She was a wonderful woman. A strong woman. And she will be missed...
She always had family gatherings at her place for any occasion (but especially for the holidays) and would welcome anyone that showed up with open arms and a big smile. Her favorite thing was being out in the sun - especially on the beach! That woman always had a tan...
She loved life and her family...
So today we gathered after the service and burial to share a meal together.
Somehow being together made the hurt vanish - even just for a bit...
We know that no matter what, being there for each other is so important for healing...
Family from all over came to pay their respects to her.
It was especially nice to see our family that lives in Tennessee.
My Aunt Bobbie gave a perfectly fitting speech about the strong, stubborn and amazing woman we knew and loved.
She had the most beautiful prayers for Grandmom.
Adding such a nice personal touch to the service, especially since Grandmom moved down to TN for three years, before coming back to DE to go into an adult rehab and care facility for this last year.
All of my Aunts & Uncles are well into being "grandparent" age.
And we have taken their place being in the middle.
We are starting to see shifts in family dynamics.
It's kinda weird growing up. But if we are lucky enough - it happens to us all.
My little brother - not so little or young anymore. He is becoming that cool fun uncle...
My sister - always young at heart, goofing around with the little ones...
And the funny thing. Today. My uncles chose Kid Shelleen's in Wilmington as the place to have family & friends gather. On purpose of course because the building it resides in was once our family's restaurant.
As kids, my mom & my uncles lived behind this building. My great-grand parents lived in the building attached to it (from what I remember my mom telling me). They ran on these same floors that my kids ran on today - surrounded by older generations, just as today.
All very fitting for our final farewell to my Grandmom Martin.
Her presence will be felt but her laughter, smile & hugs will surely be missed...
Thank you for everything Grandmom. We love you so very much!
YOu are a strong woman too Marsha - in her footsteps. I am glad you could find some light in the dark. And the restaurant - wow. Never knew that!
ReplyDeleteThanks Jenny :)
DeleteMarsha - so sorry that you have had so much sadness this year. She sounds like a wonderful woman and you have so many wonderful memorie. Hugs.
ReplyDeleteThanks. I am hoping that today will start off a new year of a lot less loss for our family... Thanks!
DeleteMarsha I am so sorry for your loss. It sounds like you have many wonderful memories of my Grandmom. As long as you treasure them, she will be really be gone.
ReplyDeleteThanks Shaiha - I know exactly what you mean :) I don't think I will ever be on a beach without her there or at a backyard bbq with kids running around where she isn't present (in my heart...).
DeleteWhat a loving tribute to your Grandmom. Such as lovely link to her to have a large family gathering at the restaurant that your family had owned. So special.
ReplyDeleteThanks... It is amazing how family can make you feel better (or more crazy - lol...).
DeleteMarsha, so sorry for your loss, but the memories you have will live in your heart forever. How wonderful that your kids were able to be a part of her life, and that she was a special part of theirs. Your photos are priceless.
ReplyDeleteI'm sure her spirit will live within you forever. You were lucky to have her for so many years. Cherish those memories with a happy heart.
Chris
Thanks Chris. I will for sure :)
DeleteSo sorry for the loss of your Grandma, Marsha. I too lost my Grandmother this past week, and have been trying to form a post about it. I didn't realize we have so much in common, we own a restaurant and I have worked in clay for many years until recently. The light your Grandma had is evident in the glow you all have in the family pictures, she truly will live on in you all!
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely tribute you wrote for your Grandmom. Wonderful that your family could come together in a place that held such sentiment to you all to support and farewell her. She sounded like a lovely lady. My condolences.
ReplyDeletejenni
I am sorry for your loss. This is a lovely tribute to her and her family. It is clear family is so important in all of your lives.
ReplyDeleteSo sorry to hear about your Grandmom. But what a great tribute and story about her, her life and the family she evidently treasured. And what a fitting/great place to remember her at and share stories, laughter and tears. In a place where it more or less began.
ReplyDeleteI'm very sorry to hear of your loss. It's wonderful how you're celebrating her life though...this is a touching memorial to her.
ReplyDeleteOh, Marsha, I'm so sorry. I'm having some family "issues" myself today and reading this just made me cry. Your grandmother had a lovely smile. Both of mine died when I was 8 (two weeks apart). I've always been sad that I didn't know them longer. And now I live near my own grandgirl and can't imagine being anywhere else. Family is the best. Yours looks awesome! I'm sure you'll miss her and I hope your grief is overtaken by great memories! Hugs to you!
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry, Marsha...what a lovely tribute to your grandmother. Big hugs.
ReplyDeleteI am sorry for your loss but I am sure she will always be with you. Yes even for sad events family gatherings are healing.
ReplyDelete