MJ’s paternal grandmother passed away yesterday.
Grandma J was a kind, lively and generous woman, the mother of three sons, grandmother to seven and great-grandmother to five. But Grandma J was weary. She was ready to go. Still, she wanted to do it her own way, in her own time. To the end, she stayed true to her independent spirit.
We were prepared for her passing, as much as I guess we really could be. MJ traveled to Wisconsin on Saturday to see her, give comfort and say goodbye.
She battled health issues, lost two husbands and, in the recent years, lost many friends. But her bright personality stayed in tact. MJ reported a few of her wise cracks during his visit. He felt like she was still herself which was reassuring.
I admire her strength, her independence, her strong will and the joy she found in life. She would have had good reason to be frustrated or bitter but she wasn’t. Instead, she chose to be happy and to laugh, to love living.
What I am most touched by though is her ability, her foresight, to know when it was time to bid farewell. She bowed out when she had the strength and grace to do so, in the midst of those who loved her most.
What a privilege it is to have know her.
We love you, Grandma J.
Take care.
