The Beginning of “Goodbye”
Hi dearest blog readers! It’s been a rough last few days for my family. Our precious 97 year-old Memaw has just been diagnosed with esophageal cancer. She has been in stellar health all her life and this is now the beginning of “goodbye.” Preparing to let a loved one leave our arms for the arms of God is never an easy thing. This is hard.
Memaw is my last living grandparent. She’s a treasure. She’s one of the most ornery, stubborn people I have ever known. My family {immediate and extended} is incredibly close-knit. We are a tribe of fiercely loyal people who love to laugh, love to eat and love to have fun. And right now, we’re hugging each other close and encouraging each other to let tears flow.
There are so very many memories that have come pouring back to my mind over the last few days. I reminded Memaw of the time that she chased a snake up the little hill behind her house. She fell down and the snake acted like it was going to strike at her. She used a hoe and managed to kill that snake. Haha! And then there was the time that a patio chair rusted through. She sat down, the chair broke, and she ended up with her feet in the air. Granddaddy left her like that for a few minutes just so he could laugh. 😉
{taken Easter Sunday 2013}
There are also memories that are still in the making as we spend time around her bed – talking, laughing, crying, singing, praying and just loving each other.
Memaw is scheduled to have surgery today to help make her more comfortable during this time. The surgery is risky, so we are praying that it is successful.
I may be a bit scarce around here…because more than diy projects, recipes, tips or tricks…my family comes first. Always. I will try to update here as I can.
Thank you so much for sticking by me through this. You all are the best readers and friends in the world. I’m so blessed.
Edit: Update – 5/5/13 – Memaw is now home with Hospice care. She is much more relaxed at home. Her hospital bed is in her den right where her comfy chair has always been. She can see outside if she wants to as well. Today, I visited her and she looked so pretty in her pink gown and hot pink shawl that she made years ago. She woke up twice and gave me smiles that are worth more to me than a million dollars. I’m so thankful for these precious days with her. Please pray for Memaw and my family as we all pitch in to care for her as we are able.
xoxo
Myra
Oh friend! I’m praying for you and your family.
Tabitha´s last blog post ..Our Menu for the Week of April 28, 2013
Myra,
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family, especially your Memaw. I loved the pictures you shared….precious! My 91 year old Mamaw went home to heaven a year and a half ago, so I know the feelings and emotions you are feeling right now. Hold tight to your family and reflect on those good memories and most of all, trust in God’s grace during this time. Praying for you!
Blessings,
Lanita
Sorry to hear about your grandmother. I’m praying for you and your family.
Myra, I hold you and your memaw in my heart and prayers. This is a difficult time, I know and there is nothing that will make it easier. Just know that you have love around you. When you have love around you then the hardest times are a bit easier.
May God surround memaw, you and your whole family at this time!
SandyO
You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. May your family’s strength and God’s grace see you through this difficult time.
It is an incredible blessing from the Lord to have a close family. I find it especially wonderful that you have been able to have such a wonderful relationship with your grandparents. Praying for each one of you during this time!
Elizabeth´s last blog post ..Silas: 15 Months
I love you, sis!
Kelly´s last blog post ..Dear Friends
sorry and prayers.may you and yours be surrounded by His Love and that of many of His emissaries in this time of good-byes.
Myra,
I am so sorry to hear about your memaw! She sounds like a beautiful person! Losing grandparents is such a difficult thing. Thinking of you!
Brittany
Brittany @ La vita dibella´s last blog post ..Succulent Swooning
Praying for your family. It’s never easy saying goodbye. May the Precious Lord Jesus wrap his comforting arms around you all during this time. May He give you peace that only He can.
My grandma died two weeks ago today. I just returned from spending the most beautiful time with my family as we celebrated her 93 yrs of life. She was also my last living grandparent. I feel for you. I am so glad that your family is surrounding each other in love and stories of joy and laughter. It was such a healing time to have that together these last two weeks. I know that you will treasure this time for the rest of your life.
Myra,
I know this is and will be a hard time for you. May you treasure all those memories of your memaw and look back on them with a smile.
May God give all of you strength at this time and the coming days.
Myra,
Many prayers for you, your family, and your precious Memaw. I, too, come from a very large, close knit family. It’s such a blessing. I lost my Mamaw 5 years ago, and I still miss her so much. But I’m so thankful for all the years I had with her. I was always the youngest grandchild that she babysat, so I got a lot of one on one time with her. Such a great bond. One great comfort I have is that my 6 year old daughter is so much like my Mamaw. It just makes me smile. 🙂 Thinking of you during this time. God Bless.
Brandi
Prayers for your family. My mom would be just about her age. She has been gone for several years now. I enjoy your blog too by the way.
Oh, Myra. I know exactly where you are right now. It was both precious and painful to stay by my mother’s bedside as she was dying. As I posted at the time, it was precious because she stood at the very edge of heaven. I pray your grandmother doesn’t suffer and that her last days will be a blessing!! Love you!
So sorry to read this BUT GOD is in control. You know that at times we know this but so hard when you lose someone you love. My husband has been gone for almost a year and today has not been a good one for me. Will remember you in prayer and at times would you also pray for me. One day we will see them again and oh what a party..
Praying for your family. God’s Peace be with you all.
Sometimes goodbyes provide us with the sweetest memories. Praying for you and your family.
I had to say goodbye to my daddy last summer and it is so hard to do. You and your family will be in my prayers!
Praying for your family during this difficult time. May God wrap His loving arms around you!
Kathy´s last blog post ..Slow Cooker Tomato Meat Sauce
My heart aches for you! Praying for you and your Memaw. Remember this: God loves YOU so much and wants to comfort you!
Sending lots of love your way. I lost my last grandparent almost 8 years ago and my Grandma before that was 20 years ago. I miss them greatly and long for those long talks and memories. Enjoy your time and savor the memories <3
Gabby´s last blog post ..Baked Penne with Chicken, Broccoli, and Smoked Mozzarella
What a blessing to have enjoyed her these 97 years. I will be praying for you and your family as you begin your goodbyes (on this earth). Isn’t it great to know that this is not goodbye forever 🙂
Love and Prayers
Misty
“He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds.”
Psalms 147:3
A sad heart and I pray
You are loved through our bond in Christ. What a beautiful photo of her and then you two.
Dear Lord
Sadness all around. Suffering. Like childbirth in reverse when we enter your kingdom. Please be with her and this whole family.
Thank you Lord
Amen
This post makes me cry as you have made your family open to become OUR family as well! It also reminds me of my old (respectfully), feeble grandparents that I have left. SOOO sorry your family has to say goodbye to what you have described, as a WONDERFUL, WONDERFUL lady! Praying for peace and comfort in the days, weeks to come.
Soo sorry to hear, Myra! But absolutely, your family comes first. We’ll miss you on here, but don’t worry for one second! Will be praying for you and your family and your precious Memaw…. I have both my grandparents still on the one side (age 95&91) and they leave such a legacy that I can understand in some measure how you are feeling now. Hug her tight, Myra ….
Praying for peace for your family. XOXO Susan
susan´s last blog post ..Ultimate Homemaking eBook Bundle Sale
You are just too precious! This is so sweet and yet so heartbreaking. I lost my mom to cancer 7 years ago and then her mom (my MeMa) just passed away last year at the age of 90. I have almost the same memory of mine. I used to go visit her for weeks in the summertime. One time she was out in the garden weeding and I saw a snake. She was not in the least intimidated by that snake. She too picked up the hoe and killed it, then went back to her weeding. 🙂 You are so blessed to have such a wonderful, loving, Christian family. I will be praying for all of you. It is so very comforting to know that we will all be reunited again!
It is never easy to say good bye to someone you love, even though you know you will be reunited in heaven. Blessings to you and your family.
Arlene Grimm@ Nanaland´s last blog post ..I Got My Passport!
I am sending hugs, love and prayer for you and your family.
Myra….my heart aches for you and your family!! Make as many memories as you can…we will be here for you when you get back online…take all the time you need…Prayers are coming your way!!
Praying that the Lord draws near to your family in the days ahead. Lots of hugs, sweet friend!
Myra, I’m sorry you and your family have to go through this … I said goodbye to my grandmother 7 years ago. Just remember (and I know you know this) it’s only a temporary goodbye … you will be holding her in your arms when we go to see Jesus … just think of that Awesome reunion you will have with her in all her Glory … I was thinking about my reunion with my grandmother this a.m. and the tears were flowing!! I’m SO excited!!! 🙂 God Bless You!!!
Myra, I am so very sorry to hear about your Memaw. Please know that you and your family are in my heart and prayers. You are blessed to have so many wonderful memories though I know you will miss her still. Hugs for you and your family and lots of love coming your way!!!
I will keep you and your family in my prayers. Prayers of Peace, Comfort, and Love for you, your Memaw and family. Lots of hugs. God will help you through this time.
My prayers are with Memaw and family. I will keep her in our prayers and I want to thank you for sharing your story because Grandma’s are very special. God bless you all.
Thank you for sharing Myra, I always enjoy reading your experiences and encouragements.
Love and prayers headed your way!
Myra,
I am praying for you, your grandma and all your family as you walk together in this time. Thank you for the opportunity to lift you all up prayer.
May the Lord comfort you,
Deenna
Your grandmother sounds like such a dear and fun too! 🙂 I’ll say a prayer for comfort and healing.
Gina´s last blog post ..Supper ~ Nightmare Chili and Guacamole
I am so sorry to read about your Memaw’s health diagnosis. She sounds like a wonderful grandparent who has amazingly made it to 97 without a lot of medical complications. She has been blessed and I am sure that you are blessed having her in your life. I will remember your sweet Memaw and your family in my prayers and ask that God will watch over her, comfort her and hold her close as His will is done according to His purpose for your precious MeMaw and for her children and grandchildren. God Bless You and your family.
You and your family are in my prayers.
She’s had an amazing life and will soon have an even more amazing eternal life. I hope you can rest in that, even though she will definitely be missed here. Still praying for you friend. Love you!!
Emily@Decorchick´s last blog post ..Huge Summer Giveaway with 3 Canon Rebels and Universal Studios Package!
I cannot get you off my mind, and I know that’s for a reason. God is constantly bringing you to mind so that I can lift you all up in prayer. Love you.
QuatroMama´s last blog post ..Introducing KidVentures
Prayers are with you and your family sweet Myra! Know that God will wrap you all in his comfort blanket 🙂
Hi, I’ve recently been following your blogs and love all the pics, suggestions, and recipes. I am so sorry about what you’re going through. I lost my father to Pancreatic cancer 5 months ago. It was a difficult 7 months after learning about his illness and hoping that he could survive it. It has left a void, but I pray everyday for strength. I pray for your strength as you go through this. Remember that Jehovah, God promises us in Revelations 21:3&4 that there will be no more tears and dying in the new world as we welcome back our love ones to a life of eternity in paradise.
So sorry to hear of your family trial–what a wonderful Grandmother you have been blessed with! And what joy she can look forward to with Jesus in His Kingdom. Our family just came through an awful ordeal and my heart goes out to you. I was just writing about how the Lord brought us safely through it all on my one year blog anniversary today. I am also having a gift giveaway for anyone who leaves a comment. I came here to tell you about it and found this touching post. Will keep you and your Grandmother in my prayers. God is so faithful!
I am praying for your Memaw! These kinds of things are always hard. “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you”. James 4:8
Angie Hernandez´s last blog post ..Repainted table – Cece Caldwell Destin Gulf Green
I am sorry to hear this sad news. I lost my Great Grandma, Grandma, and Father-In-Law all last year so I know what you and your family are going through. Just remember it isn’t goodbye but a see you later. Enjoy every moment you have left together and the wonderful memories you have made. May you have the peace and faith you need to give you strength during this trying time.
I am praying for you and your grandmother and your family
for Charleston,SC
Oh my dear,
It’s a bittersweet time for you and your family. Your Memaw sounds like a wonderful woman. I bet she is going home to be with her Lord and those who have gone before her. However, those still here will miss her like crazy. Cling to the comfort that your time apart is only temporary. You sound like you have a great loving family. My prayers are with you all. May you find the peace that only He can give.
Praying for you & your family during this trying time! My Memaw (Mimi in our case) is in her mid-nineties and is as tenacious as they come. She has had some health issues recently and it is hard to believe that she is not invincible. I understand the influence and presence a Memaw can have and I will pray for comfort for her in her journey home.
Myra,
I so understand what you are going through. I just lost my grandmother last month. It was very sudden and I did not get the chance to say goodbye. I am not sure which is worse. Knowing you will shortly lose someone, or just having it happen. Either way what a blessing to have grandmothers that shared in our lives. I will be lifting up your family in prayer today. 🙂 May your final days with your grandmother be blessed.
It’s a pity you don’t have a donate button! I’d most certainly donate to this superb blog! I guess for now i’ll settle for book-marking and adding your RSS feed to
my Google account. I look forward to fresh updates and will talk about
this site with my Facebook group. Chat soon!
Accelerate High Growth Business Training´s last blog post ..Accelerate High Growth Business Training
Hugs Myra! Soo sorry of your Memaw’s passing. But knowing she is with Jesus will be such a comfort… Happy Mother’s day. Will be thinking of you all these next few days!
Thank you for your blog!!