Thursday, July 31, 2008

I am so grateful for her...

I am so grateful for the life of Viola Mabel.
What an extraordinary woman who lived a long and full life.
As a premie baby, only 3+ lbs., her father was told she would not make it through the night.
Ninety years later she decided to go home to her sweet husband whom she hadn't seen in 25yrs.
I watched her in her final days, full of grace and dignity...not knowing they would be her last.
Grandma Vi would talk to the angels in her room and it brought me peace.
She still had her spunk and humor to the end.
My father-in-law would occasionally fall onto the bed with grandma after lifting her out of the wheelchair, to that she would tease, "It's a good thing your a married man!"
She would tell Tate over and over, "I wouldn't give you up for a million dollars".
After Andy told her he loved her (which he does very much- she was the only grandparent he ever really knew), she would say with tears in her eyes, "I know you love me Andy, I can see it in your eyes".
It absolutely broke my heart each time grandma Vi got tears in her eyes.
She was going through a lot of emotion those final weeks, but was trying so hard to be brave.
She missed her mother, her father, her husband and many others that had passed away.
I am so grateful I was able to hold her hand and stroke her hair.
One thing that brings me comfort in mourning, is thinking of the sweet reunion...celebration that is happening on the other side.

11 comments:

Adhis said...

Very beautiful words, Jennica.
Thank you for sharing Grandma Vi with us.

Kat said...

What a sweet, sweet post for a beautiful woman. Thank you for letting us know her.

Sheree said...

I love that tribute! She sounds like such a neat grandma.

Heidi said...

So very tender. I feel like I know her a little better now, too. I'm sure she's so happy to be with her husband and family that has passed on, but I know she'll be greatly missed here on earth, too!

Aubrey said...

What a beautiful tribute! Thank you for sharing...

Ashley said...

This brought tears to my eyes! What a gift it is to have such amazing people bless our lives and leave such incredible legacies for us to try and emulate! I know she must be so happy with her loved ones now, but I'm sure she will be missed by those she left behind.

Stephanie said...

Boy do you know how to bring someone to tears, you! What a sweet tribute to a sweet lady.

Marium said...

That is so sweet. How wonderful that she got to spend her last moments surrounded by love and ready to have a wonderful reunion on the other side.

Sonia said...

I wish Shawn and I could have attended the funeral. Grandma Vi was and is such a wonderful and sweet person. What a fantastic glod entry.

erica e said...

jennica, what a sweet tribute to a wonderful lady. what a wonderful experience for you to share in that time of her life. i'm glad you wrote about your experience. it made me think that she must have been a lot like you- spunky, loving and beauitful. i love you, cuz.

Anna said...

beautiful words, jenn - love you!