My Great-Grandmother Anderson passed away on May 1st. She was 93 years old. She was always so prim and proper. She came from the era where you got dressed up to go to the grocery store and certainly never left the house in pajamas. She always had her nails done, her hair coiffed, and jewelry to the nines. I never saw her looking undone, or not dressed up. My sister recounts her saying that she wished people still wore hats and gloves. If I could describe her in one word, it would be: elegant.
Her husband died three years prior. They had been married 71 years when he died. (not many people can claim that.) His death was hard on her, as expected after so many years. Being so old, it was hard to maintain her home, so the family took turns helping to clean it and keep it in good condition. I remember one of the time going up there and sitting with her on the couch talking. After a minute or so she broke down into tears, telling me how lonely she gets with Grandpa gone. That broke my heart to hear that, and to see this woman who was so strong and pristine break into tears. They were so in love. He really treated her like a queen. The way a husband should treat his wife. May 4th marks their 74th wedding anniversary. Although it is hard to see go, I feel at peace knowing that she gets to be with her sweetheart for their anniversary.
It's always hard when a loved one passes. The few hours since her death I find myself trying to sort out and barrage of emotions that have come my way. I'm sad to have her gone. I'm glad and relieved that she gets to be with her husband again (especially now that I am married myself, I know the importance of being with my spouse). I also feel a tinge of guilt that I didn't take more opportunities to go see her, especially since my Grandpa passed. Dealing with all these emotions, I'm trying to discover the best way to deal with them. My Great Grandmother had a collection of hats. Beautiful, elegant hats, like the kind the Queen Mum wears. My mom recalls playing with those hats while visiting my Great Grandmother. Because these hats are so defining of my Grandma, my mother suggested that I photograph them for the family. The hubs and I gather up these hats and photographed some of the best ones the other night. I hope we did them justice.
Grandma Anderson you are missed. But I'm so happy that you are at home now, with your sweet husband. Enjoy your anniversary together.
