Irma Hascall
I got a phone call from my Mom yesterday afternoon, my Grandma passed away yesterday. She had been diagnosed with cancer about a year ago and had been trying to fight it. She just called my Mom the other morning and told her something was wrong. My mom rushed her to ER and by the time they got there she was completely out of it and her fingers were turning blue. They sedated her and got her stable in ICU, she had pneumonia. And then yesterday she passed away.
She lived a very long and full life. Almost always living on her own, even if it was just the house next door to my mom in the later years. When my Grandpa died his mind went first and he spent way too long being dependent on others and always out of it. It’s my understanding that when they told her first of the cancer that she almost decided not to fight it. But then decided she wasn’t quite ready to die yet.
I have nothing but good memories of her. Mostly holidays. We spent every single one at her place (Christmas, Easter, Birthdays, Thanksgiving) and she always made the most wonderful food. When my Mom moved to Florida in 2002, she moved with her. And so 2001 was my last Christmas with her. I don’t know for certain but I’m guessing that was 21 straight Christmases with her. They were always the best holiday, she’d make a wonderful beef roast and a chip dip that I have still not yet found a replacement for. I loved her Christmases so much that I kept trying to make plans to take the whole family (she moved weeks after Janelle, our first, was born) to spend one more Christmas with her, but it never happened. Life has been quite crazy since 2001.
Also, before we were old enough to stay home alone, whenever we were sick we’d spend the day at her place. Grandpa would usually just complain about us not looking too sick for school. She always had a puzzle going and I loved working on it while I waited for my Mom to pick me up. She’d of course feed me well and always always always had cream soda in a glass bottle on hand.
It’s sad that I never got to Florida to spend another Christmas with her… But I know I tried my hardest to make it happen. I’d say I’ll miss her, but I already do and have for several years.
July 16th, 2008 at 8:37 am
I’m sorry to hear about your loss. I hope your mom is doing OK too. That was hardest on me when my grandmother died, was knowing how hard my mom was going to take it.
July 31st, 2008 at 3:13 pm
Beautiful memories of Grandma. I never knew you had a blog just came across it on Bobby’s blog where he has a link. Made me smile and cry!! Love you. Mom
August 1st, 2008 at 8:41 am
Ryan,
Nicely done Ryan. You had to love Grandma, she was such a servant and blessing to us all. Its really funny but those are the same memories I cherish about Grandma, and Grandpa. Holidays, wathing The Price Is Right from Grandpa’s arm chair.
Love ya Bro
August 1st, 2008 at 6:20 pm
Wow. Beautiful. You said it very well. This was Grandma and Mom.
luv u
Aunt Kay