The past two weeks have been extremely emotional for my family and my extended family. On January 9th we lost an amazing woman, my Granny. Blake calls her Granny Johnson. She had several health issues that came out of nowhere over the last 6 months and her poor body finally just gave up.
Little did I know how important this past Christmas with her would be. I called her my little Christmas miracle because she was able to be home for Christmas to celebrate with all the family and to celebrate her 63rd wedding anniversary to my Papa. We knew that was a big deal for her to be home, but little did we know that it was the last time some of us would see her.
We actually thought she was getting a little better, atleast enough to start coping with her present medical issues. My mom and Uncle Donnie had continued taking turns to assist her where needed. It was during my moms turn that things started to go down hill. On Wednesday January 6th she was taken to the hospital. They discovered that she had two blot clots and her kidneys were also failing because of her medication. The doctors said there wasn't much else they could do for her because her organs were basically shutting down. That was when she was moved to hospice.
*taking a deep breath*
The last time I spoke to my Granny was on Thursday the 7th. I originally called mom to tell her Blake and I would be up there on Saturday to see Granny. Mom asked if I wanted to speak to Granny. Of course I said yes, but I hadn't really prepared what I wanted to say to her. So, I decided the best thing to do would be to keep her spirit up and tell her some cute things about Blake and assure her I would see her in a day or two.
Granny had a different plan for our conversation, and I am forever grateful she did! She proceeded to tell me that she had some bad news, like I wasn't already aware. I stopped her and said I knew and it would be ok because I was going to see her Saturday. She and I were able to share a special moment. She told me she loved me and how special I was to her. I was able to let her know and assure her how special she was to me and how much I loved her. I was able to thank her for everything and tell her she was an amazing woman in my life. I will never be able to express how emotional and grateful I am for that moment we had.
I was not able to see my Granny on Saturday like I planned. She passed away a few hours before I got up there. My heart was so heavy.... with so many emotions. I have to admit I felt guilty and angry that I wasn't able to see her, but I guess this is just another example of how God has different plans and timing for many things in life. My mom reassured me and told me I wouldn't have been able to see her anyway because she wasn't able to really talk to people.
Blake and I still went up to help with the family and we also stayed up there a lot that week for the funeral and visitations.
The visitation was so sweet... she looked absolutely beautiful. I will never forget how peaceful she looked. The funeral was also just as she would have wanted it. She was one very loved woman because the funeral was packed!!!
One of the speakers, a former bishop of hers, mentioned how anytime he called on her to play the piano for an event she would always say, "I'll be there!" She never once had to think twice about it. I know she is still here. And I know she is saying "I'll be there!" to us as she waits for Papa and the rest of us to join her one day.
Blake had a hard time understanding to begin with. He pretended to talk to her on the phone while we were at Granny and Papa's house. Mom said Granny was probably telling Blake to make sure we had it all perfect down here. Haha. Blake got a good lesson and now understands that Granny is in Heaven but she will always be with us in our hearts.
I will miss her so much... I miss how she would say my name "say-rah". I will miss how she would always call me on Sundays. I will miss how she would always try to force feed us when we would come visit. I will miss how frustrated she would get at Papa. HAHA! I will miss how she loved to shop and drink Diet Dr. Pepper. I will miss her sarcastic wit. I will just miss everything.
Papa is having a hard time without her... and we are all missing her greatly. Literally a year ago today she was in the most perfect health condition. It reminds you how quickly things can change! As cliche as it sounds, you really do have to take advantage of every moment in life because you just don't know what Gods timing will be. I look forward to the day that we will see her again!
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