Monday, January 5, 2009

A wonderful woman


Grandma Wade
10/9/20 to 1/1/09

Cliff and I learned a lot about his grandmother over the past few days. She was a very special person, and will be greatly missed! Cliff was given the honor of being a pall bearer at her service today. It was neat to see Cliff's extended family again. He was able to spend a lot of time with the family and hear stories which he was able to relay to me later. I was caring for the kids for part of the time he was spending with aunts, uncles, great-aunts, and cousins. The service for her was really beautiful. Cliff rode to the cemetery with the other pall bearers while the kids and I followed the long procession of cars behind the hearse. It was a chilly day to be outside, but at least the sun was shining. Afterward we went to the lovely nursing care center in the country where Nean lived. We enjoyed a reception for family and friends. Both our boys witnessed their dad and others crying tears of sadness after the service. We feel it is important to include them in celebrations of life and death. It is all relevant and natural to our existence. Camden (4) asked to go to Grandma's room after the reception at her nursing care center. So we did. He saw she was not in her room after a staff person opened the door to show him she was not there, only her things. She will be greatly missed, but her legacy and spirit will live on forever in our hearts. Losing a loved one such as Nean, makes me appreciate how precious life is, and reminds me how much I can impact the lives of my children, and the lives of others for the better through my legacy. The easiest way I know how to do that is to give love. That is one thing a Grandmother is good at, and one thing I am learning to do better everyday. I think in the end that is really all that matters is how much love we can share with others.

Love to all...

~Heather xoxoxo

3 comments:

Heidi Snavley said...

I'm sorry to hear Heather. I lost my grandfather this week as well. Seems weird, the parallels in our lives. We also had a birth in the family - life and death as it continues to cycle. I do think it is important to include the children, it's all part of this awful and wonderful thing we call life. Hugs to your entire family!

Wheelchair Mama said...

That was a touching post--you are so positive. I hope I can be more like you!

Heather's Moving Castle said...

Thanks for all the warm fuzzies! Hugs to you both and condolences, Heidi!