My intentions recently have been to write a post most days of the week, but news I received last Wednesday halted everything. I got word from my aunt that my grandmother had taken a turn for the worst and that I should probably come up to Boston. I waited for rush hour to end in NYC and finished a work call with Japan, and by 10pm I was on my way to my Mimi. I arrived at 2am, passed out by 3am, and by 5am was being awoken by my aunt to rush to the nursing home. I didn’t make it, and my grandmother passed away that morning. I’m comforted only by the fact that I had rented a car about two weeks ago, too, and had manged to see her. Here’s a pic of us, our last together, from 2 weeks ago.
The last 5 days have been extremely difficult and tiring. My grandmother meant everything to me, and while its hard to give an anecdote that summerizes it all, I thought I’d share my eulogy that I gave during her funeral, as it is because of her that I love to travel. My sister and I both read our thoughts and I was very happy with the sendoff that we gave our grandmother. So, here is the short piece that I wrote that captures the good times we had and the lasting impression she has made on me. I’ll miss her more than anything, and I’m tearing up right now as I write these words. Thanks for reading this and I hope that all of you also are blessed enough to have someone touch your life as much as my grandmother has touched mine.
The first time I went on a plane was to Bermuda with Mimi and Papa when I was 7 years old. They loved Bermuda and wanted to show me the pink sand beaches and thought the quick flight would be good for my first real vacation. I loved every minute that we stayed there – from the nightclub in a cave (which of course we had to leave before 8pm) to running around the hotel (not too quickly!) and swimming up to the pool bar (virgin daiquiries only). From then on they knew that I loved traveling and wasn’t too much of a bother, so they took me to the Balsams Resort up in New Hampshire, Bermuda again, Niagra Falls, and finally Ireland. I still remember crossing Galway Bay to make our way over to the island of Inishmore, where Mimi’s dad’s family was based, and it was the most nauseating boat ride ever. I was sick, Papa was sick, the entire boat was sick. Everyone except Mimi. She sat there, seemingly unfazed, and rubbed my back. It certainly wasn’t my finest moment, but I remember it because it shows how strong she was, physically and otherwise, and how much she loved to take care of her grandchildren. She will be missed by all who knew her, and especially by her family. Love you, Mimi.
Dear Chandra, this is the most beautiful message and grabdaughter can have. I believe she would not have only loved it but been so proud of it as she was most definitely proud of you. I’m sorry for your loss and will say a prayer for you and your family. Always be comforted by your memories and know the wonderful person she got to see you become. That in and of itself is priceless. God Bless her and you. Miss you. Be well.
Roxanne.
Thanks, Roxanne, your words mean a lot. Thanks so much for your prayers.
Hi Chandra, I am so truly sorry for your loss. Losing a grandma is so hard. I lost both of mine within 15 months of each other. Sometimes the pain is unbearable, but then when I think about it, I think about how lucky I have been to know them and have them in my life. Not a lot of people are that lucky. Please take comfort in knowing that she is always with you. If you ever need to talk, I am always here. xoxoxo Christy
Thanks so much Christy. I can’t imagine losing both grandmothers so close together, especially seeing how close you are with your family. I’m sure its always hard, but you’re right that we are both lucky because we’ve had them in our lives. Thanks for being there, and I really hope we do get together soon for happier times 🙂