Friday, March 14, 2014

Amazing Gracie


My wonderful mother in law passed away yesterday in the early morning hours surrounded by my husband, one of his sisters and her partner.   She died peacefully and surrounded by love, isn't that the perfect way to breathe your last breath?

Gracie is seen above with my two son's (Mr 20 year old and my Teenager) in November of this past year.  She adored her family, and took great pride in each and every member.  Gracie gave us all strength and led a life filled with purpose.  She made it her mission to always help, to volunteer, to make this world a better place.  She has instilled that in all of us.  See will be missed more than I can say.


She adored her youngest grandson as much as the oldest.  She was thrilled that we are adopting Little Buddy.  At the age of 95 1/2 she was as interested in him as she was when Mr. 20 year old was born.  One of the many things I have learned from her is to be active in a child's life.  To really care and be at their level.  She always was that way with my kids and believe me if she had been able to she would have been on the floor playing cars with my Little Buddy, just like she did with my older two.  She made it her mission to be at important events, flying down from Wisconsin just to be at big swim meets, big soccer games, triathlons, graduations and birthdays.  Even when it was 93 degrees out, she would gladly go back to finals of a swim meet, and sit in the sun for hours just to see her grandson swim a race that lasted less than one minute .  That is love and devotion, my boys will always hold the love and devotion she showed them deep inside of them, forever.

Gracie helped shape my husband into the wonderful man he is.  Who in their right mind would adopt a special needs child at the age of 59?  A man who was influence to live the way he has by this wonderful woman.  I really can not imagine a world where she is not present, a world where she is not active and participating.  But I know for sure the world is a much better place for having had her in it, we are a much better family, and much better people for having her love,kindness, and direction.

I have written about Gracie several times before, you can read about her here and here.  Keep in mind these were written when I was a very new blogger, not that I am all that fantastic now or anything.

Gracie you have been amazing in every part of your life.  I feel blessed to have had you as a mother in law and a grandmother to my four boys (she loved Max, too).  I will miss you every day for the rest of my life.  Thank you for including me in your family.

64 comments:

mynestofyarnandbuttons said...

Sweet Meredith, My heart goes out to all of you! Gracie was an amazing woman and I feel so graced to have heard the beautiful stories of her caring life. It makes me want to be a better person just knowing her love of life and family.
You will be in my loving thoughts Meredith and your beautiful family. Blessings to your husband and his sisters, xoRobin

Stitchy Mc Floss said...

What a wonderful tribute to your MIL. She sounded like a truly special person.

Keeping you and your dear family in my thoughts and prayers sweet friend.

((hugs))

Gillian Roe said...

I'm so sorry for your loss, Meredith. Your mother in law sounds like a wonderful, strong, loving woman, a great mother and grandmother. I know you'll all miss her but she'll live on in your conversations and memories. You are in my thoughts and prayers. x

A Whole Lotta Magic said...

I'm so sorry.

S
xo

Hannapat said...

Oh sweet Meredith I am so sorry to hear of your loss, how very sad to loose such a very special woman. She sounds like a wonderful woman and how lucky were you to be inspired by someone with so much love to give. You were clearly very blessed to have her with you so for so long and long enough to meet the new addition to your family too. May these days, weeks and months ahead bring healing, but most of all may they bring alive all the beautiful memories that you all shared together. Sending you much love xoxo

Claudia said...

I am so lucky to have known her. She was a wonderful woman. My love is surrounding you and yours as you navigate this transition.

xo
Claudia

kristieinbc said...

I am so very sorry that you have lost this wonderful woman. It sounds as though she has left behind an incredible legacy. The pictures of her made me smile and shed some tears all at the same time. Hugs to you...

Kris said...

Oh Meredith, I am so sorry. I know how your heart aches for the loss of her, but swells for having had her in your lives. She was obviously a very special lady!!! Like my Nana!!!! Rest in peace Miss Gracie!
Hugs to all of you, sweet Meredith.
XO Kris

Susanne Tyree said...

There can not be loss without sorrow, but there is joy in knowing that she waits on the other side for all of you. This is a temporary separation, and although it is hard to continue life here on earth without the ones we love, it is a comfort to know that there are good and sweet memories from the time we spent with them. I'm so glad you have that new child in your life. He doesn't only need you, I believe you all needed him more. It was perfect timing in God's part to put that little one in your arms so close to this time of loss. I believe only God could have timed it so perfectly. This did not just randomly happen, it is all a part of The Master's plan. It is like when we got our little Holden. The day he was born Roger sat holding the baby and had tears in his eyes. He told me that he had asked God to allow him to live long enough to see his grandchild born. He said,"God heard me and answered my prayer." They do not replace who we have lost, but they help fill the void. It is like God knew we needed someone else to pour our love on when we are hurting. Grief is the price for loving, and it is hard to imagine that there are actually people who have never truly loved anyone. We are so blessed beyond words.
(((HUGS))) Love you dear friend.
Susanne ♥

Sentimentally Me said...

sending love to you & yours, Dear Meredith :)

xo Patrice

Unknown said...

I'm so sorry for your family's loss, but so happy that you had Gracie in your family. She sounds like an amazing woman.

Laura from beautiful West Michigan
lerounds on ravelry

Pradeepa said...

Sorry for your loss, Meredith. Your MIL sounds to be an amazing person. She will definitely be missed a lot by all of you but she has created beautiful memories for you to always keep her in your minds.

Mindy said...

I'm so sorry. What a sweet tribute to an obviously beautiful and caring woman!!

Annie Cholewa said...

Dearest Meredith, I am so sad for your family that you have lost another loved one so soon. But what a fabulous tribute to a clearly wonderful woman, may she rest in peace. You are all in my thoughts and prayers x

My Little Home and Garden said...

I'm sorry that your family has suffered another loss, Meredith. Gracie has clearly had a huge impact on you and yours, positively influencing how you live your lives. Hers is a remarkable legacy of love.

With sympathy,
Karen

Regena Fickes said...

I am so sorry that Gracie has left this life. How blessed is her family that she was here. Still praying for you and your family. God bless and send His Grace to keep you.

Lynne said...

Gracie sounds amazing! What a beautiful example of love she was for her children and grandchildren.
Hugs
Lynne

Suzan said...

So very sorry for your loss Meredith - but what a wonderful and loving legacy each of you have been left with!! Love that picture of her sitting between your two boys!! You can see in her eyes and smile what a wonderful little "spitfire" she was!! And how tremendous the influence she has left on each member of your family! If only everyone had the same drive that she had in her volunteering and making this world a better place. She may not be physically here now - but her teachings and spirit will live on in all of your thoughts and hearts.
How wonderfully Blessed you all have been - and what a perfect name - Gracie - for the person she was and continues to be.
God Bless you, your husband, and family!

Tami said...

You my dear woman are exceptional in your own way what a beautiful way to memorialize such a wonderful woman

Twyla and Lindsey said...

I'm so sorry for your loss. What a wonderful woman! Prayers for you and your family. Twyla

linda said...

A lovely tribute to Gracie, she sounds like she was a very special lady. My deepest condolences Meredith. xxx

Pooch said...

My sympathy to you and your family. May your happy memories sustain you. Such a divine lady!

:)

moonstruckcreations said...

So sorry to hear of the passing of this remarkable lady.

Much love to you all, Helenxx

Andrea Ostapovitch said...

What a terrible loss for your family. I only wish we could all say good-bye so gracefully. We have several people in our family now in their 90's and I can't imagine life without them. Hugs to you at this difficult time.
Andrea

Betsy said...

Meredith, this is an absolutely lovely tribute to your mother-in-law. My heart goes out to your family right now. Such heartache. But what a wonderful woman and the legacy she has left to you all is amazing. My thoughts and prayers are with your family right now my dear friend. May God give you comfort and peace in the next days, weeks and months.
Blessings always dear Meredith.
Betsy

Gracie Saylor said...

Dear Meredith, thank you for celebrating Gracie's life with us. I love seeing her with your boys, and learning some about how she demonstrated her love for each one.

Blessings on you and yours as you savor your relationship with her, yet miss her physical presence so very much as well.

As you have shared her with us, she inspires me to want to love others as she has.

Love with hugs,
Your friend, Gracie

Plain Jane said...

What a wonderful legacy she has left for you all to share - a truly amazing woman. Much love x Jane

cockney blonde said...

So sorry for your loss but what a wonderful woman, x

Jo said...

Sending you love and peace. Jo x

Teresa Kasner said...

Meredith.. I am sending you a great big warm hug. You are so lucky that your MIL was so loving and involved with all of you. We did not have that experience and so I can really rejoice for you in what you had with Gracie. She lived a long and loving life. Sending my love and good thoughts..
((hugs)), Teresa :-)

kathy b said...

She sounds amazing!! I m so happy she met Zach!!

God Bless you all on your journey without her..but she's there…she's with you!

Amy at love made my home said...

I am so sorry for your families loss. It sounds as though Gracie was a wonderful woman who led a lovely full life and she will be remembered and carry on through you all. My love and good wishes to you and long may you continue to carry her love forward. xx

elns said...

I'm so sorry for your family's loss Meredith. From your writing and the fantastic people you are, the world is definitely a better place that she's been in it. I'm glad you were all able to share so much happiness and love. All the best.

CJ said...

So very sorry for your loss Meredith. My condolences to your husband, and to you. She sounds like an amazing woman, and a real inspiration. CJ xx

Joy said...

Gracie's has been a life to celebrate and you have written so beautifully about her, lovely Meredith!
She will be so sadly missed in all of your lives, but sweet and beautiful memories abound, and she will always be with you all!
My thoughts, prayers and love are with you and your loving family at this sad time of such a huge loss my friend!
Warmest of hugs,
Joy xoxo

Joyful said...

Gracie sounds like an absolutely wonderful person of great influence. How she will be missed! But the blessing she was in your lives will never be forgotten. That is a wonderful gift. Hugs to you dear Meredith as you try to find a way forward without Gracie in your life. x

Unknown said...

sorry for your loss. You've got some lovely memories to keep and inspiration. x

Unknown said...

I am so sorry for you familys loss. It is never easy to lose a loved one, especially when they have been such a wonderful role model, filled with love and inspiration. It is lovely though that she was surrounded by love and went from this world to the next with all that love and adoration. HUGE hugs to you all xxx

Vicki Boster said...

Meredith I'm so very sorry for the loss of this precious lady who meant so much to your family. You've written such a lovely tribute to her. She leaves behind a wonderful legacy for your family--
Vicki

Lori Lynn said...

How blessed you were to have her as an example. It will shape who you are as a grandma. I'm sure it did shape your mothering and continues to with Little Buddy. I'm so sorry for your loss. It just sucks, no two ways about it. But your tributes to her are really really great.

Handmade and off-centered said...

Oh Meredith, I am so sorry for your loss. She sounds like a wonderful woman and someone we should all strive to be more like. Thank you for sharing this, its a good reminder to be thankful for everyone we have in our lives.

Big hugs to you and your family.
-Birgitta

Jennifer Hays said...

I'm sorry, Meredith. She sounds like a wonderful person and a very loving mother and grandmother. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.

Cari said...

I'm so very sorry Meredith on the loss of your amazing Gracie. She looks and sounds like a wonderful blessing in your life. Hugs dear friend.

Clare said...

Sending much love to you all, so sorry for your loss
Clare xx

Anonymous said...

I adore that first picture. You can see the spunk she has in her expression!!!!

Little Buddy may not have had a long time with her, but you can just feel the love between them.

I am so sorry for your loss, but she is always in your heart and in the memories of your children ---- even the furry one!

Ana BC said...

so sorry for your loss, Meredith. But it is so lovely the way you honor her here. God bless!

Rose Red said...

I'm very sorry for your loss Meredith, I hope you all are doing ok. I'm happy that your beloved Gracie departed this world in the best way possible, surrounded by the love of her family. She sounds like an amazing woman indeed.

Crafty in the Med said...

It's sad to hear someone so dear to you has passed on. However it is wonderful to also hear what a great woman she was and who inspired so much love.The latter your family's inheritance.

She was blessed with a full life!

fondest regards to you and your family

Amanda x

Lulu said...

sending you prayers and hugs to you all..She was loved...

Tammy@T's Daily Treasures said...

Oh Meredith, you've got me crying now. Such a beautiful post. I'm so glad to know that Gracie was able to go peacefully. She lived a mighty long life and it sounds like she lived it well and with grace. God bless, Tammy

brsmaryland said...

Oh my, go away for a few days, then come home and catch up on blogs....
What a beautiful tribute to a beautiful woman. I've enjoyed reading all of your posts about Gracie. She sounds like an amazing woman. What a gift to all of you. She will be missed.
Thinking of you and yours...sending love and light.

Liz said...

Meredith, I'm so sorry about Gracie. She sounded like such an amazing woman. I'm sure she had such a full life. How wonderful it is that she enjoyed so much of her 95 years. My hope in life is not to have lots of money or material things, but to have a full, active, happy life. She seems like an inspiration for that. I'm sure you will miss her terribly. Sending your whole family thoughts and love,
Liz

Faeryfay said...

Sending you and your family love and light. Fay

Linda said...

Such beautiful words from your heart Meredith, Gracie sounds like a wonderful person to have loved and known. Your memories of her will remain with you forever.

Deb said...

a beautiful tribute to your amazing MIL ~ how lucky you all are to have been blessed with her presence. sending love and thoughts your way ♥

EMMA said...

Sounds like Gracie was one amazing lady.
So sorry for your loss.

Little Welsh House said...

So sad that you have had to say goodnight to such a wonderful, warm hearted lady - I am so glad you had many fantastic years together but it is a huge loss when someone so special is gone. Thinking of you at this difficult time xxx

Judy S. said...

So sorry to hear of Gracie's passing, Mere. She sounds like an extra special person, one who leaves the earth a better place and with lots of wonderful memories for your family. Blessings and comfort to all of you.

Astri said...

What a wonderful post about a wonderful lady. Heartwarming Meredith.

Sue Pinner said...

So sorry at your families loss Meredith..sad when a dear family member leaves us
Hugs to you all xx

Stins said...

I am so sorry for you loss Meredith...
She sounds like such a sweet (grand) mum!
That picture of her and little buddy is the best....
Lots of love from Mirjam.

Toni said...

Oh, I'm so sorry for your loss, but so happy that you had such a marvelous mother-in-law. I love mine, and it's just so lovely to get a great MIL as a perk to a happy marriage. I know not everyone has that good fortune, and I'm glad you were one of the lucky ones as well.

Hugs!!!

Taci simmons said...

My Dear sweet Meredith, I'm so sorry for you loss. I'm sorry I haven't seen your post earlier. I know you miss you MIL but as you remember all the grate moments you had with her she will stay alive and close to you and yours. My prayers are with you and your family my dear friend.

RedSetter said...

How unutterably sad but this is a beautiful tribute to a beautiful and adored woman.