I know that this blog is all about cards and crafts but I thought since I consider everyone who reads my blog friends I thought I would share another hobby and a personal story that goes with it. Today marks a year since my grandmother died. Although I am sad thinking about her absence I also want to celebrate her life.
She was a women of strength, love, and above all dignity. She raised 14 children with the smallest of all necessities yet they all grew up to be responsible and respectable people. She was a better women than I will ever be.
Along with paper crafts I love photography. I am no expert but I love capturing special moments so they can always be remembered. I am still learning and trying to improve my work but I believe "practice is the best of all instructors"
These pictures were taken a few weeks before she passed. There is a remarkable story behind them that is worth sharing. In the months before these pictures grandma was slowly declining in health and her memory cloudier than ever. We all knew the inevitable was coming so as a family we all visited her as much as possible. One day she woke up extremely alert and decided she wanted to make everyone her famous chicken soup. Much to our surprise she knew everyone's name and she started to reminisce about the past. She was happy and it was as if she was years younger. She would get up without any help and start chopping veggies. She also requested to have a priest come and give her communion. So after making many phone calls all the family (we are talking about LOTS of people) along with the priest came over to have lunch. It was the strangest thing, its as if the soup had no end and even though she made one pot there was enough for ALL of us to share. Then we all prayed and she was given communion. I truly believe that was grandma's final goodbye to everyone because the next day her shine and strength went away and she did not even remember the gathering we had. She died peacefully a few weeks later but I know her spirit still lives on.
I call this one "The Hands Of Time"
I call this one "The Hands Of Time"
30 comments:
Die Bilder sind wunderschön und die Geschichte außergewöhnlich. Es hat mich tief berührt. Ich dachte in Erinnerung an meine Tante. Sie hatte keine Kinder und ich mochte sie sehr.
Martina
Grandma was german? My grandma was german too. It is the hardest thing to watch them loose track of the people they love, not remember names, dates, etc. As my grandmother began losing track of things she began remembering alot of the terrible days in concentration camps. It was very sad to know that she was remembering such hard, devestating times.
Your photos are incredible. I love photography too but have completely slacked on it! Thanks for sharing your story.
What a beautiful story - AND an example of God's wonderful mercy - to give your Grandma back to you for one final goodbye. I do hope you have this story written down to share with future generations.
What a touching story thank you so much. I love the first picture as it reminds me of when I use to help me grandmother make apple pies.
I'm truly sorry for your loss. My grandma died a year ago this March and I miss her more than I thought I could ever miss anyone.
Thank you Ana for celebrating your precious Grandmother with us. The pictures are glimpses of what must have been a blessed day for your family. Our Lord is so good at meeting us right where we are and giving us these precious memories to take along with us. Blessings and joy to you today as you recall each memory of your grandmother.
what a touching story. The neverending soup reminds me of the story in the bible of Jesus feeding thousands with only a few loaves and fishes. You had your own miracle that day. Blessings to you as you remember your Grandma. mnhyrkas
This is absolutely amazing. I only wish that I had this special memory of my grandparents. I cried through the entire thing. Great job. SSSOOOOO incredible.
Dawn
Thank you for sharing such a special person with us. It's good you have such special memories of her. And as you say, her spirit lives on.
I really like your photos. They are very well done!
Sprichst du deutsch?
So sorry for your loss but so happy that you have these wonderful photos to accompany your memories! You're obviously a treasured Granddaughter! Love your blog, btw.
Wonderful story; wonderful pictures... the photos really moved me. I miss my grandmother so much too!
Very touching story. Awesome photographs...those are things to treasure forever. Thanks for sharing your passions with us!
Ana, those are beautiful pictures and thank you for sharing that story with us. I am sitting here with tears in my eyes. I have lost not only my grandparents, but both my parents as well, and the hurt never completely goes away. The pictures you have taken celebrate her life in a beautiful way, enjoy your memories of her, and don't forget to scrapbook or journal this story of God's loving grace and miracles.
amazing..
what a lovely story and photos to match..
I know you are a scrapbooker.. so get this story down- these are the important ones. you just did your journaling... how sweet!
That is so beautiful. Thank you for sharing. I am very happy your family could have that with her.
beautiful story and pictures! thank you for sharing both!!
It is 7:31am and my kids have just left fo school. I have tears in my eyes reading your Grandma's story. Thank you for sharing with us. Today is Groundhog's Day and would have been my Grandma's birthday, she's been gone for over 30 years, vegetable soup, apple pie and banana bread were her specialties! Michelle Mallett
Beautiful thoughts memories and breath taking pictures. Simplicity never meant so much did it? Blessings for your days with your grandmother. KimK
Oh my gosh. Your story has me sitting here in tears. My grandma and I were very close. Your grandma reminds me of her. The pictures of your grandmothers hands just made me smile. Thank you for this incredible gift today. Your photographs are wonderful.
Shelley
Thank you so much for sharing that wonderful story Ana. *hugs*
Lisa Strahl
Your story about your Grandmother is very beautiful. I hope you will preserve it in a scrapbook for future generations.
Thank you for sharing your story. My grandmother was a huge part of my life & even though she's been gone for many years now, part of her is with me everyday.
Ana, your story and photos touched me so much. I even saved that blog as a favorite so I could go back and back to it. So inspirational. You could be a professional photographer....you are a very talented woman in so many ways. I, too, was very close to my grandmother. We have a Christmas picture of our entire extended family when I was five years old. I am sitting on my grandmother's lap (she was probably in her 70's) and the smile on my face says it all. I was in the lap of someone who loved me so much and she in turn was my everything. Thanks so much for sharing your story.
What a sweet/sorrowful story. Your photos are awesome. Even though they are very personal to you, I think you should enter them in some photography contest.
The picture of your grandma peeling an apple brought goose bumps up on my arms! It so reminded me of my grandma. What a precious and beautiful tribute to your grandma. Thank you for sharing.
Very touching and remarkable pictures! Love your blog and try to visit daily!
Thank you for sharing your special Grandma and her special story with us. My *Grammy* was the most special person in my whole life. She has been gone for 35 years and I remember her so clearly and still miss her deeply. I am glad you all had that day with her. What an awesome time together. Your photos are breathtaking.
What a special moment and memory...thanks for sharing!
Today is the first time I have come across your blog. I too lost my grandma last year and this Holiday season was tough, your story caught my eye but the pictures... it was like stepping back in time. Its incredible how death is so familiar when each story is told. It seems to have a distinct pattern and although we have never experienced it before we know when the time is near. I know how you feel about losing your grandma, mine was like my mother. ITs difficult but they live on within us and as your son frows you will see little things that your son does that will remind you of her, and you will see she is never far away.
CHerish your memories...
what special pics! I have tears in my eyes from reading this, I was too young when my grandparents passed to be this insightful, but now that my parents are at this stage..I'll be sure to take these kinds of pics of them!! TFS
Cindi
:)
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