Tuesday, October 21, 2008

Sweet Irony

The kids and I spent the day with Great-Grandma Audrey today. This is her last chapter in the book of life. We were glad that we got to be part of it.

She may not have been awake a whole lot, but I know she felt our presence. I told her that it was alright, and told her that we would make sure everything was taken care of. She's always been such a planner, so she has been planning out her service with everyone all week and planning the details of everything, just as she always has. After she made all her plans and made sure that she saw everyone to tell them good bye, she knew it was time to start letting go, I guess.

There was a moment today when she was slipping in and out when I was sitting next to her bed and stroking her hair. Kaylee had been playing with her stroller in the hallway at the door, everyone was talking outside in hall. Kaylee started crawling toward Grandpa and he whisked her up to stand and was walking her holding her hands. It was just so peaceful...I looked at Grandma Audrey and looked at Kaylee trying to walk with Grandpa. The sweet irony of the circle of life. A beautiful paradox...one generation coming to a close and another, just beginning. It was such a bittersweet moment. It brought tears to my eyes.

We did not get to spend much time with Grandma Audrey when she was well, but we were so glad that we got to spend time with her now. She has lived a very full life, we could only hope to be so lucky.

We got some time alone with her so, I did sing "Smile" to her while I held her hand and stroked her hair.



Rest now, Grandma, you'll be home soon...

3 comments:

Mama Skates said...

wow, i don't even know grandma but i teared up reading ur sweet post - that's so awesome that u not only got to see her, but spend such loving moments with her as she says her goodbyes...praying for ur family as always

xoxox,
sharon

Danielle said...

You sound so very grown up! I'm happy that you're holding onto the sweet...even in the midst of the sad!

...danielle

Shanna Grimes said...

Awe...thanks ladies. It was nice that we got to be with her on yesterday and on Sunday.