Heaven gain another angel, my sweet gram. On the eve of Thanksgiving at 10pm, my gram passed away. As many of you know, she had stage 4 lung and hip cancer (which had originated from her Kidney Cancer 15 years ago) and had been living the past 5 months in a nursing home down the street from our house with my grandfather. It’s so hard to believe she is gone but for me, I am very thankful she has left this earth and is now pain free with her family and friends living in heaven. It’s been a bit of a whirlwind this past week. We spent Thanksgiving morning at the Funeral Home making arrangements for next week and then some how, I pulled together a Thanksgiving Dinner that my parents, my family and my grandfather had at our house later in the day.
This is my personal Facebook post from last night that I shared with family and friends.
Getting that phone call at 10pm, Wednesday night I knew. I knew before I even answered the phone. The Nursing Home had both my cell and my dad’s cell phone as emergency numbers and I often wondered, who would get the call. Me or my dad. I remember going in to wake up my dad and mom to tell them the nursing home had just called. My dad say straight up in bed and said, “she died!?” He was sound asleep and while we knew her time was coming to end, we didn’t think it would be this soon. The Hospice Nurse had indicated possible days to weeks earlier in the day but you just never know. We are SO thankful it didn’t drag out. She was in and out of consciousness the Wednesday before Thanksgiving and everyone in the family got see her and she knew we were all there. Unfortunately, her sisters from Vermont didn’t make it, they were due to arrive Thanksgiving Day. I was the last one to leave the nursing home at 8:30pm Wednesday night and I kissed her and told her to have a beautiful sleep and she kissed my cheek. Little did I know, that would be the last time I saw her alive. 1.5 hours later, she was gone. I am sad she was alone during that time but apparently, that’s how it was suppose to happen. My dad and I headed back to the nursing home at 10:45 pm, woke my grandfather up from a sound sleep (yes that was interesting….he has severe dementia so he is REALLY out of it in the night time). My dad gently tapped him and told him “Maw had passed.” My dad always called my gram, “Maw.” His big hazel eyes bugged out of his head and he said, “No.” We got him up, wheeled him down to her room and he sat with her for a while in disbelief. I wasn’t sure he would even remember it in the morning. It felt like a bad dream to me and I have most of my marbles -ha. He did remember a little the next morning but just pieces. Next week we will say good bye to the sweetest gram ever.
It feels kind of weird sharing stuff on my blog about Black Friday considering what happened to my gram but she would tell me to “knock it off Jessie, do your job and continue to work.” That is exactly what she would say. I can hear her voice telling me that as if she was sitting next to me right now ;).
About The Author
What started as a hobby, Jessica’s blog now has millions of people visit yearly and while many of the projects and posts look and sound perfect, life hasn’t always been easy. Read Jessica’s story and how overcoming death, divorce and dementia was one of her biggest life lessons to date.
Jessica, I’m really sorry for you and your family, specially your granpa. But as you’ve said… she is no longer suffering and that’s surely a relief for all of you!
Heaven is probably hosting her welcome party, as she seems to be a happy, kind, dedicated person!
kisses ML
I am so sorry for you and your family Jess. As you said, your wonderful Gram is at peace and pain-free. My heart goes out to your Grandfather. I hope he will be able to get through this very stressful time. My prayers to all of you.
I was so sad to see this pop into my inbox-
I lost both of my grandparent 2yrs-apart, both on each yrs. Thanksgiving Days & the holiday will forever be changed for you. It has been a bittersweet day for us for the years following as their loss seems at time to be glaring at us the most when we want to just be giving thanks for our blessings. It’s a difficult thing to work through & I pray the God gives each of you exactly what you need to get through this time as best as you possibly can.
My grandparents lived w/my family most of while I was growing up as well & life without them leaves a hole that is very hard to fill. My heart truly goes out to all of you. Your family has been in my prayers daily & will continue to be-
Sending you a hug across the many miles between us & sharing tears with you as well. I have always loved the posts that included your grandparents & will certainly miss the ones featuring your gram! She reminded me so much of my own grandmother & ALWAYS made me smile (& often times lol too)
My grandfather followed a very similar path to the one that yours is on & will very much be in my prayers still as well. Dementia is SO. DANG. HARD! Harder on us I think than them sometimes- but knowing that doesn’t make it much easier-
May You all feel God’s loving embrace just a little bit tighter when you need it the most right now-
Am so sorry for your loss! You are so fortunate to have her involved in your life all these years and in your son’s life too! I have enjoyed reading about her. Please continue to share your remembrances with so many of us, who feel like we knew her just a little bit!
I’m so sorry for your family and I too feel your loss. I send Blessings to you and your family and ask God to give you all the strength to get through these very difficult days. Please tell your grandpa that I’m sending him special Blessings.
Jessica, I realize that this must have been a really hard post to write. Thank you for sharing with us the news about your grandmother so that we can send our thoughts and prayers to you and to your family.
Jessica, so sorry to hear the sad news of your grandmother passing. It is always hard when someone passes away, especially, during the holidays. It’s hard to let go, but it is comforting to know that they are not in pain and suffering. Like you said, your grandmother is in heaven with God. She had a special Thanksgiving this year. Praying that God will give you and your family, especially your grandfather, strength and comfort, through the coming days. You will always have special memories of your grandmother and she will always be in your heart. She is at peace. God Bless and comfort you and your family. Continued prayers. ”RIP GRAMS”
May she rest in eternal peace. I understand how you must feel knowing she is no longer struggling and working so hard to get through the day; yet, you would still LOVE if she were here and in a healthy condition. I am so sad that her sisters did not make it in time to see her. My heart and prayers go out to all of you. I feel like we have lost her too. I am happy that your grandfather had the ability to understand even if it were for just a moment, give him a kiss and a big hug for me. God Bless each and everyone of you during this extremely difficult time. Sending warm cyber hugs!
My sympathies to you and your whole family. I have so enjoyed reading about your big, beautiful family for all these years, and I am sure this loss will be deeply felt. May your grandmother Rest In Peace.
Jessica
I am so very sorry to read about your grandmother’s passing. I’ve followed your blog for a while and always envied your family life style. Your grandparents were of special interest to me as I’ve lost both sets. They touched me. Wish you and your family peace and big hugs to your grandfather. I hope knowing how many lives you and your family touch helps in some way. Your grandparents smiles could light up the page. God’s blessings and grand love.
Cheri
I’m sorry for your loss, but I’m glad you were able to spend that last night with her. Your last words to her were appropriate, even though you didn’t know it at the time. That’s good your grandpa was able to spend some time with her as well. I will keep all of you in my prayers.
I’m very sorry. You were an amazing granddaughter…you were both lucky and blessed to have each other. My sympathies and prayers for your grandfather and all of you.
We are sadden for you and your family for your loss. Our heart and prayers are sent to God for you and your family. Be strong, and may God’s Holy Spirit be with you.
Prayers with you and your family ! So much to deal with but you have a big , loving family am
No my heart is with all of you !gods doors were open to greet her ! Take care !
So very sorry for your loss, you have a beautiful family, and blessed that you were able to be there for your family thru the good times and bad. Never ever ever feel guilty for not being by her side when she passed, always know that it was in God’s plan and your Gram is certainly a remarkable woman. May she rest in piece.
My heart goes out to you and your family, but I’m glad that your gram is not suffering anymore. It sounds like she had a beautiful last day on this earth and that you have many wonderful memories together. I know her life was so blessed to have you and the rest of your family so close. Praying for peace, comfort, and even joy for your family during this time.
I am so sorry for your loss, Jessica. I am catching up on my blog reading (very behind). You are a trooper to keep up with your blogging. Your gram is so missed, what a special part of your family.
My condolences to you and your family. I hope all remembering all the good times help to ease the pain. Warm hugs from Rhode Island.
I’ve only been following your blog for a short time, but I can see how much family & you Gram meant to you. I’m so sorry for your loss.
I am so sorry! I will be praying for that special peace that passes all understanding for you and your family.
Jessica, I’m really sorry for you and your family, specially your granpa. But as you’ve said… she is no longer suffering and that’s surely a relief for all of you!
Heaven is probably hosting her welcome party, as she seems to be a happy, kind, dedicated person!
kisses ML
I am so sorry for you and your family Jess. As you said, your wonderful Gram is at peace and pain-free. My heart goes out to your Grandfather. I hope he will be able to get through this very stressful time. My prayers to all of you.
I was so sad to see this pop into my inbox-
I lost both of my grandparent 2yrs-apart, both on each yrs. Thanksgiving Days & the holiday will forever be changed for you. It has been a bittersweet day for us for the years following as their loss seems at time to be glaring at us the most when we want to just be giving thanks for our blessings. It’s a difficult thing to work through & I pray the God gives each of you exactly what you need to get through this time as best as you possibly can.
My grandparents lived w/my family most of while I was growing up as well & life without them leaves a hole that is very hard to fill. My heart truly goes out to all of you. Your family has been in my prayers daily & will continue to be-
Sending you a hug across the many miles between us & sharing tears with you as well. I have always loved the posts that included your grandparents & will certainly miss the ones featuring your gram! She reminded me so much of my own grandmother & ALWAYS made me smile (& often times lol too)
My grandfather followed a very similar path to the one that yours is on & will very much be in my prayers still as well. Dementia is SO. DANG. HARD! Harder on us I think than them sometimes- but knowing that doesn’t make it much easier-
May You all feel God’s loving embrace just a little bit tighter when you need it the most right now-
Am so sorry for your loss! You are so fortunate to have her involved in your life all these years and in your son’s life too! I have enjoyed reading about her. Please continue to share your remembrances with so many of us, who feel like we knew her just a little bit!
So sorry for your loss. Prayers for you and your family.
I’m so sorry for your family and I too feel your loss. I send Blessings to you and your family and ask God to give you all the strength to get through these very difficult days. Please tell your grandpa that I’m sending him special Blessings.
So very sorry for the loss of your beloved Gram .
Jessica, I realize that this must have been a really hard post to write. Thank you for sharing with us the news about your grandmother so that we can send our thoughts and prayers to you and to your family.
Jessica, so sorry to hear the sad news of your grandmother passing. It is always hard when someone passes away, especially, during the holidays. It’s hard to let go, but it is comforting to know that they are not in pain and suffering. Like you said, your grandmother is in heaven with God. She had a special Thanksgiving this year. Praying that God will give you and your family, especially your grandfather, strength and comfort, through the coming days. You will always have special memories of your grandmother and she will always be in your heart. She is at peace. God Bless and comfort you and your family. Continued prayers. ”RIP GRAMS”
May she rest in eternal peace. I understand how you must feel knowing she is no longer struggling and working so hard to get through the day; yet, you would still LOVE if she were here and in a healthy condition. I am so sad that her sisters did not make it in time to see her. My heart and prayers go out to all of you. I feel like we have lost her too. I am happy that your grandfather had the ability to understand even if it were for just a moment, give him a kiss and a big hug for me. God Bless each and everyone of you during this extremely difficult time. Sending warm cyber hugs!
My sympathies to you and your whole family. I have so enjoyed reading about your big, beautiful family for all these years, and I am sure this loss will be deeply felt. May your grandmother Rest In Peace.
Jessica
I am so very sorry to read about your grandmother’s passing. I’ve followed your blog for a while and always envied your family life style. Your grandparents were of special interest to me as I’ve lost both sets. They touched me. Wish you and your family peace and big hugs to your grandfather. I hope knowing how many lives you and your family touch helps in some way. Your grandparents smiles could light up the page. God’s blessings and grand love.
Cheri
So sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
I’m sorry for your loss, but I’m glad you were able to spend that last night with her. Your last words to her were appropriate, even though you didn’t know it at the time. That’s good your grandpa was able to spend some time with her as well. I will keep all of you in my prayers.
I’m very sorry. You were an amazing granddaughter…you were both lucky and blessed to have each other. My sympathies and prayers for your grandfather and all of you.
Hi, Jessica: I’m so very sorry for your family’s loss. Thank you for sharing her with us here on the blog. Sending you virtual hugs.
So sorry for your loss Jessica–may god bless you, your family and your sweet grandmother especially.
Jessica, I am so sorry. Bear hugs.
I’m so very sorry for your lost. Sending hugs to your family.
Hi Jessica, my condolence and prayers to you, your grandfather and family. God bless all of you.
I am so sorry for your loss of your Precious Gram. Prayers for you and your family. Also, for your sweet Granddad. Sending Love and Hugs too.
We are sadden for you and your family for your loss. Our heart and prayers are sent to God for you and your family. Be strong, and may God’s Holy Spirit be with you.
I am very sorry for your loss – how fortunate she had you and your family to surround her with love until her end. Rest in Peace.
So very sorry for your loss, God Bless You and your family and most importantly your grandmother♥️♥️
Her love will be with you always. Her sweetness shines through in the photos I have seen here as her health begin failing. God bless.
So sorry to hear. Praying you are comforted as you celebrate her life and the time you had with her.
I was just thinking of you & your family Thanks giving Night !! So Very Sorry ,,God Bless sending prayers your way…From SC..
Very sorry for your loss xo
Prayers with you and your family ! So much to deal with but you have a big , loving family am
No my heart is with all of you !gods doors were open to greet her ! Take care !
Wow! So sorry for the misspelled words !! Know tha my heart is with you and God has a special place for your sweet Grandma !!
I wasn’t ready to read this about Gram – seems so fast. Love to all of you, Jessica.
May God comfort you and your family Jessica. Sending prayers and hugs! So sorry.
So very sorry for your loss, you have a beautiful family, and blessed that you were able to be there for your family thru the good times and bad. Never ever ever feel guilty for not being by her side when she passed, always know that it was in God’s plan and your Gram is certainly a remarkable woman. May she rest in piece.
My heart goes out to you and your family, but I’m glad that your gram is not suffering anymore. It sounds like she had a beautiful last day on this earth and that you have many wonderful memories together. I know her life was so blessed to have you and the rest of your family so close. Praying for peace, comfort, and even joy for your family during this time.
I am so sorry for your loss, Jessica. I am catching up on my blog reading (very behind). You are a trooper to keep up with your blogging. Your gram is so missed, what a special part of your family.