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Sunday 1 April 2007

A weekend of lots of mixed emotions

My Grandfather passed away last night. He had been in hospital for just over a week and a half, so my Mom and I had decided we should go see him yesterday. We set out early in the morning, and reached the hospital just passed 10. We spent a couple of hours in his room, talking, and seeing he was tired my Mom and I went for a walk to get something to eat and some fresh air. I had told May-Britt (Abyquilt) that I might stop by her LQS while we where there, and so we did. We spent a great hour at “Lille Stasjon” – where I busted my Fabric Diet by buying a lot of fabric pieces and some other goodies:



…My Mom also bought me my birthday present – a new cutting mat (and my birthday isn’t until October *LOL*). It was really nice to meet May-Britt, and to have a face and voice to the messages that goes out in Blogland :o) And I also got to see the location where she gives her classes, and to meet some of her guild companions, and see the beautiful work they have on display at the shop. And I really hope May-Britt have made some progress on the projects she showed me at the shop – they are wonderful, and deserves to be finished.

We went back to the hospital from our small shopping excursion, and stayed there until the afternoon. My Grandfather seemed tired but content when we left, in no pain, lying on top of his duvet dozing. Driving home we were happy with the day, what had been said and done. We had a nice time when stopped for a hot meal and coffee on the way; and I managed to finish my small Easter table topper in the car:


My Mom dropped me of just outside my apartment, and drove on home. About an hour after I had walked in the door she called me and told me he had passed away while eating his supper. Needless to say I got on the first buss, and I have spent most of what was left of the weekend at my parent's house.

This weekend has been a rollercoaster of emotions: I’m really sad to have lost a close and cherished relative, I’m sorry to see my Mom in so much pain and sadness, and I’m really sorry I’ll never see him again! I’m really happy we went to visit yesterday and that we took the time to spend the day with him! I’m also pleased I got the chance to meet a fellow quilter and blogger, and that I have brought some goodies with me back to remember a lovely quilt shop and some wonderful people. And on a small scale I’m also happy that I stuck to my resolution of finishing the table topper in the car – the little things are good things to hold on to when times get tough.

We are soon entering the “silent holyday” – a time to think about life and death, and a time to count our blessings. I’m happy that he had a long and good life; that he was able to spend time doing what he loved the most; and I’m happy for the time we got to spend together!

I’m sorry if this post is a bit “mixed and matched” – there are still a lot of emotions to deal with…

24 comments:

Cynthia said...

Anne, i'm so sorry to hear that your Grandfather passed away. Sending (((hugs))) from me to you.

Tracey @ozcountryquiltingmum said...

So sorry about your Grandfather Anne, but lovely to have spent time with him so close to the end. Prayers are with you, Tracey

Patti said...

Condolences to you and your family. I'm so glad you had this last time together, and that you have wonderful memories.

Jenni said...

Sorry to hear about your Grandfather. It's good you have that last visit to remember, and that he was peaceful and in no pain.

Anonymous said...

You are in my thoughts, AnneIda. So sorry to hear about your grandfather. I can certainly understand all the emotion. Take your time and you will get through what you need to. {{hugs}}
Shelley in Michigan
(my birthday is Oct.25)

May Britt said...

Sorry to hear about your grandfather. But you will have the good memories back. Visiting him this saturday ment a lot for him and for you and your mother. It was nice to meet you in the shop, but no....my projects are not finished yet.

Sew Create It - Jane said...

I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts and prayers for you and your family.

Rose Johnston said...

Anne, firstly my condolences....u were lucky to spend that time with him.......luv to u and ur mum, u r dealing with so many emotions but have so many special memories.
Take care......im an email away!!!
Rose.

The Chicken Lady said...

I'm so sorry to hear about your Grampa, but I'm glad you got to see him one more time and he left our world peacefully. If I could, I'd give you a big hug, so wrap yourself with a quilt and consider it a hug from me. :)

Elaine Adair said...

Thank you for your gentle story of your dear Grandfather. My condolences to you and your family. What a blessing that you were able to spend those last hours with him. You did good.

Susan said...

It is so hard to lose our loved ones. What a blessing that your last hours with him were filled with love.

Unknown said...

Receive my condolences sent to you with whole my heart. Your grandpa had a very nice day with you and your mother and I am sure it is a comfort to know that. I hope quilting will help you get over your loss. Take care.

Ms. Jan said...

I'm so sorry for your loss of your Grandfather. How lucky that you and your Mom were able to spend some time with him that day. Take care of yourself.

Pam said...

I am so sorry for you and your family. It is so wonderful that you had such a good visit with him, you will remember that always.

Darlene said...

I'm sorry for your loss. You and your mom had such a great day with him - keep those good memories.

Consider yourself (((hugged)))

Melzie said...

Big hugs on your loss ((hugs)). Its hard I know. I am glad you got to spend that last day with him. xoxo melzie

Quilts And Pieces said...

Anne, sorry to hear the news, but I"m so glad you got to spend the day with your mom and grandfather.

meggie said...

Sorry to read of your Grandfather's passing. It seemed he had no pain, & will be at peace now. Lovely for your mother & you to have spent that nice time with him.

swooze said...

I am sorry you lost your grandfather but am happy you got in your visit with him. I never regret all the time I spent with my grandparents and hold many happy memories of them!

SuBee said...

That last day is one that you and your Mom will hold close for the rest of your lives. (((hugs))) for you, and prayers for all of you for healing.

Anonymous said...

All my thoughts are with you and your mother. You spent a precious time with your grandfather and that will remain always in your heart..

Leigh said...

Have just read about your sadness. I am sorry for your loss. You take care and look after yourself.
I'm sure you will have lots of lovely memories.

Jeanne said...

Sending sympathy and hugs on the loss of your dear grandfather. It is nice that you were able to see and talk with him just before he died. I hope that over time, your memories will bring you comfort.

Samantha said...

I am so sorry for your loss. Thank goodness you and your mom were able to spend so much time with him that day!