Monday, May 18, 2009

FuNeRaL

Mr. Manic's grandma died over the weekend. I originally wrote, "passed away" then changed it because I just don't like that phrase. It's DIED. A person dies.

She was 88 and in a nursing home, and had lived a full life so we are thankful for that. Tukey is having a hard time dealing with it. He had cried when he heard the news that his G'pa's mom died.

He said to me, "I didn't know it feels this way when someone in your family dies." That killed me to the core, for a little boy who is 7 to explain himself that way, and for me to know exactly how he is feeling. Like he wasn't expecting the hurt over death.

Diva is searching for stuff so she can place it in the 'coffin' -- I keep telling her it's a casket. Either word sucks. She wants to find something special and meaningful to leave behind for great grandma Manic. Great Grandma had given Diva a locket with a photo of Great Grandma and Great Grandpa about a year ago, and Diva will cherish this gift.

This will be the kids' first funeral, and we will be traveling to Minnesota for it.

Mr. Manic is currently in Vegas because he has secured a consulting gig, so that is good news--he will keep his severance and work this consulting job which is a huge opportunity he is very excited about. But since he was gone last night, I had two little buggaboos sleeping with me - Diva just wasn't settling because her mind was all over the place about death and such, and Tukey came in during the middle of the night.

I remember when I was in fifth grade crying my eyes out for a very long period of time, it had to be months, because I was so consumed with the fear that my parents were going to die. It's a scary concept to young kids. This will be a big deal for them. It will be their first body viewed too.

So, we will be with family for the week, which will be good, and we will be celebrating and remembering a very sweet, kind woman, and the life she lived.

On a not-so-sad note: Check back here on Thursday, because I've scheduled a post about Jen Lancaster's new memoir, and details on how you can win an autographed copy of Pretty in Plaid!

16 comments:

MaBunny said...

Oh I'm so sorry to hear about your husbands grandmother. Unfortunately death is never easy no matter what age you are, however the first time is something you never forget. hugz to diva and tukey:)
YAY that your dh got the consulting job.
Where in MN are you headed?

MaNiC MoMMy™ said...

Olivia, MN... way far up there.

morninglight mama said...

So, so sorry, Steph. It's so difficult for children to even begin to process a death in the family. My thoughts are with you guys.

Michelle said...

Oh Steph, I'm so sorry to hear about Mr Manic's grandma. That's never easy, and I hope your children find a good way to grieve. I dread that day with the wee ones. Well, grandparents... all my and my husband's grandparents died a long time ago.

Congrats to hubby with the consulting gig. I hope it goes well for him.

Cheryl said...

Congrats to Mr. Manic and his consulting gig. I'm so sorry about the reason for your trip, but maybe it'll be good to be around family for a bit? Lots of love coming to you. xoxo

Amanda said...

Sorry she had to go, needs must I s'pose. Sounds like she was a great lady with a full life and you'll all remember things about her at odd moments so she'll always be popping back into your lives.

Hope the kids come to terms with the process part of things, never an easy time. Not sure I would want to see a body now let alone as a kid.

Highland Hugs to all
xx

PS Great news about the job!

Unknown said...

I'm so sorry. Hopefully your kids will remember the good things about her and not just the funeral.

When I went to my grandma's funeral (my dad's mother) she was 86, and we had NO idea what was going on. Just told that she died. Nothing was explained, at all.

3carnations said...

Sorry to hear about your husband's grandmother.

C-Rah said...

Sorry to hear about Great-GMa!

Laura Marchant said...

I am so sorry to hear about your husband's grandmother.

Chrissy said...

Hey, friend (yes, it is me on Twitter "singalullaby")
I am sorry for your family. It is hard to say goodbye.

JODI said...

Peace and blessing...no matter how old a person is it always hurts the heart to lose someone we love.

Safe travels.

Babe in Babeland said...

I'm so sorry to hear about your husband's grandmother!

Safe travels to you. Minnesota is actually quite beautiful this time of year. I come from the land of frozen winter arctic called Minnesota. And while I love living in NYC, there's no place like family and home home.

Andie said...

hugs to you and your family on your loss.

and, congrats to the mister for the consulting gig. that's great news!

Would-Be Bonus Mom said...

"Sorry for your loss" doesn't really cut it - not ever, but especially not when you have young kids trying to deal with their grief alongside you. My boyfriend's grandfather, who was VERY close to the kids died last July. I remember how tough it was going through that. Hang in there!

anymommy said...

I'm really sorry for your loss. I hope you have a safe trip and that you can treasure the time with family despite the painful reason for the gathering.