The time had come for my grandma ( my mom's mom) to be moved from assisted living to the real deal in nursing homes. It was a sensitive topic, and one that needed to be done, but dreaded all the same.
The facility she is in, the move luckily just meant a move to a different wing. But I'm sure to grandma, it might as well felt like a complete uprooting.
The approach that was decided upon, because of her worry, old age, and forgetfulness, would be to tell her
after she was all settled into her new place. My mom was overwhelmed with all the doing of such and switching over a much larger room into such a smaller space. The dilemma was how to keep grandma busy, and out of witnessing what could be an upsetting thing.
In to the picture comes the one shining light of grandmas eye.
Summer!
As Mom put it best, I was just the driver, LOL. When we walked in I was barely acknowledged (who knows if she even knew who I was or even cared;) She exclaimed "there is that precious little girl" and immediately tried to pick her up! (she always tries to do this! I always drop my bags and scoop up Summer's weight and try to help her "pick her up", lol)
They had a very busy time of blowing bubbles. Grandma was sooo sticky by the end it was ridiculous. I think she would jump rope if that baby asked her too!
Summer waggeled her tail, and did a little dance.
She made all her animal sounds for her.
They watched the birds.
Then the family came and explained to grandma about her new room, and where she would now be staying.
I think Summer helped bridge that hard gap a little today. It sure is hard getting older. They looked out at grandma's new view and let it soak in some.
And smelled her plastic violets.
Summer say they "smell good" :)
This week my grandmother turned ninety years old. Today we held a celebration of her wonderful life so far! Her friends and family gathered round to show their love for this special lady.
My mom and aunt put together a continuous slide show of her from infancy to now. All of the adventures, babies and life she has lived....
She spent time soaking up the attention, enjoying friends, and some banter with Summer:)
These are her three babies all grown up...
Friends from all stages of her life were present...
and children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and one tiny great great grandchild waiting to be born (the very first!) (with Mama on R on end)
I think the most special part was watching her with my grandpa's sister. They have known each other since they were little girls. They went to elementary school together. Grandma grew up to marry her brother and now Grandpa has been gone for 10 years. They were drawn to each other. They held hands and talked for the longest time. They laughed and smiled and I would say almost clung to each other. Can you imagine all they have seen in their lifetime? They mentioned that almost everyone they knew now was passed on. How weird it was to be one of the only ones left. It was beautiful to watch these two friends, these two sister in laws.
Happy Birthday Grandma. We Love You So Much! We hope your day was Special!
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