I’m back.

Hi everyone. I’m back from Ohio.

So many of you have asked that I thought I’d post an update here on the blog: my Grandma passed away on Sunday, March 20th after a painful battle with pancreatic cancer. Thankfully it was a short battle. And thankfully I got to see her and talk to her, and tell her how much she meant to me one last time.

(J took this photo of Grandma and I in her kitchen back in November. I cried when we left, wondering if that was the last time I’d see her. Turns out that it wasn’t. But this is the last photo I have of her and I together.)

I sat with her for hours and hours at the hospice house, along with my Dad, uncle and sister. So very thankful for the care that they gave her. (And thankful that we could all be there for her. And for everyone who stopped by.)

They say that tragedy comes in 3’s and that’s what it felt like to me: my step-mom’s Dad passed away the day before Grandma. I felt so bad for my Dad — he tried to be in two places at once.

The third tragedy was the earthquake and tsunami in Japan. I’ll never forget watching everything unfold while I was at the hospice house. It turns out that our friends in Japan are all safe. (Does anyone have anything craft-related to raise money for Japan? Please let me know.)

I don’t want to focus on all the tragedies, though.

My Grandma was very special to me, she was like my mom. One time when I was sitting with her I told her all the things that that I learned from her — some of them really made me smile, so I thought I’d share them with you too.

  • Try a little bite of a new food, even if you think you won’t like it. (I can’t tell you how many new foods I’ve discovered this way. Including cornbread! Yum.)
  • Take your vitamins.
  • No matter what you do, always do your best. Even if things don’t work out the way that you want you’ll know you did all you could.
  • Vick’s VapoRub fixes every cold. (Although whenever Grandma tried to put some on me I’d run screaming into the bathroom and lock the door. Ha!)
  • Don’t work too much.
  • Talking over a nice cup of tea is a great way to end the day. (J and I still do this.)
  • We all live under the same moon. (When I’d look up at the moon I’d know that she was seeing the same one. I’d feel connected to her, even though I was in Texas and she was in Ohio.)

Grandma also taught me how to sew, and be crafty, and cook. And I’ll never forget sitting on the porch with her in the cool summer evenings watching the rabbits play.

Grandma and I used to send each other hugs over the phone — I don’t remember how it got started. We’d wrap our arms around ourselves and think happy thoughts and I swear you could feel the hug come through.

Hugs to you Grandma. And give one to Grandpa and Debby’s Dad, too.

And HUGE hugs to all of you. (Libby brought me a whole bunch of cards today, I haven’t opened them just yet. But seeing the pile really made me smile. Thanks so much.)

47 Replies to “I’m back.”

  1. Lisa, I am so sorry for your loss! I can tell from all your posts how much your grandma meant to you – grandma’s really are special people! My thoughts and prayers are with you and the rest of your family as you go through this double loss. I am sending a hug to you!!!

  2. I’m so sorry for your loss. I can see in your words and photo how much your grand mother meant to you. Losing a loved one is always painful but as long as you treasure the memories of the person who passed away, then they forever live in your heart. I know that. I have lost too many people in my life.

  3. I am so sorry for your family’s losses. I’m so glad you got to spend time with your Grandma, obviously a very special lady indeed. And, I loved hearing the things that you learned from her, and why she has meant so much to you! {{{{{{{Lisa}}}}}}} Those are cyber arms wrapped around and hugging you, my friend! Much love across the miles . . .

  4. I’m so sorry for your loss, Lisa, it’s obvious your Grandma had a lot to do with the wonderful woman that you are. This post is such a lovely tribute to your beloved Grandma.
    Sending you hugs and blessings~

  5. Hi, Lisa! Welcome home! We missed you, but totally understand your absence. I am so thrilled for you, that you and your family got to spend some quality time with your Grandma before she passed. I love the part about how we all live under the same moon – that is something that me and my Grandma shared, too. Great big HUGS to you! You will continue to be in our hearts and thoughts.

  6. Dear Lisa, what wonderful words of wisdom! All of that will live on in you…….sending you hugs during this difficult time.

  7. I’m so sorry for your loss!! Your sweetness and kind spirit must be inherited from her. You will always carry her in your heart ! Sending warm thoughts…

  8. What a sweet post, Lisa. Your love for your Grandma really shows through…you’ve got me crying…

  9. Glad you are back home safe and sound Lisa. I’m so sorry to hear of your Grandma’s passing and her illness. I can tell from the way you write what a very special lady she was and how very much she will be missed.
    I never knew my grandma – she passed when I was only tiny, sadly giving in to a battle with cancer too. I’m glad you were able to enjoy the time with her, and that you learnt so much. Those memories will be ones to treasure always. Thinking of you and all your family.
    Sending cyber hugs, across the miles, Ruth S xx

  10. Welcome home, Lisa. What a beautiful post! You’ve been on my mind so much lately. How lucky your Grandma was to have you in her life. And I can tell from your words that she was so important to you too. The love you shared with each other will always be with you. I’ll keep you in my prayers, hoping that with time, your sadness fades and is replaced with only wonderful memories of your Gran! Sending love and hugs!

  11. Such a wonderful post Lisa (yes, I am teary for you again.). And such a wonderful photo of the two of you. She sounded like such a phenomenal woman, and it’s no wonder that you turned out so darn wonderful yourself. Huge hugs to you my sweet friend!

  12. kelly booth says:

    Thinking of you Lisa…know this is a tough time for you. My card will be coming…I have been going through don stuff that makes it harder to craft! Big huge hugs to you

  13. Your post touched my heart…I miss my grandmother too and will send up a prayer for you and yours.

  14. Hi Lisa, so sorry to read your sad news. What a lovely tribute to your Grandma, remembering the good times makes the hard times just a little bit easier. I’ll be thinking of you hun, Jo x

  15. Lisa, I’m so sorry to hear about your grandma. I lost both of my grandmas a few months apart last year so I know how you feel. I enjoyed reading this blog post because by sharing all the sweet memories you had with your grandma, you are celebrating the fruitful life she lived. Big hugs to you, Lisa. Xo.

  16. So sorry for your loss, Lisa. I too lost someone very close to me to pancreatic cancer. It is one of the most devastating cancers out there. My heart hurts for you knowing what you and your family went through and are going through now. If it’s any solace, your grandma is at peace now and will never have to suffer anymore. Smile, blue skies ahead… and hugs.

  17. Linda C. Baker says:

    glad you are home safely. so sorry for your loss. Your post was lovely and heart warming.

  18. Lisa, I’m so sorry for the loss of your dear Grandma, but so glad you got some precious time with her before she passed away.

    Thinking of you, praying for your family and sending lots of love to you….
    ~Dawn

  19. Oh sweet Lisa… what a beautiful woman your grandmother was and how lucky you were to have her and the gifts she gave you!!!!!! Peace be with you and your heart…..

    Hugs always….you are truly gifted in your writing, in your art and in the heart you have…
    xo

  20. Lisa, I’m so sorry for your loss! I’m glad you have so many lovely memories of your grandmother, which will help you through this sad time. I think we ALL owe a debt of gratitude to her for helping you to develop your talents that you share with us! (((((HUGS)))))

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