I have been busy lately and responses have been a little slow lately. Work and projects are always taking up too much time, but it’s always the unexpected that throws you out of whack. While we had history, the recent reports of my mother-in-law’s health continued to decline recently. She was 93, so we knew there would not be a lot of time left. The death of family member or loved one is never easy. As we get older, we travel this path more and more as those we grew up with grew old too. There are very few friends and same generation family left if you live past 90. Those alive probably no longer travel easily.
Her request was to have her ashes spread in the river in the same location her late husband’s ashes were released.
My daughter, Alisa, takes care of this blog for me and she lost her grandmother. All the kids called my mother-in-law Nannan. Shortly after midnight on Memorial Day 2015, Nannan did not hold on any longer. This Memorial Day was for her.
MidiMike 
Sorry for your loss, but nice that she had a long life and caring family worthy of celebration.
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Thank you very much. She had a long life as you mentioned and a great family. ….Worthy of celebration! Perfect.
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I am sorry about this … Time is something we have not much when we are older … But one can only spend much of vital moments with those we love …
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Thank you as always. Out of each year we only have moments shared with family and friends. It is best to cherish them all while they are here.
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Yes, true. Pray that you are on the way to healing too, Mike!
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Your thoughts and sincerity have already started the healing process. Thank you for being a great human being!
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So sorry to hear of your loss, you’ll be in my prayers.
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I appreciate it more than you know. Thank you very much.
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Grace cover you and yours…
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That is a beautiful comment at a time when there are no magic wands or words that heal. Thank you!
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You’re welcome…
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my condolences to you and Ellen and Alisa. Always sad when loved ones pass.
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Thanks a bunch. Someone said having lost both parents we are orphans now. I guess in some ways this is true.
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So sorry for your loss and I’m praying for peace and comfort for the entire family!!! Your title says it all, celebrate her life, the memories, cherish, good and bad.
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Thank you very much for providing some peace and comfort in your thoughts. I hope to celebrate life and will remember all that I can.
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I completely agree. I’ve always had a problem, though, with fixating on the melancholy rather than the flowers. I try to do better.
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We all process changes in life in our own ways based on our past experiences. We can try to do better and that may be the best we humans can do.
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I wish you and your family an immense amount of peace and subtle happiness in these moments of sorrow.
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Thank you very much. We will follow your wish and will find peace and subtle happiness. Those that leave us do not want us to be sad. Very thoughtful of you.
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May her soul rest in peace and flow with the river. Welcome back.
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I think that is one of the best and in someways most romantic way to end one life but continue on to the ocean and beyond. Thank you!
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I’m glad to hear she had so much life to give and spread. Hope you find some comfort in her memory.
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Indeed she did. She will always be in our thoughts. Thank you for your comments and sincere wishes. It means a lot.
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I’m so sorry for your loss. I wish you and your family much encouragement and strength. What you’ve written in her regard was beautiful. Please keep up the great work.
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Thank you for the kind words and thoughts. She was a very strong woman, I guess you have to be to live that long!
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Sorry for your loss but glad you can celebrate her life!!
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I hope we all can celebrate when the time comes…. Thank you so much.
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And happiness prevails…
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My deepest sympathies to you and to all your family.
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Thank you. We all have gone or will go through this. I appreciate your thoughts and your concern. That is very nice of you.
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Bless her soul! She had a full life and as u have said instead of mourning, celebrate life. I know it is easier said than done. I lost my mother when she was 68. That was four years ago, but even now when I think of her I can’t stop my eyes getting wet.
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She would appreciate your thoughts as much as I do. For some the struggle is hard and continues because there is real loss. No problem if your eyes get wet from time to time as long as you smile when thinking of her too. Eventually the smiles out number the tears. Best regards.
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First of all my condolences, my mother in law just recently died and we are going to take her ashes back to Guyana to be with her husband’s. It is good to read of others’ experiences. Secondly I would like to thank you for looking at my scribbles and liking them. Best wishes
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I appreciate that and understand. Taking her ashes back to Guyana is actually very cool. We share each other’s stories and learn how similar we really are. I will continue to look at you “scribbles” and I am sure I will like them! My condolences though on your family’s loss and hope you are able to celebrate the life of both of them as they are reunited.
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Thanx for reminding me to smile when thinking about her because I have not yet learnt to do that.
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It is a difficult path. Pain and sorrow can be devastating, but memories can also be powerful and uplifting. I wish you well. Take a favorite picture you have and think of what that time was like. I hope it will help you smile a little more each day.
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Just checking ….. did you manage to smile today!??!!
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I did. Thanx for well-wishers like you.
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For everybody who knew and loved Nannan, may there be peace, and much comfort in remembering and sharing the joys that were part of knowing her. The great gift of those who have been positive influences in our lives is that even in the midst of our heaviest grief there are moments of recalling the laughter and pleasure that break through the darkness; with time, the balance can tip enough so that someday there’s the possibility of more and more delight in the memories, watered with only a few occasional tears. My condolences to your family.
Kathryn
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Kathryn,
wisdom usually comes from experience. My condolences to the wise in that respect. We know what we do because we have lived through it before. Each experience is different – like each sibling is different – yet we learn to recognize loss and still know there is an ending to the tears as you mention. You will hit the balance point. And from my additional years I have also learned that if you do not see any laughter or pleasure in your memories now that one day you will. You will understand things were better than they seemed, and will get better still. My best to you. Thank you.
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Sorry for the loss…..she had a long life as you mentioned and a great family…the title of your blog tells a lot. Wish you all the best .
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Thank you very much. We took her ashes last weekend and she is on her new journey now.
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She’s on a more peaceful journey now. And always with her loved ones!
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Agreed. I think that is a very peaceful but still forward looking journey. Thank you for your thoughts.
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Ashes in a river, beautiful. I scattered my mother’s into the sea as the tide came in and my nephewss and nieces scattered rose petas from flowers she had grown. I’ll listen to some of your muusic next. Best, D
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My in-laws had hoped to be released into the ocean, but knew that was not as easy. I think it is a better image than burial. Glad to have you visit and any feedback or comments are welcome and appreciated!
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Your comment about growing older, losing family and friends remind me of how, at my age, I feel my world being shrink wrapped. There is a loneliness that grows, even as you try to fill it with new people, new interests.
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If I had my way, I would probably be a hermit and I would stay at home and play with toys, alternating walks or bike riding away from everything. So for me, I think I am actually building an isolation wall between me and the rest of humanity. Not the best situation, but that helps the loneliness grow smaller – not larger as my long time friends grow apart. Good luck to you. Hang in there!
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I am very sorry for your loss 😦 We should indeed celebrate life more often!!! And not take all these beautiful moments for granted but always be grateful for every single thing we can experience and learn… I hope the memories of her will keep your heart warm ❤
I also wanted to thank you heaps for following my blog – it means a lot to me as a newbie… all the best for you! ❤
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She must have been a great lady. I am always in awe of people who live long, flourishing lives with big families. I hope your memories of her give you much comfort
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She was, indeed. I understand what you mean being in awe. Thank you very much for your thoughts.
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I look at a piano no one is playing and it calls my name. I know how a musical sponge feels. Cool picture. Thanks for letting me know you liked my lament.
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Too funny and so true! I guess some people get that way when watching the TV, but for me, music does more than distract…. and I can’t stop ‘soaking it up’! You are very welcome and I will check in again so keep sharing!
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I couldn’t agree with you more. Our loved ones life must be celebrated by family and friends and fondly remembered.
Thank you also for following my blog.
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Good to hear from you. Once you do that you can remember them more often and with a smile! You are very welcome.
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No loss, however prepared for, happens without causing change. When the loved one has had a good life, and has been loved by so many, there is a sense of contentment. But there is always loss. Live well, and remember the happiness: she’ll be proud of you.
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A great philosophy to share. There is always a loss – but there is more in life ahead. I appreciate your thoughts, Thank you!
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I learn something about getting very old. Even though all your friends are gone, having someone who loves you is rare. Thanks for the story.
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I believe when we are young, having someone that loves you is rare. That is what makes it difficult to lose someone close. I appreciate the comment. Thank you for the visit.
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