{Real Life} It's Been Rough.

That pretty much sums up the last week.  A lot of lows.  Haven't been around these parts much.  Kinda of just taking it day by day.  A wise women told me a few days ago, "Focus on today and what you can do today".  I have been trying to live that mantra because so much, when it boils right down to it, is out of our control. 


"The clock is running. Make the most of today. Time waits for no man. Yesterday is history. Tomorrow is a mystery. Today is a gift. That's why it is called the present."


My dear grandmother passed away on Sunday morning. She was the rock that held together much of our family, for many years...and that is even more evident now that she is gone with us in body.  I think many of us are still in a daze several days later and really don't know what to do, how to act, grieve. We always said she would outlive us all.

But, sadly that was not the case.  I think she was finally ready and her body was obviously tired of fighting the inevitable.  She was 86.  She had a good life.  She lived, she loved, she laughed.  She married (my grandfather Eugene and then her second husband John; both preceded her in death), bore children (3; her daughter Linda preceded her in death), helped raise grandchildren (7), even helped raise some great grand children through the years (12).  And had several great great grand children (5).  Wow, to even type that.  Several generations strong.

I know the last couple years have been a bit rough on her.  We even thought it was her time a couple years ago when she had a few strokes but...she kept on kicking.  She was not ready.  She was a fighter, that grandma of mine, I am sure that is where many of us grandchildren get it having lived with her at times or near her for many of our younger years. Sink or swim.

She was a huge part of my growing up it has only been the last several years when I have lived in another state that I couldn't see her regularly.  But I thought of her daily.  Called her often.  Visited when I could however I know it was never enough. Now sadly, I will not be able to visit her again physically.  But I know she is in a better place, enjoying herself and I WILL see her again.  She is part of me and who I have become and that is what I hold on to. And all the warm hugs and laughter we shared through the years. 

To my dear grandmother, Leola, may you rest in peace. 

Gone in body, but not in spirit and NEVER forgotten.

November 20, 1926-May 19, 2013

 



I love you with all my heart and soul.  You will be missed. 

 

I will not say good bye for I see no "good" in good bye; instead I will say,

 

Happy Trails to you, until we meet again!

 

(She loved old western movies)

 

 

   
For any friends and family that read my blog, here is the link to the funeral home page where you can leave messages for our family.  Mike, her son, is still composing her formal obituary to post.