I (Tj) am doing this post from a guest's computer, because ours is messed up! We have been very busy with a guest, then guests, then a motorcycle journey, then a party with more guests! And all the while we have been taking photos and coming up with clever ideas for posts, but not being able to post them because of an intermittent computer problem. We thought it was fixed yesterday and we were online for about 30 minutes, then bam, it quit working again. So, it might be a while before The Ranch on Salmon Creek is posting regularly. We live far from a city center to get such things fixed and last night my grandma died, so we will be traveling soon for the funeral.
My grandma is my hero. She and my grandpa were like second parents to me and who I now am, is mostly modeled after who they were. Physically my grandma was strong and wiry and able to do all manner of things. Persistence and perserverence she taught me are more important than speed or ability. She exemplified this when she dug her own cellar with a bucket and shovel, while in her 70's no less. My grandpa and she built their own house in the woods out of lumber they milled. And they loved to garden and can their summer produce. Everyone who came to their house was welcomed. She lived a long, (almost a hundred years!) life of love. Love for nature, people and love of God. Did I mention she loved to talk, and yes she passed that on to me as well. But the last few years she has had severe dementia, so in some aspects I am glad she has moved on to heaven. Quietly, peacefully, she fell asleep and did not wake. It is a near perfect end to a near perfect life. But, I am not sure what to feel, really. Life has been so rushed of late that I am still kind of whirling around in the center of it all. I don't really mind whirling, but I do sometimes wonder how I will feel when the dust settles.
Oh, TJ, you loved your Grandma so much. She sounds like a truly wonderful woman. Know that prayers of peace and rest are being said for you during these hurried days.Annette <><
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry TJ, that your Gramdma passed- but your tribute to her has brought her to life in many ways. Keep her in your heart, and she will always be with you, bright and strong, and living on!
ReplyDeleteWe'll be here for you when the dust settles. In the meantime, know you are all in our thoughts and prayers.
I am glad your are well and up and running. I thought you changed the blog address and didn't tell me! Brenda and I both express our condolences on your Grandmother's passing. Though we know it is for the best and she is with our Lord it is still hard to let go. Those memories and life experiences cannot be taken away, and they live on in you. May her light shine gloriously thru you!
ReplyDeleteGod Bless and safe travel.
I am so sorry about the loss of your Grandmother. She sounds like an amazing woman. Hopefully her memory will live on through you. Beautiful tribute.
ReplyDeleteI am really sorry to hear about your grandma, my thoughts are with you. She sounded like an amazing woman, they don't come along like that very often. It is obvious she lived a good, long life and was very special to you and left you with lots of memories.
ReplyDeleteI am sorry to hear about the computer issues, we all face them at some time. We'll hear from ya when the dust settles, - and we'll be here waiting! ;)
TJ, Betty's hoping to be the kind of grandmother that you described. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteDan
A great big hug because even though she may have passed easily, I'll bet you will always miss her like I do my Grandma.
ReplyDeletewow, so sorry for your loss, it sounds like you and your grandma were very similar people, and she sounds like an amazing woman. Love ya lady
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry for your loss. Your grandmother sounds like she was a remarkable woman and a fantastic role model. I am sure that she was very proud of you for following her example.
ReplyDeleteBest of luck with the computer. The darn things will drive a person nuts.
You guys take care and we will be anxiously waiting for you to come back.
Hi TJ, It was great to see you at great grandma's funeral today. I too remember have been remembering all the goodness of Great Grandpa and Grandma in the mountains. Remember the exubrant waves good-bye from grandma and grandpa when it was time to leave? They always smiled and waved so big that I could feel their love and warmness. I can remember how their home smelled of the pine and a fresh burning fire in the winter months. The feeling of their home was always one of warmth and comfort. I LOVED going to Great Grandma in the mountains; especially for the holidays. And what about her berry cobbler and vanilla ice-cream; she would go to the fenced in berry patch, pick berries and come in a whip up a cobbler. I would love one of her cobblers again. I remember the screened in back porch where she would cook in the summers to keep the house cool.
ReplyDeleteI know it was for the best that Grandma pass on but I will remember her example and hope to be as strong as she was. TJ, you are living like Great Grandma and Grandpa would be proud of. Enjoy your homestead. Janell
So sorry grammy passed. It's a loss that no one feels exactly the same way as you - you are the only one who had the relationship with her that you did. That's a pretty special thing that has provided me some wonderment in dealing with my mom's passing and Jim's mom passing (it's still hard to say and acknowledge that they have really passed on!). We all have unique and treasured relationships with one another. What a true blessing that is!! Love you, my friend!!!
ReplyDeleteWhat a woman! I cannot imagine digging my own cellar now, and I'm only 37! That was a beautiful post! Praying for you.
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