The Face Behind the Blog - A Personal Memorial Day Tribute

I'm participating in David Airey’s meme - The Face Behind the Blog which was brought to my attention by my dear blogging friend Wendy Piersall  I love when bloggers reveal more of their personal lives, like this awesome post by Wendy Can You Be Vulnerable and Still Run a Business?   

So I'm going to join in and share with you that over the last couple weeks we have experienced the loss of both of my husband's grandmothers.  These phenomenal women were both in their late 90's and were surrounded with loved ones when they passed after long illnesses.  I only wish I could have known them both as my husband knew them when they were younger and more active.  But even so, it was a pleasure to know them both.  So here is my little tribute to them. 

This is "Gertie" (or Big G as she called herself) last Christmas after she moved into the nursing home.  That's me and my awesome husband, Alan with her.  I have to say that, even though I was with both of my grandmothers when they passed, I have never experienced such an amazing tribute as that which was paid to her.  For 3 days, there were many friends and family in the hospital with her as she neared the end.  Many of us were there at the end as well. This vigil was followed by 3 more days of family reunion, wake and funeral.   

Her son Al, and his wife Maureen took such awesome care of her and arranged a wonderful celebration of her life.  Maureen reads my blog all the time and I just want to tell her how much I appreciate her and how much Alan & I appreciate everything she sacrificed over the past 10 years to take care of Gertie.  And how much we appreciate all the time and effort she and Al put into making the family reunion events so memorable.  Maureen, You are the Best!  ; )

Alan's other grandmother, Carmen was a "feisty old broad"  right up to the end.  Even at 95 years old, she was in relatively good health and was only taking one prescription!  She lost her husband many years ago and never quite got over the loss, so I know she is happy to be with him again.

Here is the last photo we have of her in good health from our family reunion with Alan's mom's side of the family last summer in VA. She lived in Virginia so we didn't get to see her often.

We will miss both of them but will always remember and celebrate the long and full lives they had. And of course I have to always bless them for making it possible for me to have my husband who I adore madly and can't imagine living without. 

With lots of Love, Blessings & Peace...

Won't you share in the meme and leave a comment here so we can share your Face Behind the Blog?