I don't know how to write this.

I spent all weekend in the hospice wing of Manchester Memorial Hospital, sitting with my grandmother as she took her final journey into twilight. She went into the ICU on Friday, and on Saturday we learned that she had terminal cancer of the liver and the breast that had spread throughout her body. There was nothing the doctors could do, except keep her comfortable as she died.

We didn't get there until around 5 pm on Saturday - by then, she'd already lapsed into unconciousness. She never really came around again to speak to us, but she was awake and recognized my aunt's voice late Sunday night.

My grandma was a rabid Yankees fan - as you all know, I'm a rabid Red Sox fan, but we had fun watching games together, especially when our teams went head to head. We watched our last game together Sunday night, and for the first time in my life, I prayed the Yankees would win.

They did. I gave her the play-by-play, especially when her favorite, Derek Jeter, came to the plate. When A-Rod hit that home run in the 9th that put the Yankees ahead, her eyes opened, and she smiled. When we told her they'd won, she sighed.

My grandmother was one hell of a woman, and she was my idol. "Red" loved flowers, birds and doing crazy things with her grandchildren - she had 9 of them, and adored it when she got to see them. This past year, she got to see her first great-grandchild, my niece Lily. When she went, she was surrounded with family.

There's more I want to write, but I don't have the words right now.

I miss you, Gram, and I love you.
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From: [identity profile] fencerm2.livejournal.com


Cathy has always said such magnificent things about her - she sounds like a wonderful woman. I am sorry for your loss.

From: [identity profile] catrinp.livejournal.com


Hugs.

You wrote that well, more than I was able to do when Mum died.

I believe they live on. Whether in heaven or in spirit or in our hearts and actions, our loved ones live on.

Heres to your Grandma living on within you and your words.

From: [identity profile] vg-ford.livejournal.com


Thank you.

I'll always have the best memories of her.

From: [identity profile] macfrode.livejournal.com


You have Heidi's and my deepest condolences. We're so sorry to hear of your loss.

From: [identity profile] macfrode.livejournal.com


Yeah, I'm supposed to be running the Bardic. Probably just going to day trip it saturday though.

From: [identity profile] vg-ford.livejournal.com


Cool. We'll see you there. Did you want to join the potluck Saturday night?

From: [identity profile] queenoftheskies.livejournal.com


::HUGS::

I'm so sorry to hear of your loss.

It sounds like she was amazing.

From: [identity profile] scarlettarcher.livejournal.com


*much hugs* I totally understand. Both losing our grandma's in the same year :( They're looking down on us!

From: [identity profile] jackoutofthebox.livejournal.com


Our Condolences to you and your Grandmother. If you need anything, let us know. You know we're there for you guys.

From: [identity profile] ex-blue-verv849.livejournal.com


I did get your text, but my phone is malfunctioning, so I wasn't able to keep it on long enough to reply. Let me know when and where and I'll be there.

From: [identity profile] vg-ford.livejournal.com


Gotcha.

The wake is Wednesday from 4 pm to 8 pm at Holmes Funeral Home (400 Main Street in Manchester). The funeral is Thursday at 1 pm at St. Mary's in Manchester.

Thanks again for letting us crash this weekend - it was much appreciated.
.

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