Saying Goodbye

This morning I got a call that no one ever wants. One of those phone calls that just the ring alone tells you what the caller is going to say.

Last night my Grandma went to sleep, this morning she didn't wake up.

My Grandma was not your typical 95 year old. The only other time she had been in the hospital was to have kids - over 60 years ago. She was so up on culture - reading People magazine and watching American Idol faithfully. My mom said this week when she saw my mom come in the hospital one day the first question she asked was "Who got voted off Dancing with Stars last night?"My Grandma had a wicked sense of humour. She was one of the most thoughtful people I ever met. If I ever brought a friend to her home for a visit - Grandma would remember them forever after asking about them each time I saw her. Grandma would make sure she kept our favourite foods and things on hand for visits. She hated attention on herself. She would say "we're full of balarney" and give us a swat if we started to get mushy. Everyone who met her adored her. Grandma lived many, many miles away and although we didn't speak often - I always knew she was there loving me and believing in me.

I am also thinking about how glad I am for photos of my Grandma with my kids. They are young enough they don't remember her well - but I want them to know her. As they grow up, I can show them the photos of her and tell them the stories of their GG.

I am reminded again today though to always tell the people you know how much you love them and what they mean to you. Even if they say "enough of that mush!" (as my Grandma would say) we need to let our loved ones know they are just that - loved.

I love you Grandma.