Sunday, August 18, 2019

We'll Keep Her Memory Alive




She was 98.


My son was hoping she'd make it to 100, but sadly, this didn't happen.




My Nana Jo passed away last week, after a long battle with dementia. I knew she was frustrated because she was independent. And even though she had dementia, she'd always smile when we'd enter the room. If the kids were at school, she'd always ask how they were doing. She knew us, even at the end.




There are many things I'll miss about Nana Jo.



I'll miss her love of books. We liked to discuss what we were reading. We both enjoyed Jodi Picoult.





I'll miss how she was feisty. She knew what she liked and didn't like, and wouldn't hesitate to tell you. She was upset when I got pregnant at 19, and rightfully so. But then years later she made sure to tell me how proud she was and that I was a wonderful mother.



I'll miss talking with her. Before dementia really caught up with her, she could be a fun conversationalist. She was an excellent bridge player, and she could play the piano wonderfully. I took lessons as a kid but never caught on. I liked knowing how things were back in the day. She would talk about living through the depression, which fascinated me.





I'll miss discussing what it was like being a military spouse, because she was one. She married my grandpa who I never met--he was in the Air Force and died in a plane crash. Then she married my Grandpa who I DID meet, and he also was in the Air Force. She knew what it was like to wait for the one you loved, though she liked to remind me that it was difficult in her day. She would tell me how it would be months before she knew if her husband was okay in World War 2 or Vietnam. Sometimes the letters she would get were almost completely blacked out.




I'll miss her. The world was a better place when she was in it. And I will keep her memory alive. I will see her whenever my kids smile and their dimples show. They got those from her. So did I. I'm lucky. I was think of her whenever I open a new book. When I hear someone playing the piano.


I am glad that I gave her this to fill out before dementia took over. Now I have something to look through.






If you'll excuse me, I have some reading to do. To remember.






33 comments:

  1. I'm so sorry for your loss. It sounds like she was a remarkable woman. I'm glad you have so many fond memories of her as well as the book to keep her close.

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  2. So sorry for your loss, she sounds like she was amazing! I wish I had the opportunity to get to know my grandmother like that before she passed, but we also had a massive language barrier! Lots of love to your family during this difficult time period. xx

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  3. I am so sorry for your loss. She sounds like an incredible woman who let an incredible life. I am so glad your family has so many memories.

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  4. I'm sorry for your loss. Not only does Nana Jo sound like she was an incredible lady but she was beautiful too. You look just like Nana Jo.

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  5. Living to 98 is awesome. She sounded like a great lady.

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  6. What a beautiful way to remember a loved one. I lost my grandmother unexpectedly in my teens and I wish I had a keepsake like this to treasure.

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  7. Oh I'm so sorry for your loss. I lost my mom in January so I know how hard it is.(Rena)

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  8. My grandma's number is still in my phone. I can't bring myself to take it out even though she passed away several years ago. I miss her so much sometimes.

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  9. Oh I am so sorry to read this. Dementia is such a cruel thing to watch anyone go through, we lost my Gran to it a few years ago.

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  10. I am sorry for your loss. That book sounds really nice and glad that you have something to read back on.

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  11. I had my mom fill out one of those books and now I am glad that I did. I am so sorry for your loss.

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  12. I'm sorry for your loss. I miss my nanay, she left us at the age of 88, a soul with a big heart.

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  13. My grandmother on my mom's side has been gone since I was 12ish. Way before her time and there are so many things that remind me of her. I'm hoping she would be proud of who I have become even if my life is a mess.

    My dad's mom passed away shortly after I had back surgery. She also dealt with chronic pain and I admire her strength. There are days when I want to throw in the towel and I remember everything she did. Plus, my kids need their mama. Life with chronic pain is not easy.

    My mom has been gone 8 years and it's awful because she had dementia as well. She was robbed of meeting grandbabies and so much more. I'd hope that she too would see my strength and be proud too.

    I'm so sorry for your loss. Loss is such a hard thing to deal with. :(

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  14. I am sorry to hear about your loss.She looks like a nice person.Glad you gave that book to her to pen-down the thoughts.So,you have the memories with you..

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  15. I am so sorry for your loss! I am sure your grandma is such a wonderful person! Let beautiful memories remain in your heart!

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  16. I am so sorry for your loss but I am sure she is now more than happy in the place of our Heavenly Father.

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  17. My dear Amber, I'm so sorry for your loss. You're are so lucky to have had her in your life. After reading your beautiful post, I realize we have so many things in common. My grandma Ligia who passed away 2 years ago, also had dementia. She had 99 and would have turn 100 in 3 more months. She was the matriarch of our family and from her I inherited the love for cooking. They are both in a better place and will live forever in our hearts.

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  18. I am so sorry for your loss. Your Nana seemed to be an amazing woman. I lost my grandma many years ago, she was 95 when she passed.

    -LYNNDEE

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  19. I am so sorry for your loss. She looks like a very kind and loving grandma. She's in a good place now.

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  20. I'm so sorry for your loss. I wish I had something like this from my grandmother.

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  21. I am so sorry for your loss. I'm sure she left so many great memories with you guys.

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  22. Really sorry to hear about your loss Amber, your grandmother looks lovely. I too wish she had make it to 100. You are very lucky to have access to all those stories, wisdom and memories.

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  23. I'm very sorry for your loss. I lost my grandmother not long ago and it was tough. Looks like you have a lot of great memories and some beautiful photos too.

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  24. I am so sorry for your loss. I am glad that you keep the journal to keep her memory alive! It's something that you can pass to everyone in your family.

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  25. So sorry for your loss. I am sure you will have lots of memories to remember her and pass traditions as well

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  26. So sorry for your loss. She lived a great life! I'm so glad that you'll have the journal to keep her memory alive.

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  27. I am so sorry for your loss. I am living with my grandmother since I was a child. And when the time she left it was really a heartbreak. It was the painful part of my life.

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  28. Your grandmother sounds like an amazing woman who lived a long and fulfilling life. It's so great that you have her journal to help keep her memory alive.

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  29. This is so sweet. Your grandma sounds like an amazing person. I so love the image where she is laughing and pointing. Priceless.

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  30. Awww she looks so radiating in red. Must have been a positive soul. I wish she could have completed her 100 but may her soul rest in peace.

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  31. First let me say my condolences to you and you family. A Beautiful tribute to her and how you are keeping her legacy alive.

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