Mamie

Dear Mamie,

A little over week ago I sat in your room, holding your hand, combing your hair, putting on your lipstick and making sure you looked “sharp”, as there were a parade of visitors coming to say Good Bye to you.

I slept in your bed, snuggled up close to you, as I promised I would, sang “On Eagle’s Wings” and “Be Not Afraid” to you. 

 Helped the CNA’s wash you and care for your mouth.

One week ago today, I calmed you when you woke, panic stricken and full of anxiety. 

I touched your arm as you took your last breaths.

I washed your hands, face and mouth after you died.

I combed your hair after you died.

I sat and held your hand, still warm, until the man from the funeral parlor came, and then I helped move your body to the stretcher, gave you one last kiss while your face was soft and not too cold, covered your body with blankets and pushed your body out to the hearse.

I wrote out a Eulogy for you, some while we were on the plane.

Mamie,

As I sit here on the plane, racing up to see you, to give you one last hug so many memories are flooding my mind.

I remember standing at your old sink, “helping” you wash dishes, going to the beach, Look Park, Bart’s, and most of all just being together at Vernon St. 

The time you were in the kitchen, looked up and saw Drew above you, kneeling on all fours on the sky light, waving in at you!

More recent memories include the times you met each of my children, especially K, and the time we were leaving to head back home and G looked back at you expectantly, saying, “Come on Mamie”.

In past weeks our conversations had been harder, with more silence on your end, and during one call when I asked you if you were there, you had a moment of clarity, saying “phone conversations were hard now, but we were both trying so desperately to stay in touch.  

Another time, just a few weeks ago, during a period of more silence, I jokingly asked you if you thought I should have another baby.  You let out a guttural “NO”, so I knew you were still there (inside and out).

Mamie, to even try to list out the many things I loved about you would seem insignificant.
Thank you for your love, the gift of your faith, for teaching me that sometimes it is ok to break the rules, and for being the  very best Grandmother.

In December 2004, Annie hosted a family reunion, and during it each of your Grandchildren wrote a snippet to you.  I will close with each inscription: (Grammatical Errors Included)

Sheila:  Dear Mamie, You are so important to us!  I love you!  (heart) Sheila

Annie:  Dear Grandma, You are the best grandma evea!  (drawn out picture of eye, heart, u) Annie Louise

Tom:  Dear Mamie I love you. Tom

Nate:  Thanks for all the good times Nate

Kenneth W. Laughton

Dear Mary, You’re one of the best impacts that I’ve had on my life.  Thank you for everything Love, Andrew.

Bong, Bong, Bong, I Love You!