Monday, March 31, 2008

Hazel

My Grandma has always been the most important person in my life......by a landslide. Growing up she was always my soft place to fall. I may have my Father's hands or my Mom's smile, but thank God I got my Grandma's heart.
While my parents were off traveling the world and being way too cool to be parents, my Grandma always welcomed me with open arms, warm homemade bread, and chocolate milk.

Hazel was a simple woman, a child of the Oklahoma Dust Bowl. Have you have ever read "The Grapes of Wrath" ? If so, then you have read my Grandma's story. She worked hard her whole life, and shared everything she ever had.

I have been in Oklahoma for over a week. My Grandma passed away early last Monday morning. I am glad I was there, and I am glad I got to spend her last few days on this earth with her and that I got to tell her how important she is to me and how much I truly appreciate her and thank her for everything she ever did for me. Even though I no longer live in Oklahoma, I am very happy that I always made it a point to go see her a few times a year and spend lots of time with her. I always tried to spend every moment with her. She was so fun to be around. I will miss her terribly. My whole family will miss her terribly.
Hazel was not a wealthy woman--however she was rich with love. I am a better person because she loved me.

So far 2008 has been full of loss for me, but I will choose to be happy, 'cause that is what Grandma would have wanted.

I love you Grandma.

Photo 1--when I took Grandma to get her hair colored and fixed a couple of years ago.
Photo 2--Grandma and I at her apartment last summer.
Photo 3- Grandma in her shirt I bought her for our 4th of July party 2 years ago.

Photo 4- Grandma and I at her rehab after her surgery last July.

28 Comments:

Blogger Fightin' Mad Mary said...

She is so full of love, you can see it in her eyes.

I remember when you first posted that photo of her in the "The party has arrived" t-shirt. It still makes me smile.

I'm glad you got to be with her, I know it meant the world to her. Sending you love and hugs!!(and a sidecar on the side)

5:04 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I'm so sorry for your loss. I'm glad to hear that you were able to spend some time with her before she passed. You will continue to be in my thoughts and prayers.

6:38 PM  
Blogger MISS S said...

Beautifully said... I too am glad you got to spend time with her before she passed. I love all the pictures, and the memories will last forever.

XOXO

6:57 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I am so sorry for the loss of your wonderful Grandmother. I remember your posts about her and I am sure she knew you loved her.
Grandmas are the best.

Condolences my friend.

4:39 AM  
Blogger Pia said...

Oh Jen, my dear friend, I am so sorry for the loss of your beloved gran. What a sweet and lovely lady your gran was. May she rest in God's arms.

I'm here for you if you need me. Is there anything I can do?

5:32 AM  
Blogger Patricia Perry said...

Oh, Jen - I am so sorry.

This is a beautiful post and a wonderful tribute to your grandma. It's good that you got to spend that time with her.

Sending you hugs and comfort.

Pat

5:55 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Jen I am so sorry. It has always been obvious that you adore her.
She is watching over you Jen.

11:48 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I am so sorry. Remember the good times.
She is a lovely lady.

Sending love.

Beth from Syracuse

11:50 AM  
Blogger EMILY said...

I knew that you would have a wonderful tribute to Hazel! You will ALWAYS have peace in knowing that she knew how much you loved her. So many people wish for that, and you have it. :)

12:24 PM  
Blogger violetnoir said...

J, your post brings tears to my eyes.

My grandmother was my No.1 person when I was growing up, too. And Marie was totally happening, just like your Hazel. I love the name Hazel. (My Gram had a good friend named Hazel--so many parallels.)

Anyway, I digress...

Viva Grandmothers! Viva Hazel! Her love and heart will always be inside of you, dear one.

Hugs and love!

12:29 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Please accept my humble thoughts to you at this time. I know how hard it is to lose your Grandparent.
I am sure she knows you love her.
Be strong.

12:59 PM  
Blogger Carolyn said...

J, I am so sorry for your loss. What a blessing to be able to spend time with your grandma in her last days and express to her how much she means to you. I am praying for you.

1:13 PM  
Blogger Jamie said...

Man, you have certainly had a trying beginning to 2008. I'm so sorry to hear about Hazel - your tribute to her was so lovely. I hate that you are losing someone who is clearly such an important influence in your life. Hope things look up soon.

2:39 PM  
Blogger Jamie said...

Man, you have certainly had a trying beginning to 2008. I'm so sorry to hear about Hazel - your tribute to her was so lovely. I hate that you are losing someone who is clearly such an important influence in your life. Hope things look up soon.

2:40 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Much sorrow for you Miss Posh. All of us at the office bid you peace and serenity at this time.
I know how much you loved your Grand. She will always be present in your heart and mind.
Rest and be thankful.

5:12 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

May Hazel and Forrest take care of each other.

I hope 2008 is nothing but wonderful from here on out for you and D.

6:08 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

What a sweet tribute. I know she is proud of you.

6:25 AM  
Blogger Gretchen said...

oh Jen, I'm so very sorry. What a blessing you both have been to each other.

10:04 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I love your post about Hazel. What a wonderful lady.
I am very sorry for your loss.

10:07 AM  
Blogger Parisjasmal said...

*Dear Mary-
Thank you so much for your kind words. I know you know how this feels.
Hugs back and ah yes--a double sidecar!

xo

*Elisabeth-
I appreciate your comment. Thanks also for your prayers.


*My Miss S-
Thanks girl. You are my girl!
Love you!

*Lemon Cookie-
Thanks so much, and YES Grandmas are the best.

*Pia-
Thank you for your kindness my friend. You are always so kind and know just the nicest words to say. Big hugs to you!

*Pat-
Thanks friend. Thanks also for listening to me about my Grandma a couple of months ago in Chicago. Thanks for your hug and comfort
xo

*Shiloh-
I appreciate your kindness -as always!


*Anon-
Thank you very much for your thoughts. Hugs back to you in Syracuse.

12:38 PM  
Blogger Parisjasmal said...

*Emily/Myrtle Ruth-
Girl--you know I appreciate you and I appreciate your phone call and old school country e-mail.
Looking forward to lunch sometime soon
xo

*Dear R-

Aw-thanks for your comforting words about your dear Grandma Marie. She sounds like a gem.
Yes--VIVA Hazel and Marie and VIVA friendship!
Big hugs to you.

*Anon-
I appreciate your thoughts and words. Have a lovely day!

*Hello Carolyn,
Thank you for your words and prayers. I appreciate it very much.
You are such a lovely person.

*Thank you sweet Jamie-
Very kind of you. Your vacation posts have cheered me up. They are great and I am so happy you and S had such a great time!
xo

*Aussie Beauty-
Merci' Your kindness is appreciated. Tell the gals in the office thank you too. I will indeed rest and be thankful.

*Jo in Idaho-
What a lovely thought about Hazel and Forrest. Bless them both.
Thanks for the kind words.

*Anon-
Thank you for visiting and thanks for your words.

*Hello Lovely Gretchen-
Thank you very much. I hope you and your beautiful family are well.

*Amanda-
I appreciate your kind words. Hazel was indeed a wonderful lady.

Much love to all!

12:47 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Jen, I'm so sorry. I remember when you told me about your family in Oklahoma and the time you spent with your grandmother; it was clear she was a very special lady and meant the world to you. You'll be in my thoughts. Hugs...
Sue

4:13 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I am so very sorry about your Grandma.
Your memories are forever but your heart will heal.
Lovies.

4:28 PM  
Blogger Unknown said...

I'm so, so, sorry to hear about your loss of your WONDERFUL grandma, Jen. Sending you hugs from NYC during this difficult time for you!

10:18 AM  
Blogger priscilla said...

Bless you and your family, Jen. My thoughts are with you all.

4:46 PM  
Blogger Swirl Girl said...

I wish I could've seen you while you were here, but... I totally understand. I'm sure that given the situation, me and the brood would have sent you completely over the edge! HA. You look more like your grandma than I remember! Especially in that 1st picture. I know you will miss her... I'm so sorry. Hazel is up there chillin' with Helen (my granma)... They are probably making up names for everyone they see, and laughing like hyenas at each other .. just like we do.

11:41 AM  
Blogger BarbaraFromCalifornia said...

Dear Jen,

Hazel seems so vibrant and alive. I can see why she was so very special to you.

I know how difficult these past few months have been for you. May you find strength, courage and tenacity, and may your grandmother's memory be a blessing for you.

3:21 PM  
Blogger Tanya Kristine said...

well i don't know you but I'm sorry. I lost my mom in february...it's very weird.

12:02 PM  

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