In 2007, both of my Grandmothers passed away. It was within 1 week of each other. This was a very hard week for us and on top of that we moved that week. My grandma Truksa was one of the strongest women I know. She had been through so much. She had many cancers and operations. We where often told that grandma would not make it much longer. They didn't know grandma- and she would make it about 7-8 years after they said that. One time we headed to Colorado for her, she was hospitalized and not doing well, we had a camper full. At that point, we only had Dalton and Emery, by the time we got there she said "take me to Nebraska" so sure enough got out of the hospital to head to Nebraska. She loved her kids, grandkids, great grandkids and great-great grandkids. No matter how bad she would feel she wanted to spend time with the kids. Brosnon and her had a very special bond. He would carry her purse and help her on the stairs. I really regret not having a picture of this. We got the chance to say good-bye to her just hours before she went home to be with the Lord. I am so thankful that she was able to meet and love on each one of my children. Sometimes when I feel like I can not do something, I remember there is a piece of grandma in me.
A couple days after Grandma Truksa died, we went to see grandma Brown. She was at home and not feeling real well. Grandma was the most gentle, kind soul that I know. She was an example of how to be a great and loving wife and mother. I love hearing how she would pray for her family as she ironed their shirts. When we went to visit her, she had each of the boys pick out a stuffed animal out of her basket. She sat each one of them on her lap and loved on them. (yes they where a bit smaller then). This day will always be a treasure to me. A few days later we said goodbye to her in a hospital room only hours before she went home to the Lord.
This memorial day we went to both graves, we cleaned them up, put flowers and did our tradition of angel dust. This was something my mom did at the funerals. The kids sprinkled glitter on the graves. We still do this. I wondered if the kids would still want to this year, being older and so much cooler you know. I think the simple act was still a joy for them and a way to remember. The glitter was so pretty sparkling on the grass and the stone. Carter worked very hard cleaning up, with my mom, around the stones. Clearing and cutting the grass back.
They made sure to make the letters sparkle as well.
My grandmas where both such amazing people. Some days I just wish I could ask them for a little bit of wisdom. They both handled life with such grace and love. I am so thankful for the time the boys and I did get to spend with them. I miss the birthday cards that came every year with grandma Browns perfect hand writing. Yes it was perfect. She always made sure to include a bible verse.
It was a great day spent with the boys and thinking on how quickly life goes. I want to make sure my boys know how much I love them, I never doubted my grandparents love for me, I hope the boys will be able to say the same about their mother.
