Sunday, March 09, 2008

In memoriam

My grandmother passed away on Friday at about noon. She was at home, with two of my uncles next to her when she went. They said it was very calm and peaceful, which is all any of us can ask, I suppose.

We were told last Saturday that it would be a matter of days, and as a result, I spent much of the week jumping every time the phone rang. But in an odd way, I'm glad I had that week. I spent a lot of time thinking about my grandmother and how much she has meant to me throughout my life. I told stories about her to the girls and to B and to my friends, which made me feel so much better.

I'm heading to Albany on Thursday for Friday's memorial service. Nona left instructions that she didn't want a funeral, just a small service for the family. She also left instructions that she wanted her ashes scattered around the pond that is in front of her house. I really love that she will be laid to rest there. She and my grandfather lived in that house for almost 30 years, and she spent every day looking out on the pond - it's a beautiful spot.

I'm sure this week's memorial service will be filled with lots of stories and tears and laughter, which is how it should be. It should be a celebration of her long life. I just know that I will miss her very much.

4 comments:

Seamus O'Pine said...

My condolences. You're in my thoughts and prayers.

Godspeed, Nona!

Amanda said...

Sorry about your Nona, that's a tough person to lose. Nannas are unconditional.

Wonderful World of Weiners said...

My thoughts are with you as you mourn the loss of your Nona. Italian I assume? Our friends have a Nona and Nono and they are from Italy.

Sounds like your Nona was a lovely lady.

Hallie :)

hokgardner said...

Nope, not the least bit Italian - Scottish, in fact. Her first name was Mona, which got turned into Nona.

Thank you to everyone for your kind thoughts and words.