Early Friday morning, my Grandmother passed away.
She had been suffering from dementia for a few years,
slowly losing her grip on reality, most recently losing
her ability to do most anything, but sleep.
That is how she died, in her sleep.
Her life, was not easy, but she made the most of it.
She was not easy, she was stubborn and down right mean at times,
but she could also be a a lot of fun, and kind and generous when she
wanted to be. The last decade or two were not her best, as dementia
took over a good portion of her brain. There was a lot more "crazy" behavior.
A lot of paranoia. Many turned away before we realized, it was dementia.
She went from a social butterfly to near recluse.
As a family we were lucky to have my sister who was willing to move in
with her (at the request of my Grandfather before he died) and keep an
eye out for her, and then manage her care as the disease progressed.
It was not easy, as you can imagine. One of her biggest fears was being put in "a home".
Thanks to Shell, we never had to do that.
We will have services this coming Saturday, April 18th.
Giving some far flung relatives a chance to get here.
Until then, Bon Voyage Gram, and I hope the buffet is better
on this cruise than the last one. ;-)
PS I wanted to scan in some old photos, but I cannot get it to work.This
photo was from Christmas..Princess holding baby C..also known as "X-man",
and Great Grandma (that's Great-Great Grandma for X-man)
21 comments:
It sounds as if family was a great help and comfort for your Grandmother in her last years. Sending light your way...
Oh Kate, I am so sorry. You have my sympathy.
It is good that she went in her sleep and, as she wished, in her home.
My grandfather pass about two years ago after suffering from dementia. The disease can be heartbreaking to the family.
**tight hug**
I know exactly how you feel (my grandmother also suffered dementia for many years before her passing), and am sorry for your loss.
The fact that your family was able to fulfill both your grandfather's and grandmother's wishes is wonderful. It is good to see family stick together, through both good times and bad.
I am sorry for your loss. Sending hugs and good thoughts.
I sorry about your grandmother. My grandpa passed away last fall from dementia. It was really hard for the family to see him the way he was those last few years. We miss him.
Kate So sorry for your loss! Sending positive thoughts your way for you and your family.
Kate, I'm so sorry about your Grandmother. Dementia is so sad. Think of you.
Hugs,
Lynn
My deepest sympathies. I'm glad she was surrounded by such a loving and supportive family. God Bless!
Hugs to you, Kate. Sending loving thoughts to you and your family.
*Hugs* I'm so sorry to hear of your grandmother' passing. Praying for you and her, and your family in this season of hope.
What you've written is so very gracious. May we all hope to avoid dementia. It is terrible for everyone.
Your Grandmother looks pretty darn good in that photo much better than my Grandmother at the end.
((Big hug))
Oh, I'm so sorry to hear of your Grandmother passing. Sounds like she had so loving and careing folks in her life, not giving up , despite her difficulties.
Many hugs to you and yours.
I'm sorry for your loss, Kate!
Lovely sentiments...sorry for your loss.
Melissa
Much love to you at what must be a time of complex grieving.
Its amazing how much your grandmother looks like mine.
I'm sorry for the loss of your grandma. She was lucky to have you and Princess and your sister. It is a difficult to watch someone die of dementia.
So sorry you have lost your Grandma Kate.
I'm glad you have your family around you and that your Grandma's suffering is over.
Hugs and Kisses Kate. I'm so sorry for you loss.
I'm sorry you lost your grandma. (Hugs).
oh kate...so sorry for your loss. sending many hugs to you, friend.
I was so sorry to read about your Grandmother's passing. My Grandma also had dementia during the last few years of her life. It's a terrible thing to watch happen to a person, and my heart goes out to you and your family. (hugs)
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