I have been VERY blessed in my life with an amazing, close-knit family. Even with all the chaos and drama coming from a big family can bring, I wouldn't trade it ANY day! My dad has three sisters, all of whom have children, those children being my cousins. My brother and I are the oldest of this crazy clan and I love each and every member more than life itself. It is so nice to know that there are people out there who would do anything for you and vice-versa. They get together to celebrate every birthday (not so easy for us since we are further away, but we make it when we can) and have been doing this for as long as I can remember. We can also be a bit overwhelming at times, especially if you are not familiar with the chaos :) We always jokingly make-fun of potential significant others, hoping they have an inkling of what they are getting into with the possibility of becoming a "Rader." My aunts were there for me through many awkward and difficult times as a child, and I thank them for that tremendously.
Why this trip down memory lane? We are very close to losing one of the few that started it all. My dad called a couple of weeks ago to let me know that my Great Grandmother was not doing very good and that it could be any day. You heard me right! I said GREAT Grandmother! She is an amazing woman. 97 years young! She is beautiful, still has her amazing mind, and the time has come for her to go home. Up until recently, she lived on her own, with her twin sister living in the apartment above her, played bridge weekly, and could sit at a piano and make anyone within hearing distance stop what they were doing to listen.
So, I adjusted some schedules, left Malakai with Josh, and Leila and I headed up to KC for a visit. I am so thankful that I made it up there! Even though she was in the hospital, I sat with her everyday and her face lit up every time she caught a glimpse of Leila. She was so eager to tell the nurse that she was her Great-Great Granddaughter! Even though I was only up there for a few days, the magnificence of my family really shined. NEVER, was I at the hospital by myself. The room was always filled with people who love her and love each other! My grandparents, cousins, aunts, uncles, and everyone in between were there to show their love. When I left to head back to St. Louis, she was getting ready to get out of the hospital and was still hanging on.
I got another call last night that hospice has been brought in and grandma is ready to go. I am so glad I had the opportunity to see her one last time and show her the love that myself, Josh, and our children have for her. She is an amazing woman with an amazing heart and I hope I live half the life that she has. Here is to you Grandma! We love you always! It's okay for you to go. We know you are tired and there is a wonderful place waiting for you.
Here is Evelyn Young with her first Great-Great Grandchild, Malakai
Her face just lit up the room when she saw Leila Jane
Poor Malakai was so sick, there was no way he could come with us. He stayed home with Daddy and fought off that nasty bug that was going around :(
My little diva turns one tomorrow! Don't worry, there will be a Happy Birthday Leila post to come!
XOXO,
Miller
Best thing since I last blogged: We booked Chicago! We are going in April! Whoo Hoo!
Worst thing since I last blogged: Software upgrades at work....CHAOS!
5 comments:
I always enjoy reading your blogs. I come to school and check to see if you have any news to share while I have my morning diet coke. I am usually LMAO, but today was a bit different. You are so good with words. I am sitting here with tears running down my face (crossing my fingers that nobody walks into my classroom!) I do not know your "GREAT GRANDMOTHER" but she sounds like a beautiful person. The peacefullness from your writing helps to fill the emptiness in my heart from the loss I have experienced over the years. I just wanted to tell you Thank You, for your words for wisdom that I have come to look forwrd to reading.... (so much better then the normal "Celebrity Gossip" I miss, and love you all!! My brother could not have married a more perfect partner!!
You are SO sweet!! Thank you! Josh has been so amazing and supportive. Knowing that my writing can give people peace makes it all worth it =)
We love you Heather and we talk everyday how we wished we were closer to you guys. There has to be someway, someday, to have you guys, us and my brother all in the same area! A girl can dream right?
I don't know if Josh told you, but we will definitely be out there in September! Love you! XOXO
I am so sorry to hear about your grandma. I agree with Heather. You write really really well. You express yourself well. Very exciting to have another fun reading blog to add to my list. I look forward to catching up with you guys on this. So fun to have found you guys on Facebook.
Megs
Megan!! I didn't know you had a blog! That's so exciting! I too will add you to my list :)
I am so sorry to hear this mama. What a beautiful lady. 97, wow. That is awesome. My thoughts and prayers are with you and yours.
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