We buried my Grandma today. There comes a time in most of our lives when all of us will experience this kind of loss. Today was mine. She wasn't the first grandma I lost...that happened almost 14 years ago when I lost my Grandma Adelberg. And before that I had the loss of three Great Grandmothers all who were alive in my life time-Grandma Hayt, Grandma Nixon, and Great Grandma Struck. I remember them all and feel very lucky to have known them all. But today, well, today was hardest because I had her longest...and she was the last.
It is hard to explain what grandmothers mean in our lives, but it is a special relationship, different than all others. Maybe it's because they had been mothers first and I'm sure there is something very special about experiencing your own child bringing another life into the world. Maybe that explains why grandmas seem to love us best; despite our many flaws and all of our wrong-doings, grandmas are there loving us no matter what. Maybe it's because they have the benefit of time and experience and wisdom. Maybe some day, when I am a grandmother myself, I will understand what it is that makes that relationship so extra special. Maybe there is no real reason.
During her time here with us, my grandma gave us so many gifts. I wish I had realized at a younger age what a treasure my time with her was. She shared stories of her childhood and family. She shared her love of baking and hands-down she made the best molasses cookies ever made. She shared fun and laughter and a sassy attitude. She was quite a character. She loved us all...and most importantly, we loved her. It was so evident today as we gathered as a family to say goodbye to her. Through our silliness and laughter and tears, her legacy will live on. She will live on in each and everyone one of us every day.
So after 47 years of life, a life which began with 3 sets of Great grandparents, 1 set of Grandparents, and 1 widowed Grandma, I now have one Grandparent remaining...my Grandpa Struck. That seems unreal...unfathomable. To see him sitting there today at the funeral without Grandma by his side was so sad. Through 70 years of marriage, 5 Children, 9 Grandchildren, and 17 Great Grandchildren - she has been there by his side, but now she is gone. She lived 89 years. She suffered no prolonged illness. She just slipped away while at home. My grandma had a good life and I am so glad to have had her as part of mine for so long. I was pretty lucky.
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| Leo and Eladine Struck |
It is hard to explain what grandmothers mean in our lives, but it is a special relationship, different than all others. Maybe it's because they had been mothers first and I'm sure there is something very special about experiencing your own child bringing another life into the world. Maybe that explains why grandmas seem to love us best; despite our many flaws and all of our wrong-doings, grandmas are there loving us no matter what. Maybe it's because they have the benefit of time and experience and wisdom. Maybe some day, when I am a grandmother myself, I will understand what it is that makes that relationship so extra special. Maybe there is no real reason.
During her time here with us, my grandma gave us so many gifts. I wish I had realized at a younger age what a treasure my time with her was. She shared stories of her childhood and family. She shared her love of baking and hands-down she made the best molasses cookies ever made. She shared fun and laughter and a sassy attitude. She was quite a character. She loved us all...and most importantly, we loved her. It was so evident today as we gathered as a family to say goodbye to her. Through our silliness and laughter and tears, her legacy will live on. She will live on in each and everyone one of us every day.
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| Leo and Eladine Struck March 29, 1947 |
So after 47 years of life, a life which began with 3 sets of Great grandparents, 1 set of Grandparents, and 1 widowed Grandma, I now have one Grandparent remaining...my Grandpa Struck. That seems unreal...unfathomable. To see him sitting there today at the funeral without Grandma by his side was so sad. Through 70 years of marriage, 5 Children, 9 Grandchildren, and 17 Great Grandchildren - she has been there by his side, but now she is gone. She lived 89 years. She suffered no prolonged illness. She just slipped away while at home. My grandma had a good life and I am so glad to have had her as part of mine for so long. I was pretty lucky.
Very loving tribute to your grandparents. My condolences to your family Trisha. Hoping we both have a chance for others to think of us in this way.
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