My role model...

[morningstar]

Yesterday was the first chance I've had to work out since last Sunday. I got a call on Sunday afternoon that my 100 year old grandmother had a major stroke and was in the hospital. I have been there every day since. It is a 4hour round trip to visit her, and I stay a few hours, so what with work, I just haven't been able to do it. I really miss working out, but not as much as I will miss my G'ma Mollie. They don't think she will be with us for more than a couple more days, but she's fooled people before. She has dementia now, but before she lost herself, she had written 12 books, received the Order of Australia, was an associate editor for Chatelaine magazine under Doris Anderson (some of the older Canadian women might get that reference; Doris was a close family friend before her death recently), was a subversive feminist and very intelligent woman. The early feminists did the work and I am reaping the rewards. My favourite quote of all time of hers, though, was a completely non-feminist remark - "I'd rather have been glamourous than intelligent"! So honest, and so completely unexpected. I love her so much, and it has been a priviledge to be her granddaughter. She has seen 101 New Years - and I hope I do too!

 

[lcobb2]

What a wonderful woman she is. You are quite fortunate to have such an amazing role model in your life. Dementia is awful. My step-grandmother has it and my maternal and paternal grandmothers died of Alzheimer's. My heart goes out to you. 101 years is a long time--what wonderful wisdom from which you have to reap.

All the best to you during this challenging and difficult time.

 

[pwmatt]

What a difficult time for you. I agree with Laura that you are extremely fortunate to have her for a role model.It sounds like you have tons of good thoughts about her to help get you through this. (((( HUGS))))

 

[Govtgirl]

Wow, what an incredible person she is! You are very lucky to have someone like her in your life. She may just fool everybody and be around another few years!

My Dad was my role model; I just worshipped that man. He died 15 years ago, and there isn't a day goes by that I don't think of him, hear myself say something that he used to say, or think about what he would do or say in a given situation. I miss him like mad, but am so grateful that he was my Daddy.

 

[Nadine]

I'm so sorry--your Grandma sounds like a wonderful woman. To have lived so long and experienced so many changes in the world is truly amazing. I imagine she's told you many fascinating and fun stories. What kinds of books did she write?

It's so very hard losing our loved ones and watching them make that final journey. You, your Grandma Mollie and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.

Nadine

 

[Sunshine1528]

I have to say that I am always amazed at children and our elders. My favorite time are to see a child experiencing/doing something new/funny or and older person who enjoys life and shares their wisdom.

I have not been as fortunate as you to have a relative who has accomplished so much, but I adored my grandparents to no end and thoroughly enjoyed every visit with them I had. All but one was around at to the point that I can remember so many good times and lessons.

Sorry for what you are going through, but nice to hear what a wonderful person you had a chance to experience.

Take care . . .

 

[morningstar]

My grandmother died at 8:15 this morning

Thank you all for your kind words. I spent a long time with her yesterday and was able to say everything I needed to say and kiss her goodbye. She will be very missed as she goes off to her next great adventure.

This feels appropriate to me today:



Looking back on the memory of
The dance we shared 'neath the stars alone
For a moment all the world was right
How could I have known that you'd ever say goodbye

And now I'm glad I didn't know
The way it all would end; the way it all would go
Our lives are better left to chance; I could have missed the pain
But I'd have had to miss the dance

Holding you I held everything
For a moment wasn't I a king
But if I'd only known how the king would fall
Hey who's to say, you know I might have changed it all

And now I'm glad I didn't know
The way it all would end the way it all would go
Our lives are better left to chance; I could have missed the pain
But I'd have had to miss the dance

Yes, my life is better left to chance
I could have missed the pain but I'd have had to miss the dance

-Garth Brooks, "The Dance"

 

[morningstar]

What kinds of books did she write?

My grandma was a historian and mostly wrote historical biographies. Some of her work surrounded the Mutiny on the Bounty, the Australian First Settlers (that's how she got the Order of Australia), Lucy Maud Montgomery and various other people that took her interest.

 

[JennieR]

I'm sorry to hear about your grandmother's passing. I recently lost my grandmother so I know how hard it is. Sending hugs your way.