When I woke up this morning, I wondered if today might be the day. I dreamed about my grandfather last night. He’s long gone from this world, having passed in 2003. I can’t say that I’ve ever really dreamed about him. But last night I did.
I can’t really describe the dream, only to say he was descending. And I was right beside him, going down slowly, as if a parachute was harnessed to my body.
Normally, I wouldn’t have thought much about it. But as I awoke today, I wondered if my dream somehow signified that after all these years, my grandfather returned to this earth for just a short time to retrieve the soul mate that he so adored – my grandmother, Naomi. Of course, it could have just been a stupid dream.
But then later on in the morning I received the news that my grandmother, after suffering a massive stroke 12 days ago, died around mid-morning.
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| My grandmother, Naomi, latching her antique pearls onto me (the blushing and somewhat dazed bride) in 1994. |
There’s nothing like the death of a loved one to spark a flood of memories. As might be the typical reaction, upon hearing the news I reminisced. I thought of the times I visited her as a girl. I remembered that her tap water always tasted like it came out of a tin can (northern Michigan well water, you know). I remember hitting tennis balls up against the garage door of her house, which was a treat to me because I didn’t have anywhere at my own house to hit tennis balls. (So maybe she gets credit for my passion for the game!) I remember traveling to Michigan for the big celebration when my grandparents reached their 50th wedding anniversary. I remember my wedding day when, donned in my wedding dress, she adorned my neck with her antique pearls. And I remember the day when she first held my firstborn child.
Mind you, my grandmother was not perfect. But then none of us are. In fact, she was known to have a stubborn streak at times. And (God bless her soul) her grilled cheese sandwiches were not exactly to die for (perhaps just a tad well done). But given any minor flaws she may have had, one could never doubt her fierce love and loyalty for her family
So what was my reaction when I learned of her passing this morning? Beyond the initial melancholy, I couldn’t help but rejoice that her suffering has ended. And then, I celebrated her life by spending time with my own family. How convenient that my husband just happened to take the day off from work today. Today became family day. It was much needed, given that so much of my time the past few weeks had been spent on finishing my final graduate school class. Having finished the class as of two days ago, it was time to chill out a little and appreciate what is really important in life. First it was the driving range, then a little miniature golf. Then out to dinner. And tomorrow we leave for a weekend camping trip. Am I thrilled about spending a weekend tent camping in the sweltering heat? Honestly, no. A Hilton or a Holiday Inn sounds better. But I am looking forward to the time with my husband and three boys. They are, after all, first and foremost in my life. I would like to think that my grandmother helped to foster those family values.
So as I bond with my own children this weekend, I will think of my grandmother and honor her life. I will relish the fact that she led a good and full life. I will respect and appreciate the love and loyalty that she shared with my grandfather during their 64 years of marriage. And I will remember that her death this morning was not my loss. Instead, the life she lived and the love that she shared while she was here was my gain. I am part of who I am because of her.
And now her time on this earth has come to an end. It is a time for her to journey elsewhere. My guess is that my grandfather was there to meet her as she passed. I envision him taking her little fingers into his massive hands and saying, “C’mon Naomi. We’re going for a ride.” And then he shepherded her on the miraculous ascent into Eternal Life.
They are together again, Naomi and Emerson, living in the midst of God in heavenly paradise.
Something tells me Grandma is just fine. I think right now she would say there’s no need to grieve, no need to mourn.
She is at peace. So simply rejoice.
