Grandparents, the best ever

[Steel]

Death is an amazing thing. I have lost many family members but the one I am losing now is teaching me a lot about what its like and what 90 years has taught her.
The last of my Grandparents is dieing and I have spent many years learning from both of my Grandparents. My Grandmother is slowly slipping away and she has taught me a lot in the last few months. The things she is worried about and things that have made her who she is amazes me on each and every visit. Tomorrow my Grandmother will be hooked up to Morphin and I am sure it won't be long after that. While sitting with here tonight she told me about all the changes she has seen in her 90 year life span. She told me all about the things that matter to her at this time. She wishes for nothing more then peace in our family. I promised her I would try hard to keep the family together only to keep her in peace. In reality no way the family will be at peace as she is the glue that has kept us together. My Grandmother has two sons and they have ran the family farm for years now. My dad runs the show and my Uncle has just followed along. Neither will want to stay together after this is over. Splitting up this family farm is going to be a mess.
After leaving my Grandmothers side tonight I am scared for tomorrow. She talked about all the people that have died before her and looks forward to seeing my Grandfather by her side once again. Holding her hand I could feel her slipping away. Trying times are ahead and God help my family when she leaves us. What a perfect life both my Grandparents have lived. Never will I forget the lessons I have learned from them. For those of you that have Grandparents give them a call or spend a day with them. I will most likely be talking to mine for the last time tomorrow morning. God speed and please keep my family in your prayers.

RIP Grand Dad, Mimi will soon be on her way.

[slipperypete]

Sad to here that you're last gradparent is going to be gone soon Steel. I myself only have one left as well. I never got to have a 'blood' grandfather, only what I called half grandpa when referring to him, (my moms father in law, from her previous marriage- basically nothing to me - but the best I had). Currently my last grandparent is my grandmother on my moms side, she's 87 and I don't see her lasting to 90. IF she does it will be one hell of a battle. She still lives on her own, but sleeps 16 hours a day usually. Various naps of course as well as 8-10 hours at night. Sad when you know they are slowing going. My dads mother died at 93, and that was about 7-8 years ago..

the best thing is knowing that they've enjoyed their lives while they are in this position. The more I hear it atleast made it a lot easier for me.

I personally had an experience with my remaining grandmother when I came to her house and thought she was dead... My family was coming back from Kingston (to toronto) after my Older sister's graduation, and we came back a day earlier because of my grandmother being fussy about being alone for two days. Came back around 4pm and tried calling her and there was no answer (we thought she was ignoring us) , ended up taking a Pie that we got on the way to her house around 8pm maybe 7pm....was just starting to get dusky...I saw no lights on in the house, went to the backdoor like I usually go when we visit her, and there was no lights on. I looked in the window, and there she was motionless on the floor sitting up slightly against the couch in the back porch. I threw the pie to my little sister and told her to run to the car to get my dad. I was about the smash the window to get in when I noticed the door wasn't completely shut; I opened it and started screaming her name and she awoke in a daze. Turns out she broke her hip and was in shock and passed out, This was back during sars so I never got to see her in the hospital, only my mom did and she had to be caped up in all.

She had fallen onto her cement stairs outside the back door after trying to pull her crippled dog into the house with a leash. the dog was ~85lbs and fell back I guess pulling my grandmother down, that gave me nightmares the image of her motionless on the floor for months and still does time to time...

[slipperypete]

but seriously, your thread topic couldn't be more correct, grandparents really are the 'best ever'...they always spoil their grandchildren and are the most fun to be with growing up and all! I know I'll be telling my kids to enjoy their grandparents as much as they can!

[dave nz]

Sorry to hear Steel.

My Grandfather and I were close. Lost him a few years back. Best thing I did at his funeral was make a speech it was long and funny just how he would have wanted it. Much easier losing someone that has lived a long life, than when one is cut short.
Steel it really is a good Idea to make a speech and do them proud, its one thing I'm pleased I did, to this day.

[Keith]

my thoughts are with you Steel.

[Big Pimpin]

Sorry bro..be glad you had them cause I never had any that I remember and my little boy only has his grandmoms left

[mrwho]

sorry for your loss Steel. I never had the priviledge of knowing or seeing any of my grandparents except for photograhs. You're lucky to have had that chance.

[bcbadgalz]

90 years old...bless her !
My Grandmother Ann was the best person I ever met in my entire life.
As far as I can tell, she will always be the best person that I will ever meet.
When we showed her how a microwave oven cooked frozen food, she said the devil must be inside it. As far as the strange weather we were having, it was the result of the space launches.
She was wise and funny, and I miss her more than anyone I have ever known.

I will say a prayer for your Grandmother and your family Steel. Remember though that after 90 years she is more than likely ready to leave. I broke down and cried a few days after her burial, but knew without a doubt she was in a better place. She wasn't in pain anymore.
Try not to grieve her death, rather celebrate her long life !

[JoeyQ1]

Steel - I am right there with you. . .My Father Died when I was 7 years old and i lived with my Mother and grandparents my whole life. they were everything to me and always will be. They were like my parents and I will never forget the things they were able to show me. I know what you are going through right now, I had all three die at my home right infront of me. It is a terrible thing, but my grandparents are together now and they are happy once again. But keep your head up and stay strong!!

[Yankee23]

Sorry to hear this Steel.

I was not fortunate enough to have ever met any of my grandparents as they had all passed before I was born.

Cherish the memories that you have.

[jaypasco]

rip

[Steel]

Thanks guy's really apprecaite reading all the nice messages and trust me when I say that it means a lot.
JoeyQ1, Its always nice to hear from someone who can relate. Thanks for the nice words.

Today was the first day of Morphin and I have to say that already my Grandmother looks peaceful. I asked her if she was comfortable and she said with a smile, " I'm not sure". Soon the doctors say she will sleep most of the days and that at any time she could close her eyes for the last time. The look of peace was on her face when I left. Look forward to seeing her tomorrow.
After reading all of your posts it surprised me that some of you have never known your Grandparents. Makes me feel lucky and special to have spent this much time with mine. I am happy for the 90 years with Mimi but its going to be hard on this family when she is put to rest next to my Grandfather. Lost my Brother on December 10th 10 years ago, Lost my Grandfather Jan 2nd 15 years ago and I am praying that my Grandmother doesn't die on Christmas. Christmas is hard on this family. Enjoy your family's because they are here one day and gone the next.

[Kramer]

thoughts + prayers