Friday, May 22, 2009

A Bit Surreal

So which would you rather read first? Good news or bad news? If you want bad news first, read part 1 first. If you want good news first, read part 2 first.

Part 1

Bad news isn't what I'd call this, but I guess most people would. Long story short: My maternal grandmother unexpectedly and pretty suddenly died yesterday. She was at the public library when she fell to the ground and most likely had a heart attack; she died within the hour at the nearby hospital. Thankfully I was working at home yesterday, which made it easier to make/take multiple phone calls and to just cry and grieve. It feels surreal to know that she's gone and that when I get to Woodland tomorrow that she won't be there.

I think it's sort of cool that it happened at the library because (1) it spared my grandfather (who isn't in good health at all) from seeing it and (2) the library was one of her favorite places. When I stayed with her in the summer we'd always go together and stay up really late reading each night. She adored reading. I'm also glad it was quick and painless. But I easily find the most comfort in my knowledge that my Grandma has accepted Christ as her Savior and knew that she was saved by His grace alone and not by any of the good things she had done (not the least of which was teaching high school math in a very rough high school and serving as a faithful Sunday school teacher).

Part 2

I think I was just kidding...I'll write about dates/outings #s 5, 6, 7, 8, & 9 later. I'm worn out and headed over three hours south tomorrow for visitation and then Grandma's funeral on Sunday.

p.s. I'm grateful that Grandma died now and not while I'm in Nicaragua. I'm grateful that my mom is surrounded by people who love her. I'm grateful that I have a King who adores me, cares for me, and can comfort my Papa. I'm grateful that I called Grandma two weeks ago and talked longer than I really wanted to after a long day of work. I'm grateful that we'd had specific conversations about her faith. And I'm grateful she was my Grandma.

18 comments:

Anonymous said...

I'm so sorry to hear about your Grandma, but it's such a comfort to know that this isn't goodbye forever and to know that she knew her Savior.
My condolences to you and your family.

Anonymous said...

I'm so sorry, Ally ~ my Nana (dad's mom) died almost 6 years ago, and some days, it seems like only yesterday.

You're in my thoughts.

Kimberly said...

It sounds like your grandmother was a really special person. I will be praying for you, your family and especially your grandfather!

HappyascanB said...

Oh, Ally, so very sorry to hear of your loss. We are praying for you and your entire family. May your sweet memories bring you comfort and peace. Love you ~ B & Tim

DEb said...

I'm so sorry to hear of your loss...but am happy you liked the way it all happened..God certainly does take care of "things"... praying for you and your family!

L.C.T. said...

Hugs and prayers to you and your family.

brandy said...

Miss Ally, I'm so sorry for your loss and am thinking of you and yours.

boohoo said...

I'm really sorry. I hope you get through this time okay *hugs*

LA said...

I'm really sorry to hear about your Grandma, but I look forward to meeting her in Heaven :)

My uncle died in a similar way 3 weeks ago, my Great Aunt again similarly last week.

Praying for you and your family muchly.

Anonymous said...

My sympathy to you losing your grandmother. I hope you have a lot of good memories of her.

Allison said...

My grandmother passed away 9 years ago this month and I still think about her all the time. Heaven will be such a party when we are all reunited. I am praying for you and your family.

Love you,
A2

OK Chick said...

I'm sorry for your loss. It's never easy to lose someone. My grandmother passed away last year. She had been very sick for over a month. It was hard to see her so sick.

Jennifer Owens said...

Ally - so sorry to hear about the loss of your grandmother. I'm glad you have joy and peace knowing that she knew Jesus and you will see her again.

Pam said...

Oh, I'm so sorry to hear about your grandmother. *hugs*

Cat_Chaser said...

I am saddened to hear of your loss, my condolences to you. I hope that you will find courage and peace at this difficult time.

Thomas said...

Prayers from Seattle, Ally.

TC said...

Sorry to hear about your Grandma, but I think that as you mentioned, there were some positives (if that can be). My thoughts are with your family.

Aaron said...

WAY LATE checking in here and I'm very sorry to read about this but very proud that you were comforted knowing where she will spend eternity. Need to catch up on the rest now!