I cannot believe it is already mid-December! A lot has happened since my last post, and we're right in the heart of my favorite time of year. I'm doing my best to enjoy every minute and so far, this holiday season has been one of my favorites.
Even as I type this, I'm enjoying an early morning before hubby and the fur-babes wake with holiday tunes streaming and the entire house twinkling with lights - ah, such joy.
But last week, in the midst of our holiday cheer, we paused to say goodbye to one of the most special and terrific women I've ever met.
When I first met her, she was recovering from a recent fall that had broken her hip. No matter - she was all spunk and fire, even from her hospital bed. We chatted for awhile, I leaned in for a hug, she congratulated Hubby on finding "a keeper."
I smiled year after year when a birthday card would arrive for Hubby in December, written in her delicate scrawl, with a check tucked inside for him to buy "something special," even into his 30's.
She refused to allow age or distance to keep her from a family event and traveled across the country, in her 90's, to celebrate with us at our California wedding. Our priest commented that we were especially blessed to have three grandmothers in attendance for our special day. I will remember as long as I live how beautiful she looked in her pink jacket and how special it was to have her there.
Over several summers, I watched her interact with her six great-grandchildren and I often thought that there is no greater blessing in life than to be able to blend generations for family gatherings.
At her funeral, Hubby's sister gave her a beautiful send-off and ended by saying she would be remembered always because we love, love, loved her so. I think there is no better measure of a beautiful life, a treasured family member, an inspiration to us all.
I can hear her sweet voice and I will remember, always, her bright spirit, her smile and the immediate impact she had on all who met her.
What a beautiful tribute to Marie. I am sure she is smiling down on her family.
Posted by: Lee Ann Brock | December 15, 2009 at 07:09 PM