My husband’s 93 year old grandma, Faye Davis, passed peacefully away on Sunday morning, October 19. The funeral service is today. This blog is dedicated to her.
Hubby introduced me to his Grandma Faye when she was 59 years old. One thing about her that was most striking to me was her energy level. Up until a few years ago, she mowed her own grass. I’m not talking about a nice, level yard in the city. She owned beautiful land in Washington, West Virginia; beautiful land with rolling hills. There is also a creek bed at the bottom of the hill where she lived, and lots of trees. It was not unusual to see her pushing a mower up and down the hills, working in a garden, or delivering newspapers and mail to everyone on the hillside. Granted, she had lots of help, especially from her son, John, but rarely did I see her sit back and watch her children, grandchildren, or sons and daughter- in-laws do any work around her house without her trying to help. She started slowing down a bit in her eighties but kept pushing herself to keep going. Time inevitably caused the need for a caregiver, a fate she detested. But confusion regarding medication and dangerous mishaps while trying to cook (among other things, I’m sure) made it difficult for her to totally care for herself, though she tried. The last time I saw her was early this year when I was in WV to attend my Aunt Shirley’s funeral. She was fully dressed and she had placed a few rollers in her hair to fluff it up, even though she wasn’t going anywhere. I remember thinking, “I hope I care that much about my appearance when I’m in my 90’s.” What an amazing woman! Her mind was sharp as she asked me about my family, remembering names without much prompting. She showed me some of the pictures of her beloved grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren (I read in her obituary that she had over a hundred!). She offered me something to drink and seemed pleased that I came to visit her. It was a nice visit and I’m so glad I made the time.
For various reasons, I was not able to attend the funeral. Hubby and his sister, Brenda, made the trip, along with many other family members and friends. Another thing that was very impressive to me about Grandma Faye was her genuine love, concern, and care for her family. My daughters and I send our love and deepest sympathy to all in Grandma Faye’s large family, especially my mother-in-law, Jean, and her other surviving children; Harold, Bill, Rich, Jerry, Wayne, Romie, John, Edna Mae, and Macel. Though we could not be there, you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Hubby introduced me to his Grandma Faye when she was 59 years old. One thing about her that was most striking to me was her energy level. Up until a few years ago, she mowed her own grass. I’m not talking about a nice, level yard in the city. She owned beautiful land in Washington, West Virginia; beautiful land with rolling hills. There is also a creek bed at the bottom of the hill where she lived, and lots of trees. It was not unusual to see her pushing a mower up and down the hills, working in a garden, or delivering newspapers and mail to everyone on the hillside. Granted, she had lots of help, especially from her son, John, but rarely did I see her sit back and watch her children, grandchildren, or sons and daughter- in-laws do any work around her house without her trying to help. She started slowing down a bit in her eighties but kept pushing herself to keep going. Time inevitably caused the need for a caregiver, a fate she detested. But confusion regarding medication and dangerous mishaps while trying to cook (among other things, I’m sure) made it difficult for her to totally care for herself, though she tried. The last time I saw her was early this year when I was in WV to attend my Aunt Shirley’s funeral. She was fully dressed and she had placed a few rollers in her hair to fluff it up, even though she wasn’t going anywhere. I remember thinking, “I hope I care that much about my appearance when I’m in my 90’s.” What an amazing woman! Her mind was sharp as she asked me about my family, remembering names without much prompting. She showed me some of the pictures of her beloved grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren (I read in her obituary that she had over a hundred!). She offered me something to drink and seemed pleased that I came to visit her. It was a nice visit and I’m so glad I made the time.
For various reasons, I was not able to attend the funeral. Hubby and his sister, Brenda, made the trip, along with many other family members and friends. Another thing that was very impressive to me about Grandma Faye was her genuine love, concern, and care for her family. My daughters and I send our love and deepest sympathy to all in Grandma Faye’s large family, especially my mother-in-law, Jean, and her other surviving children; Harold, Bill, Rich, Jerry, Wayne, Romie, John, Edna Mae, and Macel. Though we could not be there, you are in our thoughts and prayers.
1 comment:
Garnet: thanks for the lovely blog. Thanks for the use of your HUBBY. Every thing fell into place the way planned No BIG bumps in the road so far. Looking forward to talking to you soon. love WV..
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