Keeping Up with the Davis': Gone, But Never Forgotten

My heart breaks as I sit down to write this post. I know it has been some time since my last post as I have been putting this one off for quite some time. I started this blog for many reasons, but one of the primary reasons was for my Grandmother. I knew that even if no one else ever read this blog, my Mommu would read it faithfully. Mommu loved nothing more than to hear cute and funny stories about her great-grandchildren. The best way to cheer her up on a difficult day was to tell her a funny Kate story or to let her hear Kate's sweet voice. When I would take the kids to see her, she would always be so excited to "hear the pitter-patter of little feet" in her house. And when it was time to leave and for the days following, she would tell me how lonely it was not to hear those little feet.

Three weeks ago tomorrow, my dear Grandmother passed away. She was without a doubt the strongest woman I have ever met in my life. It would probably take this entire post for me to list all of the health conditions from which she suffered over her lifetime. She always defied the odds, which is why I think I felt like she was immortal. I knew her body could only take so much and she had to be getting tired, but she always pulled through. So, while those that didn't know her would say that her death was an "expected" loss, I hadn't prepared myself at all. My Dad called me at about 7:30am that Tuesday morning with the news. Both kids were awake and I hate crying in front of them, but I couldn't hold it back. I was shocked and I was deeply saddened. Kate automatically comes to my side, snuggles up on my lap and says "What's wrong Mommy?". I proceed to tell her that I was sad because Mommu went to be with God. She then said to me "Don't be sad Mommy, you will get to see Mommu again one day when you get to be with God". All I could think was "Yes, baby girl, I will and what a joyous day that will be". Not only did Kate say the perfect thing at the perfect time, but I realized that this is the exact reason Mommu loved our kiddos so much. They are as honest as she was.

I could write all night about memories I have with my grandmother, but instead I just want to reminisce about the things I loved and will dearly miss. When you think of a grandmother, you probably think of a sweet old lady. Not Mommu. She wasn't the stereotypical sweet old lady, and to be honest, it wasn't until I got a little older that I learned to LOVE this about her. In fact, her personality is what I remember and love the most. Mommu was a very honest lady that wasn't afraid to tell you what was on her mind, whether you wanted to hear it or not. I remember the first time she met Kevin - she got mad at him for not pulling the chair out for me at Cracker Barrel. This, of course, is how a gentleman is supposed to treat a lady. The good news is that she forgave him and grew to love him very much. She wasn't afraid to tell you if she didn't like your outfit or she thought you had been gaining a little weight. I remember being anxious to hear what Mommu had to say about our wedding - I knew she and only she would tell me the truth! People actually loved her honesty. In fact, the funeral director told us that they had never had that many people at a service. Just before the service began, one of my cousin's turned to the rest of us and said "I'm surprised Mommu had this many friends". We all laughed through the tears.

I am extremely gratefull that just a few weeks before Mommu's passing, I was able to take both Kate and Hayes to see her. As she always loved to do, we visited and, of course, went to lunch. A few sweet memories I have from this visit: She let Kate take the entire bowl of seashells under the table home with us. She had her "normal" at lunch - motzaball soup and fruit salad. She fussed with Poppy about the last time Jeremy came to see her....and she reminded him that he wouldn't win. She told me she thought Kevin and I were great parents - coming from Mommu, this means the world to me. I got to kiss and hug her before I left.

Jeremy and I flew to Florida on Friday morning to be with family and to attend the service on Saturday morning. It was a short few days, but they were bitter-sweet. We all caught up on each other's lives, reminisced, and mourned together over the loss of someone so dear to us. While the loss of a grandparent is very difficult, I was extremely saddened to watch my Grandfather mourn over the loss of the love of his life for the past 60+ years and my Dad the loss of his mother. Death is never easy, but as my Grandmother told me many times "I'm getting old, I'm going to die"...and that is the story of our lifetime here on earth. We only have one, so enjoy every minute and make the best of it because you never know when this breath will be your last.

To my dearest Mommu, you had a great impact on many lives while you were here on this earth, including mine, and although your body is no longer here, you will never be forgotten. I love you.