The Messina Family

The Messina Family
Barcelona 2010

Saturday, March 22, 2008

Another Angel in Heaven


From time to time I have mentioned my grandmother, my last living grandparent, on this blog. She turned 85 last month and I tried to write to her often over the last 9 months after she was diagnosed and treated for breast cancer. A radical mastectomy, 6 months of chemo and 33 radiation treatments were thrust upon her but she took everything in stride and grace as she went through this past snowy, Michigan winter. This morning I found out that she had died early Friday morning, peacefully in her sleep.
When I look back on the times at her house where I would go through her scrapbooks (we share this passion for family pictures), I remember never being able to look through the scrapbook pages dedicated to the death of her husband, my grandpa. My grandma had the tiniest, tight cursive handwriting (Rich always had me read her letters out loud because it hurt his head to try and read it). Off to the side on those scrapbook pages are the words that have never left me..." On (date), the light of my life went out." That was over two decades ago...probably closer to three now. I was 10 when my Grandpa died but I remember everything about it. All those years and she never remarried, although she was a young widow and had a lot to offer. She was a WAV during WWII....a Navy pilot's wife....a mother of five....grandmother and great-grandmother. She was a farmer's wife after Grandpa got out of the Navy. She was scolded by her relatives for doing crazy things like climbing into her apple trees to get the best apples for the church apple pie events. (this was well into her late 70's and early '80's). She was a very independent woman and I really did admire her greatly.
I will be leaving to fly to Michigan for her funeral tomorrow (Easter). I hope that God will understand why I won't be at Easter services for the first time in my 37 years. I am happy I will be there to be with my family as we celebrate her life. Although I am selfishly very sad that she is no longer here, I am rest assured that she is in heaven soaring with the angels.

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

What a wonderful tribute to your grandmother. My heart and prayers go out to you during your grief. May your many memories comfort you now. Blessings and love, Chris

jtguttman said...

I am so sorry to hear about your grandmother. I know how much she meant to you. I'm sure she greatly appreciated all of the cards you made her and love you showed her. Hugs to you and your family! Love, Megan

Solomon Family said...

Please except my condolencenes on the passing of your grandmother. May she rest in peace.

You know I often think back to the memories I have with the very special people in my life and wonder how I will pass those same types of memories on to my grandchildren and great grandchildren (hoepfully).

It is quite evident that your grandmother made such a wonderful and impressive mark on your life. I pray that your children will have those same types of memories from someone special to them as they grow up and become young adults.

Travel mercies to you as you head home to celebrate the life of your grandmother and build off her memories by making new ones!

God bless you all!

Love,
Laura

Solomon Family said...

Cyndi,
So sorry to read of your loss!!!! Your grandmother sounded like a wonderfully beautiful person.

Loss and being so far from home is ALWAYS hard. Travel mercies to you as you fly back to Michigan.

God bless you all!

Love,
Laura

Anonymous said...

Oh Cyndi....I am so very sorry about your grandma. I wish I could be there for you! Let me know what I can do. Love to you and your family. Amy Jo