In memory of my Grandma
By totty1969
@totty1969 (1468)
United States
July 20, 2007 2:41pm CST
My grandma passed away in 2003. She had Alzheimer's, but that's not why she died. She was diagnosed with cancer of the spine and heart. She, in 1979 had cancer and in 1984 had cancer again. All her cancer was in different parts of her body. This last bout was too much for her and it eventually took her life. Now my grandma and I got along very well. With Alzheimer's, she started remembering things from long ago. My mom's house is where my grandma was living, I would go over everyday for lunch to spend time with her. She would tell me the same stories over and over, I didn't mind. It was the point of spending as much time with her as much as possible. I enjoyed it very much and I know she did as well. After she had passed away, we moved to a new home and I was looking for some flowers to plant in the yard and I come across these. When I saw the name, I just had to have them. My grandma's name was Ruby, just like the jewel. The tag on the flower said: Echinacea "Ruby Star". So I bought and planted them. It has been 1 year since I planted these beautiful flowers, and I'm glad I did.
4 people like this
8 responses
@webeishere (36313)
• United States
20 Jul 07
I will rate and comment on the photo after responding as I'm responding via email notification. It's great to have these memories with loved ones even after they've passed. I still plant a flower every year up at the farm in memory of mom. I also do the walk for cancer in memory of mom. Mom battled cancer throughout her body for 10+ years before she finally gave up on life. The Dr gave her 2 weeks to live when she entered the hospital. Someone was with her every day 24 hours for just over 2 months. She waited till there was no family present to pass away. I think she wanted to be in peace without all the fuss of family/friends being around. Now I am my fathers caregiver. he has dementia and lord do I hear the same stories over and over again myself. Hahahaha! I just listen and add my comments as always. Take care and don't ever forget our departed loved ones.
HAPPY POSTINGS FROM GRANDPA BOB !!~
@totty1969 (1468)
• United States
20 Jul 07
I tried to add a commet to yours on the photo, with no success. I planted them last July, I didn't think they would do so well.
I would like to do the walk for cancer here in Michigan, they do it over the Mac Bridge every year 250 miles away. I give to the cancer society and the Alzheimer's society though.
I was holding her hand when she drew her last breath, something I will never forget.
Peace, Totty
2 people like this
@webeishere (36313)
• United States
20 Jul 07
I am from Michigan originally.
I also worked at Mackinaw Island for 2 years.
That was a blast.
1 person likes this
@totty1969 (1468)
• United States
21 Jul 07
What part you from? I was born in Detroit, lived in Alpena 22 years, now I live in Big Rapids.
2 people like this
@daycarepal (1998)
• United States
21 Jul 07
Oh what beautiful flowers!! Will they come back each year? I think it's a wonderful way for you to pay tribute to your grandmother. My mom passed away on May 31st from Alzheimer's. It is so hard losing a loved one. It's nice that you have the beautiful flowers and can think of your grandma every time you see them.
@brendalee (6082)
• United States
21 Jul 07
Thanks for sharing your story. What a beautiful way to remember your grandmother. Will those flowers come up every year? I hope so. I have never heard of them before. But you were lucky enough to find them.
1 person likes this
@totty1969 (1468)
• United States
21 Jul 07
Yes they will keep growing bigger each year. I bought them at Lowes.
1 person likes this
@RobinJ (2501)
• Canada
21 Jul 07
I am sorry for the loss of your grandmother, but what a beautiful way to remember her.In the town that i visit very frequently in one of the parks they have a memorial garden and for a donation you can plant a rose bush in some ones memory and a small plaque is on a garden spike saying in memory of,As well people that have Rose bushes they no longer want donate them to the garden, It is a beautiful experience to walk through. There are hundreds of shrubs in all colors and styles. Just lovely.
1 person likes this
@totty1969 (1468)
• United States
21 Jul 07
I love memorials, it gives people a chance to remember the ones they love and others to enjoy the beauty of nature.
1 person likes this
@teapotmommommerced (10359)
• United States
21 Jul 07
What a great story and a great memory. I bet you miss her very much. My Granny is now 89 and getting to the point of not being able to live alone any more. She is getting more and more confused. She told my sister the other day that she (Granny) lost her virginity in 1957. Mom her daughter was born in 1935. Granny told my sister that she wonders what her life would have been like if she would have married the man who she lost her virginity to in 1957 in the back seat of his 1957 T-bird and he also took her to Hawaii. I think is so funny because Granny was a virgin up until 1967 I do not know how this is done. My friends thing dementia is wonderful. LOL.
Granny is my favorite person and the love of my life. When she goes to heaven she will truley be missed.
@totty1969 (1468)
• United States
21 Jul 07
It's sad to see our loved one's memories go because of this. I miss my grandma.
1 person likes this
@radhikasashi (173)
• India
21 Jul 07
I'm sorry for what had happened but it was very sad.i too love gardening.
1 person likes this
@Itsadorksworld88 (28)
• United States
24 Jul 07
yes yes she was a very great women.. an i miss her soo much the flower in are yeard is one of the most buttiful flowers.. an i am happy that u did get it for her..
@kimthedane (945)
• Denmark
24 Jul 07
Aww, bless ya Totty, thats such a cute story. Im sure she appreciate as weel that you did. May she rest in peace.
