My Grandpa died last year on October 1st and with him a big piece of her disappeared. A couple of weeks ago would have been their 66th wedding anniversary. Incredible. They shared 65 years together. After my Grandpa died my Dad said that my Nanny wouldn't be happy until she was eating lunch with Grandpa again. Presumably in the beyond or heaven or whatever you believe in.
She was a stubborn and driven woman. Most often when she made up her mind about something she would stick with it. And dying, apparently, was no exception. She was also a really lovely woman. Even though I only lived a short car ride away she would often send me recipes or bookmarks in the mail. While I've been away I have sent her bookmarks from libraries around Geneva. I had a batch to send her, but I guess I will just hang on to them for now.
I will miss talking to her about books. And going for lunch at the old people restaurants close to her house. I will miss the handknit scarves and weird knick-knacks that she send home with me. In the last few years she started saying "love you bunches" to me when I'd leave her place or just before we hung up the phone. I don't know when or why she started saying it, but it was such a funny little old lady phrase and it was always really cute to hear. A little while ago I received a card that said "love you bunches" in her wiggly handwriting. And this weekend I will be looking at it closely and keeping her in my heart.
Rest in peace, Nanny. Give Grandpa a hug for me. I hope the sandwiches are good and the lemon meringue pie is made from scratch.
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6 comments:
this was very meaningful to read this afternoon, Brie.
xoxo
I'm so sorry Brie. I hope you can do something this weekend to celebrate her.
Thank you for this. It made me feel close to you in a way I really need right now. xo
Hi Brie,
I am so sorry to hear this news. I know it must be really rough to be away from your family during all of this. I will be thinking of you. Let me know if There's anything I can do.
Love,
{Cathy}
Brie,
You really never fail to amaze me.
You and your sister have given us and your grandparents more support and love than I could have ever imagined. You are both gems and define what carrying and family is all about.
Know that she is finally at peace and she did love you and your sister bunches.
Love Dad
Thanks everyone for the comments, thoughts and love. I really appreciate all of your words. It's been a strange weekend, but I feel so supported even if I'm halfway around the world.
Thanks especially to my sister and my Dad (and Mom, too!) for their comments and "getting it". It's strange not being there with you right now, but with the help of technology I've been able to feel close even with this distance.
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