Grandma Andy had been in and out of the hospital for the last few months. I flew into Omaha from Phoenix on Sunday Oct. 5th to spend some time with her. I arrived at the hospital, straight off the plane, where I met up with my family. I was deeply saddened when I walked in her room as this was not the same grandmother I saw 4 months ago. I tried to be stong, but I could not seem to keep the tears from pouring out. I spent the entire day with Grandma. She was very tired and could hardly speak, but managed to say a few things. I had Rylan with me and she seemed to be concerend that someone might take him. She asked about Chad and Tanner, his school and how he was doing in football.The doctors tried everything they could. She was getting too weak and her chemo treatments were very hard on her. She was moved to the Hospice House the morning of Monday Oct. 6th. I spent a few hours up their holding her hands, praying over her and talking a bit with her when she could. All kinds of family and friends were in and out of her room all day. Her sister and niece arrived in from Fort Worth. They were able to see Grandma and spend some time with her. Later Grandma mentioned it had been a long day and wanted everyone to leave and not come back till morning. My Aunt Debbie, my sister and Great Aunt left around 7ish. My Aunt Debbie was planning on coming back later to spend the night. She recieved a call from the Hospice House saying she was in her last stages of life. Everyone was notified and rushed to see her. No one made it in time. At 10:20pm my Grandmother passed away after a long battle of Cancer. I believe that Grandma felt that she finally got her moment of peace (we never let her be alone) and choose the time when no one was there to spare us the pain of her leaving. It was very hard to even think about losing Grandma, but she was in so much pain and had been suffering for too long. It was finally her time to go live in eternity to begin a pain-free, peaceful life with her husband. And in knowing that I am truly greatful and blesssed that God has taken over.
When we take the time to speak fondly of someone, it’s usually after it’s too late to let them know personally. Proudly, I can say this was not the case with my grandma. She was always surrounded by family and friends who told her everyday how much they loved her. And she would always return the favor.
You see, with Grandma Andy, SHE knew how you felt about her… and YOU knew how she felt about you…and if you didn’t, you only had to wait a moment before she told you. That’s how she was. Life was too short and too precious to beat around the bush. She was as honest as anyone I know- and most certainly she was not the shyest.
Grandma Andy was also the most dynamic woman I ever knew. As I think about her now, certain feelings and emotions go rushing through my head. No words, in any language, will ever be able to describe the incredible woman that she was or the love she had for her family. But if forced, I could use words like, candid, thoughtful, responsible, giving, loving, assertive, humorous, addictive, charming, no-nonsense, hard-working, relentless, and poised to make reference to her peerless and extraordinary personality. I was very fortunate to be a part of her life and subsequently to have been friends with one of the most intriguing and beautiful people I ever knew or will ever know.
I know that whatever happens moving forward, we will all have Grandma Andy in our hearts. And her undying influence on each one of us will continue to make us into the people she had hoped we would become…and into people she would be proud of.
Without a doubt, she was a very special woman. I miss her already, but I know I can call on her memory at anytime and she will be here with me. I will never forget her.
