Welcome 2009. I resolve to make more time for the things that are important in life, such as: family, friends, community, making a difference (even in the smallest way) and love. Giving love and hoping to receive it. 2008 brought many changes my way, and I allowed myself to get caught up enough that I lost a bit of focus on a few important things, like this blog. But, in 2009 I hope to change that.
Right now, I can't believe it's been nearly 2 1/2 years since I last saw Leigh. In some respects it feels like 10 years, but in most it seems like yesterday. Time tends to fade away scars, both physical and mental, and also places things out of sight where, unfortunately, they also can fall out of mind. Don't get me wrong, not a day goes by that I do not think of Leigh in some way, but it's easier to continue moving through my day with those thoughts than it used to be, and I think sometimes NOT dealing with them is my way OF dealing with them. (All of a sudden I feel like maybe I'm laying on a couch and talking to someone who is scribing this into a journal for later reflection...)
The past couple months found Matt and I dealing with loss again. First, his Grandad (his Dad's Dad) passed away in the end of October, and then his Grandma Eaton (his Mom's Mom) passed away in the end of November. Basically a month apart. (I should also mention that Chris, Leigh's widower, lost his Grandmother, his Mom's Mom - Matt and Chris have different mothers - 2 weeks before Grandad, so he had three losses in about 6 weeks.) That was a difficult time mostly because we could not be there for Grandad's funeral, and only Matt could make it for Grandma's.
There were actually not a lot of tears shed. Both Grandad and Grandma lived long, fulfilling lives. They definitely experienced their hard times, as most of us do, and they lived through the Great Depression, World War II and Vietnam...events most of us (at least in my generation) only hear stories about. They both battled cancer, different types at different points in their life, but a battle they each won, none the less. We grieved for them by feeling pain for all those that survived them. They were both wonderful people.
Grandad was quiet and reserved,and yet could be ornery too; something you'll find in most of his grandkids - 8 total and 6 of them boys!! Grandad and Grammie were known for their dancing, their travel, their tans, their pride in their three boys and the families they created, and their matching outfits! Oh, and who can forget the monkey bread!!! It was scrumpticious! They were quite the pair, and Grammie now survives with a little piece of her heart missing, but a full enjoyment of the years ahead of her to live. Her tears were full when they fell, and they are bound to fall again, but her life still has much meaning, and her family still has much love to give to her, and she still has much of the world to see! And Grandad? He survives in every child that has been born because of his life, and their love for cookies! Grammie once said that you could put tirds in the cookie jar and he'd eat them if he thought they were cookies! Matt is geting into my cookies right now, as I write this!
Grandma Eaton was a soft spoken, gentle woman who wanted nothing more than everyone around her to be happy. She was known for her generosity, her christianity, her red headed twins, and her wonderful cooking and baking! Mmmmm, how we miss her fudge! And we give Jenna props for taking over the tradition and having a great first turn around this past Christmas! Grandma spent several months in CO over the last few years, from about December to March, and was able to spend much quality time with her budding family. Zofia and Miah loved after school afternoons with Grandma and Nana. Three generations of wonderful woman spending time together cooking and crafting and laughing. The memories are plentiful and happy.
And now, every day passes Nana Janet and Auntie Jane (the red headed twins) by without the daily talk with Grandma Eaton. Mother and daughters do not have the bond that was then. Instead they have a new bond. The bond of memories and legends and history and ancestory. They have undoubtedly carried forward all the best qualities of Grandma Eaton, and thankfully, they are passing them along to the younger generation. Grandma Eaton will forever be alive in the generosity of her family.
I guess this post turned out to be more about the family lost recently, than the year ahead. Not what I believed my original intent to be, but it is what it is and there must be a reason all that came out. So, I leave with wishings of a Happy New Year, a healthy 2009, and much hope in the memories to be made throughout the year ahead.
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