Funerals, showing and memories

We experienced something "new" this week..two funerals in three days.  I'm guessing there really isn't anyone out there who will say they like funerals...myself included.  I like to pay my respects and attend a funeral mass or prayer service, however, sitting around and talking while there is a dead person in the room, is just not something I'm comfortable with at all.  They say that funerals are for the living not the dead, well, let me write here and now: I'd rather people celebrate my life with a fantastic party at one of my favorite restaurants!  I doubt that will happen but at least I can put it out there.

My grandmother passed away last Thursday, somewhat suddenly and was buried on Monday.  Hannah saw "Great Grandma Jeanne" last Tuesday while she was in Hospice. At that time, Grandma was relatively alert, chatted with us and laughed at the funny things Hannah and Caroline said or did. When I left there, I never would have thought within 48 hours she would be gone.  I've come to learn since her passing a bit more about death and its four stages (as explained by the wonderful caregivers at Hospice of Northwest Ohio!).  What I saw on Tuesday was my Grandma's last "rally" before death...and am I ever thankful for it.  I was very close to her.  Growing up she lived just the next block over and we'd ride our bikes over there all the time. She'd help care for us after school and would pick us up whenever she was needed.

I remember one time very clearly: I tried out for my 8th grade school musical and didn't get a single part (yes, I realized then acting was not my calling!).  The day I found out I wasn't picked was the day she picked me up from school in her little cherry red Mustang. I remember crying to her and feeling so down about it. She comforted me as only a grandmother could and said "You'll get something else more wonderful someday Sarah, just you watch.  It will happen honey." And she was right.

Of course it wasn't just about me mourning her death, but also Tim and Hannah.  Or better yet, explaining to Hannah what death meant.  She's putting the pieces still together and will for a long time but she knows "Great Grandma Jeanne" is her second Guardian Angel in Heaven...and how special for her that she has two people watching over her.  Her first Guardian Angel is Grandpa Bob, my father.

And tonight as I put Hannah to bed, she prayed for her family on Earth and then said, "and God Bless Grandma Jeanne and Grandpa Bob in Heaven who are my Angels." Yes, Hannah they are indeed.