Friday, August 22, 2008

Good and Bad

Just a quick note today, since I got lots to do and see and be!

Great Grandma passed away Wednesday night (Thursday morning here in Mozambique). Here is what Grandma wrote:

"My ‘mother-sitting’ days ended last evening, August 20, 2008 at about 7 pm. I was glad that my sister Alberta had spent about 4 hours with me that day. Whenever mother moaned out in pain, which wasn’t to often because she was on strong morphine – for only two shots, as she already had had oral morphine for two days on demand—we would take her hands and lovingly massage them. The last time we did it, we didn’t know that the end was so near. In fact, Albert & John decided to go home to Clive which they did. When they arrived home they received the call that mother was gone. From Saturday evening, when we admitted her into the hospital and until the last miserable day, when she had to be put on the morphine stint, she had had some interchange with us during this time – remembering who was speaking to her, offering a short prayer at worship times.\

So the end of a wonderful mother, wife , relative & friend has ended, 23 days short of her 96th birthday. We will grieve her passing but we also rejoice that her suffering is over and that she is at rest until Jesus comes."


The good news: Grandpa came yesterday morning (from Vancouver Island, Canada)! And then Daddy came back home after being gone for almost three weeks, and he brought Oupa with him (from Gordons Bay near Cape Town, South Africa)! I gave Daddy the longest hug and sweetest kiss - it is soo good to have him back! And I love having lots of attention from my Daddy and grandpas!

Grandma will be joining us in September after Great Grandma's funeral, so that is good news, too.

Daddy brought me a broom just my size. I love sweeping! I am considering Grandpa's advice to charge for my hard labor, though. What is the going rate for an expert broom sweeper?


Now if you'll excuse me, I've got some skateboarding practice to do with my Daddy. I haven't put out a new skateboard video in a while, you know.

33 comments:

Sydney said...

I'm so sorry! you are in my prayers!

dani said...

i'm so sorry to read that your great-grandmother has died, esme... but, i know she is at peace and am relieved to know that your grandmother was with her.
i hope you have a happy day, though, beatiful baby girl:) be careful on your skateboard!!!
love,
dani

Annie said...

However much it's expected, however long lived the life, it's still very very sad.

I'm sorry for your family's loss - may she rest in perfect peace.

Heather of the EO said...

My sympathies to you and yours. Peace, Heather

Anonymous said...

Aww Im so sorry for your lose!

Debra Kaye said...

I know it hurts baby girl. Be comforted to know that she is going to be at the great banqueting table with Jesus!

God bless you, sweetheart!

Jennifer said...

Awww... she writes so sweetly about the experience, it is almost hard to be sad. Except I can tell this is a woman who will be missed

Kori said...

Again, beautiful and heartbreaking at the same time. Thinking of you, and so grateful that the sad news is tempered with the happy-such is the nature of life.

Donna said...

I am so sorry for your family's loss.

One Mom said...

Dear Esme,

It was a blessing that your great grandmother and your grandmother could be together this past week. And you will be such a blessing to your grandmother when she arrives next month!

Jackie said...

I don't know what to say except I am sorry for your loss. You will be in my prayers as your family grieves. Praise God that she is at home with Him.

Stacey said...

So sorry to hear about your grandma! They are important parts of our lives. Remember all the good times and smile for her.

Andrea said...

I'm so sorry to hear the news about great grandma...it is always hard to lose someone you love...

On a brighter note though, we love to sweep here too...and I can't wait to see that skateboarding video! :)

Lori said...

sorry for your loss

Melissa B. said...

Sweet and poignant post! I'm sorry for your loss. As far as sweeping is concerned, this could lead to a infatuation with vacuum cleaners. After sweeping for many years, my nephew asked for a Shop Vac for his 10th birthday!

Pam said...

I'm so sorry for your loss!

Pregnantly Plump said...

I'm so sorry. This must be a rough time for your family. I'm glad your husband and Grandpa are there with you guys.

Tara R. said...

I'm so sorry for your loss. My prayers are with you and your family.

Sandra said...

I'm so sorry for your loss, I've sent prayers up for you and your family.

Hugs,
Sandra

Tracy said...

So very sorry about the loss of your great grandmother. You are in my prayers for strength, peace and comfort.

Blessings,
Tracy

Anonymous said...

I'm so sorry for your loss. Adjusting to the earthly absence of a loved one is always hard. You'll be in my prayers.

Munchkins and Music said...

So sorry to hear of your loss. I know how hard that can be.

Unknown said...

So sorry to hear of you loss. She sounds like a wonderful lady, and so lovely you mum was with her at the end.

Hugs and prayers.

Breanne said...

I am so sorry - will be praying.

April said...

I hope grandma can visit soon - her precious granddaughter will give her much reason to smile!

daysease said...

oh! So sorry for your loss! Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers, and tell your mom i WILL eventually get to writing back to her. Sorry for the delay... with many thoughts...and... Have fun!

Amanda-The Family News! said...

My son Avery loves to sweep too...he is too funny. He likes to help me vaccuum too!!!

Putting the FUN in DysFUNctional said...

So sorry to hear of your loss.
Love the baby pictures!
xoxo

Anonymous said...

I pray for a ton of comfort and peace!

Unknown said...

Sweet little girl, I'm so sorry for your family's loss. Give your mommy and everyone lots of hugs and kisses and make them smile, as I know you always do, during this difficult time. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Anonymous said...

I am so very sorry for your loss . . .

My kids lost their great-grandma in March. She lived to be 101.5 to the day.

Hooray for long lives, but thank goodness there's an ending to suffering, as well.

Christie O. said...

i am so sorry to hear of great grandma's passing. blessings to you all.
xo

Anonymous said...

I am sorry to hear of the passing of your GG here on earth.