Sad for Kids

This will be a short blog but I just have to write something. I am so sad today for my children. Last June, they lost their Grandfather to Alzheimer's. It was a blessing in a way as this man had been so vibrant and interactive his whole life. He was a man who loved meeting people and although I have not been a part of the family for over 10 years, I will always remember him as one who was happiest when he was with family and friends. He loved to talk and joke.

In August, less than 2 months later, my mother passed away unexpectedly. No one saw it coming and it was quite a shock. She was one who loved her family more than anything. Although she and I had a rough start in my early years and during the first years of my marriage to the kids' father, we had made our peace. I had just seen her in July and had enjoyed my visit with her more than I could say. My kids lost the grandmother who was always cooking for them and trying to find the one thing that she could do that would make them the happiest. She was not a physically affectionate woman but she loved deeply all the same.

Now, a little over 2 months later, they are losing their maternal grandmother. She has given up on life and made the choice to stop eating and drinking. She just could not face life without her husband and the rest of her family was not able to motivate her to keep going. We have just heard that it will be just a few days now and she will be with him once again. I was not fond of my ex mother in law but she loved the kids. When they were little she loved to take them up to the gazebo and have "picnics". She loved coming to Chandler to visit with them and always wanted to play with them or hear what was going on in their lives. It will be a sad day when they hear that she has left this Earth and I am so sorry for that. I wish I could spare them the pain of losing yet another grandparent.

The good thing is that my dad seems to be doing well. He misses Mom but he keeps going. I think he does not see himself sticking around for 10 or 20 years but I also do not think he will be passing until his health has failed. He is out with friends, visiting on the phone with others, trying to do some things around the house that he has always enjoyed doing, cooking for my brother in law when he comes it, etc. For that I am grateful as my children need a break from losing their grandparents so closely together.