I’ve been thinking about this post for a while now, but I’m finding it hard to write. I think that’s partly because it’s not really my story, partly because it’s emotional. But there are things I want to say, so here goes.
Brian’s maternal grandmother, Nonnie, died recently. I didn’t know her all that well. In fact, I’d only met her once, when Brian and I had been married for about a year, and before I was pregnant with Kalena. I did keep in touch with her though. I get pictures of the kids regularly (1/3/6/9/12/18 months and then on birthdays) and send them out to relatives, so between sending out pictures and Christmas cards, and the occasional message on Facebook we were in contact several times a year. Brian was close to her, and called her regularly to talk.
When Daniel was born, Nonnie was especially supportive. She called and talked to us both, encouraged us, and reassured us about the things to come. See, Nonnie knew what we were going through, because she has a son who is mentally handicapped. The things she had to say meant a lot to us. She was excited for us to have Daniel and thrilled at all the great information and help we were already getting. I often find it easy to dismiss what people say to us about Daniel, since they haven’t been in our situation. So it was great to have Nonnie, for advice, for reassurance, for stories. And now she’s gone. And I don’t think I’m eloquent enough to say just how much we’ll miss her.
Oh, I am sorry.
I’m sorry. It sounds like she would have been (and was!) a wonderful great-grandmother to Daniel.
I am so sorry that she died, but it is wonderful that you guys had someone to talk with even just a few times who could truly relate. xoxo
She sounded like a wonderful woman. I love how she reached out to you in a meaningful way when Daniel was born.
I’m sorry she’s gone.
I am so very sorry for your family’s loss. She sounds like a treasure.
Maybe she stuck around long enough to be able to give you guys the advice and reassurance that you needed. I’m sorry that she’s gone. 😦
I am sorry for your loss. Nonnie sounds like a great lady.
Oh, I’m sorry you lost this special lady, especially since she won’t get to see Daniel and the amazing job I am sure you guys will do parenting him.
I tell you, almost six years later I have crystal clear memories of the people who were (sometimes unexpectedly) kind and compassionate after Pacey was born. The not-so-great stuff faded away, but there are words people shared that will go with me to my grave.
I think you told the story perfectly.