and he held her hand there for a long time...so precious.

Tate with his grandma Jo and great grandma Vi.





Tate loved spending time with his great grandma and really warmed up to her after seeing her a couple of times. He was so sweet with her, always saying "hi" and waving his little hand. Many times I would just let him sit on her bed so that grandma could touch him and tell him how much she loved him. Vi has always really loved children (reminds me of myself that way) and I know it was a special treat for her to be around Tate...at times it seemed that he was her main source of happiness.

This is my favorite...I love that her wedding band is in focus. I think it will look stunning in black and white!



22 comments:

Jenn said...

Those images are amazing. They put tears in my eyes. Tate is going to love having that moment in pictures to remember when he is older. You can not just see the love but also feel it. There is a special connection between those two. Way to capture it forever in an image.

Kate said...

Jennica, that first picture made me cry! It is so beautiful. You need to submit some of those to a contest somewhere, or at least have them framed for Andy's parents. The circle of life is amazing ... you captured it beautifully. Very moving!

Ashley said...

WOW! These are priceless!! You captured some precious moments there! Tate is such a special boy; what joy he brings into all of our lives!

Aubrey said...

Jennica, those pictures are amazing. I'm all choked up as I write this! You are so talented as a photographer! This post reminded me of my own grandmother, who passed away 11 years ago. Great post!

Englishfam said...

I LOOOVED these photos. It is so neat that Tate can have these forever. I love hearing stories from my grandparents about them growing up and I know we can learn so much from their wisdom about life.

Anonymous said...

Jennica-
These pictures are truly breath-taking! You did an exceptional job in capturing the moment. Tate's sweet spirit really comes through in such a touching way.

Love ya both, honey. XOXOXOX

The Reeds said...

Love, love, love these! I too have a hard time with seeing people get old and feeble, that once had such vibrant lives. Thanks for sharing.

Britt said...

Amazing photos. I definitely got choked up as well.

Kat said...

Ok, I am totally crying. Those pictures are amazing. Especially the first one. You have such a great talent.

Stephanie said...

Gosh way to make me cry! I saw that first picture and started to cry. How lucky Tate is to have such a wonderful great grandma. I really think that picture could be entered into a contest and with the same text you had "89 years between them" Thanks for sharing. those were by far the most amazing pictures I have seen!

Heidi said...

I'm glad I'm alone right now with all these tears. It is so great that you have had this time with her, and to be able to serve her. I too, am reminded of my Grandma and that she never knew any of my children on this earth, but I KNOW they were buds in heaven. Those are priceless pictures, and so beautiful. Love them!

Brooke said...

I loved that first picture with their arms together. What a memorable experience. All those pictures were so perfect. It also makes me sad that life is going by so fast. I want time to stand still for awhile. I don't want to get any holder as well as my loved ones!

Jenna said...

Oh my gosh. I don't even know you, but I'm crying and so touched by the beauty of these pictures. I came from Hilary's blog. Bless you and your family now. What lovely memories for you to have forever.

Angela said...

Jennica, These pictures are beautiful! You have such a talent. What a neat experience for you all to spend Grandma Vi's remaining days in this life by her side. My prayers and thoughts are with your family.

I also came from Hilary's blog, we met a few months ago at Sunday dinner over at their house.

Tara said...

I love this post. Those pictures are very touching & profound- especially that last one, like you said. What an amazing experience. And Tate is SO cute!! He has your smile, doesn't he?

Adhis said...

I enjoy being around people who are at the end of a long journey through mortality. I feel very peaceful and blessed to be in their presence.

Well, I cannot say anything about those photos that hasn't been said already; They are beautiful.

Amy said...

Oh my gosh! What a gift you have with the camera. There is so much expression & emotion in the photos you took...very moving. What a precious moment.

I agree, the first shot of their hands is so great...they all are. You know you are taking great photos when they create such depth of emotion in people that were not even there.

Marie said...

Jennica, I was so touched by your words and pictures. You have a true gift! And I think it is so wonderful that you took so much time to serve your Grandma. I'm sure you'll cherish that time forever!

Kelly said...

I love these pictures! You are such a great photographer!

Kristen said...

Makes me miss my great grandma! I helped take care of her for three years during junior high and high school. I slept at her house three nights a week - it's crazy to look back on it now. I wish our kids could have known her. Someday!

Good luck to your family through these next times.

Lindsay said...

Hi Jennica! This is Dan and Lindsay Burnett! We stumbled upon your blog, and we have to say, you have a beautiful family and look so happy! Congratulations on the new baby cookin' in the oven. We've noticed you've acquired an amazing talent in photography. Your pictures are stunning. If you're ever in Florida, do you think you can hook us up with some family photos?

michele said...

WOW!! Those pictures are amazing! You did an awsome job. You can really see how much they loved being with eachother.