Before I get into what happened or any other tidbit, I just want to talk about how wonderful my grandma was...except, I don't even know what to say. You know, you don't realize how much you really love someone until they are gone and you can't tell them anymore. My grandma was as lucid as she was 50 years ago up until she passed. Her physical health may have been deteriorating but her mind and spirit were as strong and passionate as ever. She loved her grandkids and great-grandkids SO MUCH. I don't understand how one person can love so many people so much. She was so proud of us all--it made it difficult when we would make stupid decisions and she would call us out, but love us unconditionally.
My grandma had a massive stroke late Friday night and was air-lifted to a hospital in Spokane. She spent her 76th birthday (Saturday) hooked up to fifteen million different machines just to keep her alive long enough for all of her kids to get there. Her kidneys started to fail early Sunday morning and she went peacefully early this morning. I am just so glad she didn't go on her birthday.
You know, it is times like this when I am so grateful for the plan of salvation. I can't imagine handling death while not having the Gospel. I know that I will see my grandma again and that is such a wonderful knowledge to have. It's weird (and incredibly fortunate); out of 22 aunts and uncles and over 60 cousins I have never had to experience a death. My grandma passing is the first grandparent and first closely related relative to pass for me and my brothers and sisters.
The silver-lining? Besides knowing I'll be with my grandma again, is that all 35 of us cousins on the Clay side of the fam (ranging from ages 27-5 and coming from as far as Michigan and Virginia) plus 7 spouses will all be at the funeral in Washington along with all of my aunts and uncles I can't wait to celebrate my grandma's life with all of my loved ones.
Last thing: last week (two days before the stroke) my grandparents embarked on a day-long trip to find the perfect coloring book for my niece, Lucy (their great-grandaughter) and a special blanket for Kristi's beautiful new baby, Bryn. After hitting up 2 different Wal*Mart's (and several similar stores over a 50-mile radius) decided nothing was good enough. She decided, instead, to buy a sketchbook and draw the pictures herself. Now, this may not mean anything to you guys reading, but my grandma hadn't drawn anything in over 20 years (she was a beautiful artist)...and she hasn't been able to write legibly for over a year due to numerous surgeries and debilitating arthritis. When my sister got the package today (right after she found out my grandma had passed) and opened the sketchbook it was full of perfectly drawn pictures for Lucy to color in. You can't imagine what this did to Kristi. You couldn't tell it was done by someone who hasn't been able to pick up anything heavier than a butter-knife or write a legible sentence in over a year--it was done with a special love from the best grandma I know. That is one of the best memories/stories that I have ever heard. I think I'll post a picture of one of the drawings.
Well, I need to tie-up some academic strings before I leave for Washington tomorrow. I am so grateful my grandma was able to be at the temple for mine and Sean's wedding and that she was able to help me get ready in the bride's room. That was the last time she was in the temple and I am so glad I was there with her. I am so so glad my brothers and sisters will all be there to support one another and the rest of our family for the funeral this weekend. I love my family more than anything and am grateful for the 22 years I had with my grandma.
I just wanted to stick a picture from our wedding in of my parents and Grandma and Grandpa Clay.
Shirley Anne Witham Clay
March 7th, 1933-March 9th, 2009
Grandma and Grandpa Clay, Dave, Kristi, and Lucy
Lucy and great-grandma and grandpa
Special drawing done by grandma for Lucy before she died:
I love you and will miss you so much, grandma. God be with you 'til we meet again.
4 comments:
Im sorry :( I hope you are doing as well as possible at this time. I will keep you in my prayers, let me know if you need anything! Dinner, a hug, etc.
so sorry to hear summer! hope you and your family are doing well, it's great knowing families are forever :D
I'm so sorry! Love you!
Summer- it's cousin Kristin Mosman! Jennie sent me your blog. That's so sad about your g-ma! What a sweet little blog entry. I love the coloring book story! (Also, I LOVED your other entries, like the one about Twilight, and the one about the internet connection.)
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