Grandma B

It had been less than a year after Thayer's grandfather's death and here I was planning another trip to Colorado.

Thayer's precious grandmother, Ellie Botham, died on Sunday, March 19th.  

No one was expecting her to decline so quickly over the past few months.   We had high hopes that she would flourish for several more years and enjoy the company of close friends in her retirement community.   But God had other plans.

Upon the news of her death I struggled with who, when, and how we would make another trip to Colorado.  Turns out that the other kids in the family wouldn't be making the trip, so I decided to leave mine behind as well.   I was contemplating making the trip on my own.    Thankfully Greg agreed to be my travel companion.

I was asked by several people if it would be "weird" or "awkward" to have Greg in the midst of Thayer's family.   (Seriously.... everyone has used the word "awkward".)
I, personally, was fine with it.

I love the Bothams.  

I love Greg.   

 It was natural for me to want them to meet.     From my perspective, the weekend was a sweet combination of old and new.    Greg was able to learn a bit more about Thayer's family and the Bothams were very accepting and welcoming.    They finally got to meet the man I rave about. :)
My heart is full.    I really appreciate all parties making it a special reunion/meeting.   It meant a lot to me.  

The weekend consisted of two memorial services for Grandma Botham. 

Thad and Fay (Thayer's aunt) eloquently shared stories and memories of Ellie.  They honored her in a beautiful way.

 Friends had the opportunity to share memories and it was so refreshing to hear folks talk about how Ellie had blessed them with her friendship, her music, her care.

   

I can probably count on two hands how many times I have visited with Ellie in person.   But those times were always precious.  She was a special lady.  I can remember her calm demeanor and beautiful smile on her face.   She was so joyful.
I can recall her good cooking, ice cream after dinner, piano playing, walks in the neighborhood, and smiles over my boys.
Thayer and I vacationed with Ellie and Ken in Willimantic, Connecticut many years ago.   I remember walking through an old Methodist campground listening to Ellie tell stories about her own mother and grandmother.    We enjoyed a nice trip to the coast and hearing about their upbringing in Connecticut.

Sadly, I don't remember any of the juicy details.  :(

Ellie and I have corresponded back and forth over the past 17 years.  Cards and letters updating on the latest happenings. She and I kept in touch and it was always nice when we had the privilege to see each other in person. The boys and I  last saw her in May of 2016 for Grandpa B's memorial service.  

(My silly memory of that visit is that I remember that she couldn't hear a word I said.   I think that her hearing aids didn't pick up on the pitch of my voice. And most of what I said was answered with a smile.)  :)

With the loss of Grandma B, the boys and I lose one more part of Thayer.     She is the last of the Grandparents to leave us.   She will be missed.
I have sat and thought about how fortunate Thayer and Thad were to be raised by two sets of Grandparents.  I am so thankful for the investment that the Bothams and Jantzs made into those boys!
I was blessed to have known all four of the grandparents.  My boys have also been fortunate to have known so many of their Great-grandparents!  (Not many people can say that!)  

Ellie with Silas, Lucas and Daniel
May 2016

Jill, Greg, Thad, Fay and Tahlia
March 25, 2017

After the memorial service.
Jill & Greg, Thad, Fay & Tahlia,
Roxanne (family friend)
March 26, 2017

again

Clacking out words on this keyboard has always been cheaper than therapy.    This blog has been my voice, when I didn't think I had one.
The upside is that I guess I haven't needed much therapy thus far in 2017.   And I'm only signing on today to share the upside of a down situation.

As we all recall.... 2015 was full of 'cat' posts as we prepared to say goodbye to our old cat, Mr. Q.   To make this story very short.... and hopefully to avoid a million more cat posts.... our remaining cat, Blueberry, is currently a dead cat walking.     I've grieved a bit, and now I have put on my big girl pants and I'm facing this end of life stuff with a harder heart this go-round.  

This week, while I was having my meltdown and feeling alone in my cat despair,  Facebook notified me.... not once... but twice... that my pastor's wife had posted in a FB group.   I reluctantly signed in to see that she had simply posted 2 Corinthians 1:3 which says, "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort".
Yup.  Great reminder that God knows my heart, my abilities and that he is merciful and will bring comfort in all situations.   Even in the death of another cat.

Then, moments later... my Dad showed up.   I must admit that I'm often taken off guard when he shows up unexpectedly, but this was perfect timing.   God knew that he needed to send my Daddy to me at that time.   My Dad listened to the cat drama and reassured me.
Sigh.

Two God winks in one day.    That's the upside!

This post is my declaration that I'm gonna face this impending cat death like a boss.   Yes, I'm heartbroken.... but I'm accepting God's mercy and comfort.
Not much else to do.