But I will definitely miss her!
My mind has only really just begun to realize what a void she will leave behind. Granny moved from Waco, Texas (my dad's hometown) to Memphis in 1999, to be closer to us and my uncle's family, who also lived in Memphis.
circa 1986, with cousin Whitney (left), sister, and me on the right
Like she always did, Granny rose to the occasion, and quickly made friends in her condo building. After growing up without any grandparents in town, it was such a treat to be able to see Granny so often, and at every birthday celebration, every holiday. We made her famous sugar cookies together one year (or she made cookies, the perfectionist she was!) for Christmas, she knitted baby blankets for many of our dear friends, she embroidered blankets. She was talented at handiwork and loved to keep busy. She loved crossword puzzles, games (especially Skip-Bo and Rummikub), and was a great bridge player (so I hear--I don't play bridge).
Easter 2012
Over the past 10-12 months or so, we'd been eating lunch every Tuesday. She moved into an assisted living community (thrilled to be relieved of coming up with meals for herself), and her new place was very close to my office. I was able to pick her up and take her to lunch, and we both really cherished this time together. A natural planner and perfectionist, she always wanted to know what was ahead. As soon as I'd pick her up, before we were even to the car, she'd ask me where we were going (and then if I knew how to get there!). We burned up the lunch spots around Poplar/240, and had fun doing it.
It was fun going through this whole pregnancy eating with her every week. She was at Juliette's birthday party when we announced to the family baby #2 was coming. I sat down next to her to get her take on the whole thing after the hubbub of the announcement died down. She didn't hear very well in the last years of her life, so I didn't know if she had understood what was happening (Juliette's first gift to unwrap was a "Big Sis" shirt). I said, "Well Granny, what do you think? Did you see Juliette's shirt?" She so sweetly said, "Well, wouldn't that be so exciting?" She was very excited when I explained that it was actually happening. :)
My Granny Fran with Molly Frances
I am just so humbled and grateful that she was here to meet her little namesake great-granddaughter. There were so many blessings... she'd gotten to see Molly several times. Jonathan took the most precious video of her (she didn't know he was filming and was just speaking freely). AND best of all, Martha, Molly, and I had just eaten lunch with her the Thursday before she died. I am so so glad.
The morning we got the news, I was sitting in the nursing mothers room at church, and I had some precious alone time to cry and just thank God for her and her life. His kindnesses to me, especially lately, were just running over and over in my mind...He gave me several opportunities to be with her in her last months without me even really going out of my way.
Christmas 1984 (?)
Guessing here...summer 1985
November 12, 1991
One of my favorite photos...
Granny was buried in Waco on Thursday of this week. It was a lovely service at Waco Memorial Park on an uncharacteristically blustery day (48 degrees in Waco on May 2? Winds of 30 mph?).
I'm glad we were able to pack up our littles and trek over to honor Granny and her wonderful long life. We took the opportunity to "tour" Texas and visit other grandparents and family while here. Let's just say, we have driven many hours (Memphis-->Waco-->Houston-->Dallas). The babies have really done great! Are we crazy? I painted my nails gold the other night to cope.
I'll miss you, Granny! I am so thankful to have many wonderful memories.
So, so sorry, Leslie. That was such a sweet tribute to her. I feel like I knew her! I love how close y'all were. And the pic of her with Molly is just PRECIOUS.
ReplyDeleteHope the pain of the void slowly starts to subside, even though I know you will miss her everyday!
Lexie
What a sweet post. I am very sorry for your loss. It's wonderful that you had so much time with her, and photos to cherish for a lifetime. Print them, and put them up!
ReplyDeleteThat photo of her with Molly gave me a lump in my throat! What a gift.
ReplyDeleteI'm not exactly sure why, but I swear I just broke down crying in my office reading your post...i think because it was just so wonderfully written. and the photos of you as a baby and then the new babies - the whole circle of life montage was very poignant. that was a brilliant tribute, seriously.
ReplyDeletethis is such a beautiful tribute. thank you for sharing it with all of us.
ReplyDeleteit's so fun to look at your baby pictures and see so much of your girls in them! also--Martha was a serious chunk o baby! so cute.
I enjoyed reading your post about Fran. She was special to my family, and wrote me a few notes when I went to David Lipscomb College. Love, Laurie (Campbell) Pannell [Bob Campbell was a pallbearer at her funeral; that's my uncle, my dad is Ron Campbell.]
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