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Today I needed to do something that made me smile :) It's been a rough couple of days... really a rough month quite honestly. Right now Chris and I are in Oklahoma with family... we found out that my sweet grandmother who I am very close with, had stage four cancer about 4 weeks ago. I went back to Oklahoma be with her about two weeks ago and I had the opportunity to tell her how much she means to me.... I told her how blessed I feel that I had a grandmother that was invested in my life and how thankful I am that she taught me so much about being a woman. I admire her life in so many ways. One of my friends told me that as difficult and ugly as cancer is, it is a gift in the sense that it allows us the opportunity to tell people everything they mean to us... in that respect, MamaSyl's (that is what we always called her) cancer truly was a gift.
On Saturday, MamaSyl went onto heaven. Yesterday was her memorial, and I spoke on behalf of the family in front of close to 450 friends and family that loved my grandmother. It was one of the most difficult but rewarding things I have ever done. We have been surrounded with family and loved ones over the past few days and I have shut off technology completely while I have been here in order to spend quality time with the ones that are so dear to me.
This morning I woke up and I needed to do something that made me smile. This is a frame of my sweet dear friends, Meghan & Jonathan. They make me smile. This image describes them in so many more words than I could begin to write. There will be more coming from their session in the coming days but I just wanted to share this one today because it made gave me a big teethy grin this morning :) I hope it does the same for you today.
We are still in Oklahoma with family and will be here until October 20th.
Thoughts
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Sarah, what beautiful words. you'll just keep receiving those wonderful gifts from your grandmother. they will never end. much love, my dear.
I'm so sorry to hear about your grandma :( .. But at least now she is in a better place. This photo is such a beautiful one :) As usual. You are so talented. Keep up the fantastic work.
So sorry to hear about your grandma Sarah! I am very close to my Grandma, who is 91, and I just know how hard that road will be in saying goodbye.
Thanks for the reminder to call her and tell her I love her TODAY!
I am glad to hear that it went well and that you are feeling a bit better. I am sure your grandma would love that you spoke for her! Hug your family and spend that quality time with them because everything will be here when you return and there is no need to rush back. love you
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Sarah, I am so sorry you are going through this right now. I am certain Mama Syl was smiling down on you as you stood up there and spoke and was thinking "that's my brave strong girl"!
What a beautiful and honoring thing you did for your grandma. I'm praying for healing for you and your family.
God truly did give you a gift. As I am sure you were a gift for your grandma.
My heart feels so greatly for you Sarah. Two months ago my grandmother unexpectedly passed in her sleep one night. Fortunately I had been home for the summer and was able to spend some time with her, without knowing she was going to pass soon. It's still so difficult to believe she's gone and that going back home will never feel completely the same, but a little empty. I dream about her at night, reflect on photos of her, still haven't been able to listen to her piano recordings yet though, and know that she is still rooting for me. I'm trying to figure out what the best way is to keep the memory and joy alive of those who have moved on. May you and your family feel love and peace.
Sarah - I am so sorry for your loss but take great comfort in knowing that she is in a better place. Just last year I lost my grandma so your post really resonated with me. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this time. Thank you for this post and reminding us how precious and beautiful life is.
Sarah, thinking of you and your family today.... thanks for sharing your grandma's story. What a brave fight she put up, and what a wonderful tribute to her. {hugs}
Oh Sarah, I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. A little over a year ago I too got a phone call. My nana who'd been living with alzheimers for years had been transferred to hospice care.
I rushed to be by her side and spent those last 72 hours clenching her hand, singing to her, and recalling just how dear she was to me. It was a very difficult time, but those moments are some of the most precious of my life. I'll always be grateful that I got the chance to tell her how much I loved and admired her. I'm so thankful that you got the chance too to be with your grandma; it really is a blessing.
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Much Love and Many Hugs!
Our thoughts are with you guys...MamaSyl would be proud of you. About 8 years ago I had the opportunity to speak at my uncle's funeral. He was a father to me, and as much as public speaking terrifies me, something outside of myself forced me to my feet and to the front of the room. I was one of very few who spoke that day, but I am so grateful I took the opportunity. He deserved every word. I'm sure your grandmother did too...
Keep on smiling Sarah, and continue to spread the love to everyone you're surrounded by! :)
I'm so glad you got to spend some time with your grandma. My great-grandma passed away 3 years ago and I wish I'd be able to go to her. I hope you find more in the coming days to make you smile.
I pray that God comforts you and your family during this difficult time. I really believe it was a gift to be able to open your heart to your grandmother before she went to heaven.
God bless
My wish to you is that God comforts the pain and increases the joy of knowing that your grandmother is finally at rest and free. My deepest condolences.
all my best to you sarah, I lost my papa a couple of years ago and when I find my eyes welling up with tears from missing him I smile when I think of all the fond memories I have of him. But that is what it's all about FOND MEMORIES!! Thanks for all your great inspiration.