Winnie

I'll be honest. I never told my Grandma we were moving to Texas. I know that others had told her, but she never talked about it with me and I never had the courage to bring it up. I knew that I probably wouldn't see her again after we moved, but we took with us so many wonderful memories.

On Saturday, Grandma turned 91. On Monday, Grandma passed away. 

On both occasions I'm told she was surrounded by loved ones. She was ready. She's been ready since Grandpa died. My sister Roxanne said she thought Grandma just couldn't handle another November and I think she's right. Both my Grandpa and Dad had birthdays in late November and Grandma missed them both so much. November was a difficult month for her, so she celebrated her birthday (she wasn't one to pass on a fuss being made about her) and went home. I picture her crocheting on a couch, with Grandpa and Dad dozing in recliners near her. 

Grandma stayed with us often in Michigan. I'm so thankful for those times. I'm happy that my kids will have those memories of her. She was so entertaining and we all doted on her immensely. She called our dog Oscar, jelly donuts were bismarcks, her purse was a pocketbook and if something happened more that once it happened umpteen times. Brad put sweet and low in her wine (he makes a dry wine, she likes sweet wine). And because I know you're going to ask for it...

Brad also shared a cigar with her. 

I'm not traveling to Michigan for the service.  Because you know it takes an Army to separate me from my kids (get it, Alex is in the Army - haha) and I can't really take them out of school. We will find a way to honor her memory. Maybe with a cigar and glass of wine. 

But more likely with a jelly donut bismarck.