Hi all,
I was supposed to work until Wednesday, but life happens, and unfortunately my maternal grandmother in St. Louis passed away on Sunday afternoon.
I am in the back seat of my brother-in-laws’ car trying to entertain Liam, my 3-year old nephew.
It’s strange. It feels like a regular trip to St. Louis, but I know it’s not going to be. My grandma is not going to be waiting for us as soon as we walk in. There will be no comforting smell of her pecan pie baking in the oven. No comfort, in general. My grandpa has moved into a separate apartment/living space. I’m afraid of walking up to the house because I am certain it will be cold.
Tomorrow morning, we aren’t going to wake up to my grandparents and my mother drinking coffee and eating breakfast while having conversations about recent family news. I’m not going to smell my grandmothers perfume and approve of her outfit before church on Christmas eve (she always looked nice). Towards the end of this trip, my grandpa will not surprise us with a variety of donuts on the morning before we leave.
On my birthday next year, I’m not going to receive a birthday card from her saying, “Have a good time on OUR birthday.” We shared the same birthday, August 7. We were joint in that respect and both had a love of peridot, our green birthstone.
This trip will be tough, but I am trying to see the positive. She had a lovely life, as evidenced by who surrounded her as she peacefully passed away on Sunday afternoon.
Her husband, four children, as well as my older sister, Melanie, and my little niece, Violet, were there as she passed away. Violet is named after her and they were able to finally “meet.”
Melanie explained that she randomly put Violet on her hospital bed, curled up in a pink blanket. Five minutes later, my grandma passed away with the comfort of her great granddaughter next to her.
I will keep you updated. I’m planning on coming home on Friday. For now, I will leave you with a picture of my road trip buddy for the next 5ish hours and a picture of my grandma and I. 
Have a great Tuesday!
Hi! My name is Julie. I am passionate about being happy and healthy, all while doing Bikram yoga and wearing mascara. Email me: wearingmascara {at} gmail {dot} com
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What a beautiful post dedicated to a beautiful woman. It’s truly amazing that she passed after meeting Violet. When my grandfather passed, I truly believe he held on for one more day as to not pass away on my brother’s birthday. This world works in interesting ways…
All my love and prayers to you and your family. Let me know if you need anything. Stay strong and safe travels.
Alicia at Poise in Parma´s last [type] ..28 at 28: crow pose, chaturanga and handstand
Very sorry for your loss. My grandfather passed away before Thanksgiving a few years back and I still get a little sad every time that holiday rolls around. Everyone deals with grief differently, but I hope you can at least find some comfort in being together as a family.
Roxanne´s last [type] ..Recipe: Hot and Spicy Sriracha Brussels Sprouts
So sorry to hear about your loss
Hang in there and I will keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers.
Enjoy that travel buddy, so cute!
No time is a good time to lose a loved one but this close to Christmas has to be especially hard. I love your post and I’m sure that your Grandma knew how special she was to each and every one of you. I’m really glad that the Violets got to meet – it’s like your Grandma passed the torch to your niece. ((hugs))
Crystal@EatDrinkCleveland´s last [type] ..Local Last Minute Gift Ideas
I am so sorry to hear about your loss
You and your family are in my prayers There really is a special bond between sharing a birthday with a grandparent too. My brother and grandfather shared a birthday. My grandpa has been gone for 10 years now and my brother still refers to it as “our birthday”.
If you need anything, just know I am always a call/text/tweet away
I’m so sorry for your loss, my friend. You’re definitely in my thoughts. As I said before, hold on to the good memories. Those are really important in keeping up your strength.
So sorry for your loss, sweetie. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Let me know if you need anything!
Jen @ Why CLE?´s last [type] ..Why? Weekends!
Beautiful post Julie. Sorry about your Grandma. XoXo
Will be thinking of you, beautiful lady xox
Julie,
I am grateful for your lovely synopsis of our experiences at Christmas time going home to Mom and Dad’s for the holiday. This experience has been heart-renchingly surreal, and I couldn’t have survived it without the palpable love of my daughters surrounding me. Thank you for being there and givng me your loving support and comfort at this time of my mom and your grandma’s final days. Our Christmas times will be forever changed, but our love and memories of Mom will be forever.
I love you,
Mom
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