1.09.2010

The beginning of the end

Five minutes ago I received a call from my mother that my grandmother has suffered a massive stroke. She is on life support, to whatever degree that means anything at all when you're nearly 92.

I'm devastated. Simply distraught and devastated and trying to get my bearings in this all, because it's always a surprise. Even when it's not entirely a surprise at all.

Thalia, seeing me sobbing on the phone raced over and said, you're the best mommy I ever had, her stock line for making me smile. She has a knack for that.

Just like her great-grandmother.

Momsie, wherever your spirit is right now, I hope it's dancing.

And I hope that this ends quickly and quietly without much fuss. It's not like you to let us make too much of a fuss over you.


60 Comments:

Blogger Chris said...

I'm terribly sorry to hear about your grandmother. Praying for comfort for you and your family.

1/9/10, 8:01 PM  
Blogger Anneli said...

we are so sorry......all of your cyberpals and blog followers have you in our hearts........

1/9/10, 8:18 PM  
Blogger Confused said...

Not sure there's anything that a total stranger would be able to say to ease your pain, but I figure a few keystrokes can't hurt.

I've read your blog for a long while now, and have always loved when you would talk about your grandmother. She's obviously a very special woman. And obviously, it runs in the family.

I hope that things run a course that is as painless as possible for all involved. And know that you and your family are being thought of, and are loved, by a stranger in Minnesota. (And I'm sure in many other places.)

Don't be afraid to lean where you need to. That's what friends are there for.

<3

1/9/10, 8:35 PM  
Blogger Meg said...

I'm so sorry to hear about your grandmother. I'll pray that whatever happens, happens quickly and quietly and that she's comfortable. ((HUGS))

1/9/10, 8:39 PM  
Blogger Asha Dornfest {Parent Hacks} said...

I'm so, so sorry, Liz. Wishing her, you, and your family peace and comfort.

1/9/10, 8:53 PM  
Anonymous Karen Chatters said...

I am so so sorry. It is such a blessing that you've had so many wonderful years with your grandmother. My heart is with you and your family.

1/9/10, 8:59 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Thinking of you. I hope for comfort for you and your family. She sounds like a wonderful woman.

1/9/10, 9:16 PM  
Anonymous Jane said...

I'm so sorry for your grandmother, for you and your family. Thinking of all of you tonight.

1/9/10, 9:22 PM  
Blogger Kristin J said...

I am so sorry. You and your family are in my prayers. Your grandmother sounds like an amazing human being. I too will be praying for her comfort.

1/9/10, 9:28 PM  
Blogger SaritaPagita said...

I'm so sorry. Bless sweet Thalia and your gram.

1/9/10, 9:40 PM  
Anonymous beyond said...

sending you and all the family warm thoughts.

1/9/10, 9:43 PM  
Blogger Marketing Mommy said...

Grieving is never easy. My thoughts are with you.

1/9/10, 9:43 PM  
Blogger Fairly Odd Mother said...

Your stories and photos of your grandmother have always made me smile----she is so obviously a lovely woman who has shaped many lovely women after her. I'm so sorry; may she be resting peacefully.

1/9/10, 10:03 PM  
Blogger lonek8 said...

I'm sorry to hear about your grandmother. We are all hugging you in our hearts and praying that this will end as easily and peacefully as possible.

1/9/10, 10:27 PM  
Anonymous Juggle Jane said...

I'm so sorry. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

1/9/10, 10:31 PM  
Blogger Melissa said...

So very sorry to hear this news. My grandmother passed away somewhat suddenly almost six years ago, and i remember that devastating feeling all too well. You will be in my thoughts and hopes that this time is as comfortable as possible for her. Again, my sympathies to you and your family.

1/9/10, 10:56 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I'm so sorry to hear about your grandmother. I'll keep you and your family in my thoughts, and I'll hope for not too much fuss. Since it sounds as if that's what your great-grandmother would want.

1/9/10, 11:13 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

*HUGS* I am so sorry.

1/9/10, 11:17 PM  
Blogger Mommy said...

Lots of prayers for your Momsie and your family. May your many happy memories together bring you joy and comfort.

1/9/10, 11:22 PM  
Blogger Your escalator operator said...

Very sorry to hear about your grandma. Sending all good thoughts for your family from the other coast.

1/9/10, 11:26 PM  
Blogger erin said...

Thinking of you and your family! 92 years...what an amazing run for that Momsie of yours.

1/9/10, 11:30 PM  
Blogger Kristi Nommensen Dorson said...

I'm so sorry. :(

1/9/10, 11:40 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Praying for you and your family to have peace with this whole situation right now.

1/10/10, 12:36 AM  
Blogger Marilyn (A Lot of Loves) said...

I so sorry about your grandmother. Sending strength.

1/10/10, 12:47 AM  
Blogger Unknown said...

I'm so sorry, I've been back and forth with a relative on a respirator myself for several months now. I'm so sorry - So sorry.

Please take care of yourself too. Mostly I stop by and read but wanted to comment today

Tracy

1/10/10, 7:05 AM  
Blogger Marinka said...

I'm so sorry, I wish you peace and comfort.

1/10/10, 7:07 AM  
Anonymous amy turn sharp said...

Sending love and prayers xo

1/10/10, 8:03 AM  
Blogger Bridget said...

Very same thing happened to me 4 years ago. Same age, same diagnosis - we were very close. I prayed for the same things as you, comfort and speediness. Thankfully both were answered.

Even thinking about it and writing it now is making me tear up. I miss her so much but at the same time feel so lucky to have her as long as I did.

My prayers are with you and your family.

1/10/10, 8:09 AM  
Blogger Jessica {Team Rasler} said...

You are right - it's always a surprise even when it isn't. I'm so sorry and am thinking of you and your family. I know you will make sure your girls grow up remembering what a special woman your grandmother is, just like my mom did for us.

1/10/10, 8:19 AM  
Blogger Laura Cousins said...

I am very, very sorry to read this and I am sending you my love.

1/10/10, 8:25 AM  
Blogger the new girl said...

Ah, damn it all to hell. I am so sorry to hear the bad news, Liz.

And you're right. It's always a shock no matter what.

Best to you.
xo

1/10/10, 9:08 AM  
Blogger Jaelithe said...

I have been thinking of you and your grandmother since I heard last night. My husband's grandmother, a wonderful woman the same age as your grandmother, passed away in November, and it was very hard on his family, and on him (though he was attempting to be very manly about it and therefore would not admit it was hard).

But what did make it easier on everyone was thinking about the fullness of the life she had led, and the legacy she had left behind in her family and friends, whose lives she had all enriched. Having read about your grandmother here I know she lived the same kind of life-- a life that improved nearly every other life it touched. I only hope that when I am 92 someone might be able to say the same about me.

1/10/10, 9:31 AM  
Blogger Rena said...

I'm sorry to hear it. I hope God is conforting yours and your family's hearts... Love and Prayers, R.

1/10/10, 9:43 AM  
Blogger justmakingourway said...

Oh Liz, I'm so sorry. Death is a bastard no matter what. Sending all my good thoughts and strength for you and your family.

1/10/10, 10:38 AM  
Anonymous Boston Mamas said...

I'm so, so sorry Liz and I'm wishing you and your family peace right now. None of this is easy, even when expected. {hugs} -Christine

1/10/10, 10:58 AM  
Blogger sarah doow said...

I'm so sorry - sending you all very best wishes.

1/10/10, 11:21 AM  
Anonymous Ironic Mom said...

Thinking of you. I often think that we are a lucky generation, many of us given so many years with our grandparents. But that makes letting go so hard. Warm thoughts coming to you from Canada.

1/10/10, 11:50 AM  
Blogger Lisa said...

I'm a relatively new reader to your blog. Just would like to extend my empathy with you during this time.

1/10/10, 12:45 PM  
Anonymous Alexis said...

Liz, I'm so sorry to hear about your grandmother. I'll be thinking of you guys and sending love your way.

1/10/10, 1:13 PM  
Anonymous Redneck Mommy said...

Was thinking of you, tis all.

Sending you strength and peace, etc...

1/10/10, 1:23 PM  
Blogger Issa said...

Oh Liz, I'm so sorry for your loss. Tons of hugs honey.

1/10/10, 5:34 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I hope the memories and the inspiration of your grandmother will help heal the pain of your heartbreak. How lucky you are to have had such a wonderful women in your life for the time you had. I’m so sorry for you and your family, and I will keep you in my prayers. She must of been so proud of your mom for raising such an amazing daughter...will be thinking about you...
Beth

1/10/10, 6:38 PM  
Anonymous apathy lounge said...

Peace to you...and your family.

1/10/10, 6:59 PM  
Blogger Never That Easy said...

I'm so very sorry. That's all there is to say... just how very sorry I am.

1/10/10, 7:32 PM  
Blogger Marcela said...

So sorry. Sending a prayer your way.

1/10/10, 7:51 PM  
Anonymous Kami Lewis Levin said...

Part of the pain of being a grown up is being forced to deal with grown up stuff like this. It totally sucks. I'm thinking of you guys. Hang in there.

1/10/10, 8:33 PM  
Blogger Libby said...

I am thinking about you and your family. I just lost my own grandmother a few weeks ago and miss her terribly... YOu are in my prayers.

1/10/10, 9:38 PM  
Blogger Elizabeth @claritychaos said...

Love and thoughts for your family.

1/10/10, 10:14 PM  
Anonymous Kate@And Then I Was a Mom said...

I'm so sorry. We lost my grandmother this year and it is an enormous loss, no matter your age or her age. I'll be thinking of you and your family.

1/10/10, 10:30 PM  
Blogger Ericka said...

ah, that sucks. i'm so sorry, liz. thinking of you and yours...

1/10/10, 10:33 PM  
Anonymous Beth @RoleMommy said...

Liz-

I'm so sorry to hear your news. What I can tell you is that your grandmother's spirit will live inside of you and your daughters for many generations to come. I can tell you that because every night when I cuddle up with my grandma's crochet blanket she made in the 70's or smile at the ring my mom just gave to me (that was hers) I know in my heart that Grandma Dora will forever looking out for me and my family. I'm sure Momsie will do the same.

You're in my thoughts!

xo
Beth

1/10/10, 10:57 PM  
Blogger Caroline D. said...

I'm so sorry Liz. I'm keeping you and your family in my thoughts and wishing your grandmother peace and comfort.

1/10/10, 11:01 PM  
Blogger Stephanie Wilson she/her @babysteph said...

Oh, I'm sorry. I hope all is ok.

Steph

1/11/10, 8:51 AM  
Blogger A Mother Always said...

I am so sorry to hear about your grandmother.
Will say a prayer for her soul.
May you find peace through through your time of grief.

BM

1/11/10, 10:04 AM  
Anonymous Therese said...

Wishing your grandmother and your entire family comfort and peace during this challenging time.

Also, "Momsie" is one of the best names I've ever heard for a grandmother!

1/11/10, 10:16 AM  
Anonymous Evan said...

I pray for her soul and for your family's comfort.

1/11/10, 11:59 AM  
Blogger amyunicorn said...

Oh I'm so very sorry :(

1/11/10, 12:20 PM  
Blogger Georgia Hardstark said...

Oh dear. I'm so sorry to hear this. My heart goes out to you and your family.
xo

1/11/10, 1:25 PM  
Blogger Magpie said...

I'm so sorry.

1/11/10, 2:57 PM  
Anonymous Rita Arens said...

Oh, I just caught up. I'm so sorry I talked to you today and didn't realize. I'm so sorry.

1/11/10, 10:00 PM  

Post a Comment

<< Home