A Precious Gift

Grandma’s heart had been weakening for some time.

The diagnosis of congestive heart failure was no surprise, she was almost 95.  But it meant that she didn’t have many days left – and we wanted to see her again.

So we planned an epic one day trip – over 300 miles one way – with my siblings, my parents, one niece and her precious baby girl.

We didn’t know what we would find. The nurses had reported that Grandma was weak and slept most of the day.

But we received a gift that day – a precious gift – the gift of time.

Grandma was alert and sat in her wheel chair with us for over 3 hours.

final memoriesWe had time to sit beside her, leaning in close to share some final memories.

Always soft-spoken, she had only whispers left.

We held her hand as we remembered together.

sharing stories She had time to enjoy her only great, great granddaughter, laughing at her antics.

That little sweetheart was quite taken with her Great Great Grandma’s fuzzy slippers. She would lean over and rub them.

When we called them Great Great Grandma’s dancing shoes, the Little Sweetheart pointed to her own dancing shoes and she did a little dance.

Then Grandma moved her feet in a slow-motion dance of her own.

Little Sweetheart smiled and laughed.

Grandma smiled and laughed.

It was a five generation connection.

A priceless gift.

Grandma's final family pictureWe had time for one more family photo. My parents, my siblings, the little sweetheart, and myself with Grandpa and Grandma.

One last time.

One last I love youWe had time for one last hug.

One last “I love you.”

One last goodbye as the tears that had been so close to the surface all day broke through.

That day was a gift. A precious gift.

Grandma died last night – just six days later.

10 thoughts on “A Precious Gift

  1. I am so sorry for your loss. But I am so happy you were able to enjoy one last beautiful precious day with her. I wish I could give you a big hug tonight.

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  2. Knowing many in your family this was very precious to see. Was RN able to make it for a 5 generation pic? How precious that time you had. Many prayers as you miss her in the days to come.

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  3. Praise the Lord you were able to say good bye in a loving way. Glad you were able to all go…I’m sure your grandma would rather have a hug and kiss from you all while she able to except them! After she is gone you will cherish thoes last good byes, and be thankful for them! Love and prayers to your family!

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  4. I just got chills reading this. What a beautiful blessing to every sngle one of you. She knew just how precious she was to all of you and that in itself was a great gift. I am so sorry for your loss, Prayers and Blessings.

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  5. :0(…I was teary eyed when I read this. so sorry for your loss. My dear Gramma went home to Jesus about 18 months ago and we miss her terribly. WHAT a precious gift you all gave her by loving her and caring to visit her no matter the inconvenience. There were so many elderly people left alone in the nursing home my Gramma was in. Granted some were very advanced in years and so there were not too many left to even come to visit. But some, were just forgotten :0(. So glad you were able to see her…one last time.

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  6. I am so sorry about your grandmother, but so happy you were able to have your special trip to be with her…. and you have the special pictures also which will be a blessing for years to come. It is so hard to lose someone who has been such a big part of our lives. I will be praying for you to have comfort and for you to find joy in your heart…

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  7. I just read your story about your last visit with your grandma. What a blessing for you and your family. Praise God for all the wonderful ways He cares for us. Thank you for sharing this story.

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