Swing Low

Dear Kittens,

I got some sad news today.

My sister's grandma died on Tuesday. She was a kind and loving woman with a generous spirit. Her entire adult life was spent taking care of her large family. A few years ago she was diagnosed with thyroid cancer and then shortly after that colon cancer. She went through surgeries, rounds of chemotherapy, medication with odd side effects, with the most amazing positive attitude. Recently her cancer metastised to her liver and it was clear that her time left was short. She knew her end was near and she met it with such grace. She died peacefully at home and while her death wasn't a surprise, it still leaves a hole in the hearts of everyone who loved her.

When my parents divorced, they both remarried pretty quickly and I was very lucky that in those new marriages I gained a sister and two new sets of grandparents. I was welcomed into each of those families with open arms. Of course as a child, it would never occur to me that anyone that would ever not love me, as a grown up I realize I was very fortunate because I managed to get through my childhood without ever doubting my people's love for me. And my sister's grandma was a huge part of that. I spent many happy days playing in Grandma Faith's house and experiencing her fierce hugs. When I was 19, I had a major falling out with my dad and she was the one who encouraged me to mend that fence. She wrote me a heartfelt letter, sharing her own difficult relationship with her dad. Of course, the whole thing with my dad did not eventually work out, but I'm glad I took that advice when I did.

My sissy (Geneva) is grieving. Please send her love through my comments.

Love,

Catie

Grandma Faith will surely be hugely missed. 

Comments

[jen]

to both of you, i am so sorry for your loss.

[bluesleepy]

It is a rare thing to be accepted into a stepfamily so completely, and I have been lucky enough to experience it myself. I'm so sorry for your loss, to both you and your sister. *HUGS*

[Jules]

I'm so sorry catie, for you and for your sister.

[Angela]

Catie, my thoughts are with you and your sister, Geneva. It's difficult to lose someone so special; someone you hold close to your heart. Take comfort in your memories and know that she shared her secrets to being an amazing woman with you both. Such a wonderful gift and one you share with others each and every day!

Thinking of you, Angela

[Tracey]

Catie, I too have experienced that acceptance from my sister's family, and as an adult I know it's rare. What a wonderful thing she did for you.

Geneva, you have written such sweet words about your grandma several times, and I know you have a heavy heart today.

Girlies, I'm so sorry for your loss.

[Tracy27]

I think defining someone as family is a choice as much as it is a genetic fact; it's lovely that Faith decided to include you as part of hers. I'm sorry to hear of her loss, and my heart goes out to Geneva and to everyone who's grieving now.

[Lora]

I'm so sorry, Geneva! I know how much you loved your grandmother.
Catie, I miss you!

[Michelle]

I read this on Geneva's blog yesterday and have been thinking about her since. My thoughts are with you both! May you enjoy the most beautiful memories of your Grandma Faith.

[Karen]

I'm sorry to hear of your Grandma's death my thoughts and prays are with both you and your sissy, I'm glad she embraced you and brought you into her family with open arms a child needs that when they go thru a divorce and remarriage May the angels hold her close but I hope they hold you and sister closer during this difficult time God bless, karen

[Jabberwocky]

I'm so sorry for your loss.

[Andrea]

My condolences to the both of you.

[CK]

I'm so sorry to hear this. I was close to my grandparents too.

[Yvonne]

Oh Catie, I'm sorry for your sister's loss and yours also. Grandma Faith sounds like a remarkable woman.

[Kimmy]

Catie: I am so sorry for you and your sister's loss. She sounded like an amazing woman. I hope the warm memories you have of her will bring you both comfort in this difficult time.