last week, my great aunt who was 101 years old…passed away.
101 is quite an accomplishment.
she didn't have grandchildren so for the 10 years we lived close to her in illinois, she got to play that role for us.
i always brought the kids over in their halloween costumes.
we spent several Easters with her.
she'd set up a little egg hunt in her living room.
we would stop by her house for a surprise when we were visiting craig at his office.
she saved things for my kids that she'd find on her walks…like feathers or neat rocks.
we'd walk around the pond behind her house and she'd get so nervous my little ones were going to fall in.
she was ALWAYS amazed that Craig would change diapers or feed the babies. :)
she was a huge jayhawk fan.
always a kansas girl even though she lived in illinois over 50 years!
she was spunky and stubborn but always treated me so kindly and i knew she loved me.
until recently we had written letters back and forth every month since we moved to kansas.
i love writing and receiving her letters.
i traveled up to chicago for her 100th party.
at her birthday party last year she said "thank you all for coming….i wouldn't wish this on anyone"
that was her personality.
we should've known she'd say something like that.
this week i am traveling again but this time to her funeral….celebration of life cermony is a better term.
my dad and mom and i are drove the 10+hours up to her home in Illinois.
we will be helping her son pack up her estate,
attending her service,
and saying goodbye to that part of my life.
it's always an emotional thing to close something down forever.
never seeing her.
never hearing her.
never giving one last hug.
never going to that house again.
it's part of life too….feeling those feelings….honoring a loved one's wishes….paying your respect.
i will miss her.
she was funny even when she didn't try to be.
she made me feel good about myself.
she always said i was a good mother.
that meant something.
you can bet i will be instagramming my way through the midwest and while in hinsdale, Illinois.
i hope to get at least one meal with chicago jen.
i hope to blog too….but who knows…i am pretty sure she didn't have wifi hooked up to her typewriter. :)
do you have a special person like this in your life?
do you need to write them a letter?
right now?
its now or never people….get on it…let someone know today the things you appreciate about them.
before you can't any more.
Mike - 101 is a amazing accomplishment. What was her secret to living so long?
erin - so sorry to hear about your great Aunt.
I see Waffle in a couch pillow in the last picture! so you know you’re family was always with her!!
Melanie - What a wonderful tribute to your great-aunt. I remember your posting & pictures from her 100th birthday last year. How blessed you were to have her in your life! Hinsdale, IL…not too far from me – less than an hour drive.
Talysa - So sorry for your loss friend. I’ve so enjoyed reading about her life and how it influenced yours. Thank you for sharing her with us. Your family will be in my prayers.
Agnieszka - Loved this post. Such a beautiful tribute! She sounds like a great person. Sorry for your loss 🙁
Teresa - I grew up in Hinsdale, I wonder if knew your aunt. My mom owned a gift store in town so I would’t be surprised if our paths crossed. How lucky you are to have had such a great influence. May you and your family feel peace at this time.
C.M.A. - I have been reading your blog for just a few months but this is my first time commenting. Your aunt sounds fabulous. I lost my grandma when I was 14. Too young to really grasp what I was losing… My mom, now 67, told me it was a couple of years before she stopped reaching for the phone to tell my grandma something.
marla - This post is so beautiful in every single way 🙂
Sara - I lost my grandmother, who was 95, and my fiancee’s father, who was 60, on the same day last November. I know how you feel when you talk about never being able to talk to them, visit them, or just sit with them and enjoy their company. I hold on to the memories I have of both of them and know that they are in a better place. We had a celebration of life for my fiancee’s dad and it was wonderful. There were many tears but there were just as many laughs.
My thoughts go out to you and your family during this sad time.
Julie Silcock - What a wonderful lady. My grandmother passed away last week and we just had her funeral (celebration of life ) yesterday. You learn so much about them that you didn’t know at these. My thoughts are with you.
julia - I love that last picture of your great aunt.
I think it’s interesting what she said at her 100th.
Lorel - beautifully said Meg! Wish I was there with you all.
emily hope - So very sorry for the loss of your sweet Auntie – what a treasure to have had her in your lives! blessings to you as you celebrate her life & what she meant to all of you 🙂
Tracey - The link I just left doesn’t seem to be working. Sorry – I can’t seem to figure out how to fix it. 🙁
Tracey - I am so sorry for your loss! I also had someone special in my life – my Papaw. He passed away a few years ago. My sweet husband, who is so good with words – wrote a beautiful article and I wanted to share:http://thenichols-tracey.blogspot.com/2009/07/memorial.html. You are in my thoughts and prayers as you walk through this grieving time.
Midwest Magnolia - Melissa Lewis - So special. Thank you so much for sharing and reminding us to actively love the ones we love. Praying for your family during this time!
tara pollard pakosta - so sorry for your loss, sounds like she was an AMAZING woman!
tara
Aby Gittings - So sorry for your loss Meg. She sounds like a character! I love that! What wonderful memories you must have and I can’t imagine the joy you and your family brought to her! Thanks for the advice… I’m going to write my Mom now.
TAB - I am so happy you have those sweet memories. I am sorry for your loss.
Amber L Peters - I’m so sorry for your loss.
Ryanne - HI Meg,
I never comment. But I came to your site to find some inspiration today, and I found it. Bless you Aunt.
Angela - I just wish I had your private email to share how well i know these feelings, well enough not to make it public because my Mama would spank me at, even at 42. I wish you well, she too (your aunt) would want you to be well and I love that you know and respect our elders.
cheryl @ a pretty cool life. - So sorry, Meg.
“I wouldn’t wish this on anyone.” Hilarious.
And Hinsdale!!! That’s my hometown! Best place on earth!!
denise@victory rd - c.s. lewis said, “i am a soul, i have a body,” praise God our souls will live with him forever in glory and in his love “better than life.” i pray this is a blessed celebration time for you and your family.
Jacqui - Yes! I feel your pain. I recently celebrated the lives of my nan and pa.. both very close to 100 years old and both gone within 4 months of each other. They were married 71 years. I have really started to miss nan again and after reading your blog I have decided to hold a craft night with my mum, sis, best friend and aunt. I know nan would like this. No one could knit like her. My kids still wear her knits. I’m planning on making some thank you gifts for my guests with some special tribute dedicated to nanna’s! The grief is hard but in some ways I feel they gave me enough love to last my lifetime. I also think of all the loss they would experienced living to such an age and they still managed to keep such a great sense of humour. That keeps me going xox
Jacqui (Australia)
Maureen - Love this post. Love how much you love your family, all of the extended as well. Funny to think of you in Hinsdale where I live. Hope you get to see your friend Jen. Also you should check out the store Vintage Charm in LaGrange if you have the time. My favorite, tell them Maureen sent you.
Bloom in the Details - What a wonderful tribute. She looks amazing at 100!! How special to have someone like that in your life. Her memories with your kids will last forever:)
Jessie Lynn @Bloominthedetails
Lori Austin - What sweet, special memories you have.
Sounds like she was one fantastic lady.
Thoughts and prayers during this time for you all.
Carrie - I was in an Olive Garden the first time I knew that my husband’s granny was something really special. She was like 86 or 87 at the time and I was alone with her for a few minutes. She leaned over and said ” thank goodness they left, have you checked out that waiter’s back side, it’s something alright”. I laughed so hard. She is now 95 and she has suffered in her memory and health recently. She just moved into a nursing home and true to her spirit is having the time of her life, honestly! I love granny even if she is not my own. My 4 year old adores her. When she was 2 Granny was in the hospital for Christmas and even though she was just 2, she became teary eyed at the dinner table and wanted Granny to be there. She tried to nurse off of her when she was about 6 months old. Granny told her ” sweety, these wells have been dry for decades”, that cracked me up. When so many people looked at me funny for cloth diapering ( even though my girls get hives and burns from disposables), Granny made me feel awesome one day when I pulled out some and she said ” oh you have real diapers, so much better then those stupid paper ones”. She had no clue that in a time in which I was questioning everything I did as new parent, that a simple remark like that really boosted me! We are going to have to say goodbye to her I know at some point, hopefully not too soon as she is honestly having a ball at her new home.
Thank you for letting me share.
Amy @ Little for a Little While - so sorry for your loss. She sounds like one heck of an amazing woman. I’m loving all the instagram pics, hope you are able to take home some of her treasures to remember her by. Hugs!
Patty - There is a lot of living to be done in 101 years. We should all be so fortunate. A wonderful tribute, Meg.
Cindy - I nearly cried. What a blessing!
Kimberlee Jost - I am so glad that you are there.
Be fully present, then come home safely to us.
I love you, friend.
happygirl - 101 is such a long life. Even when expected, death is a blow. It’s so final. You were a sweet great niece and I know she is blessed to be with her father in heaven. 🙂
Rachel B. - What a beautiful post. So sorry for your loss. My husband’s Grami lived to be 96. Your aunt reminds me a lot of her.
Chris - So sorry for your loss. May she rest in peace….
Rach - Love that last picture. Seems to capture her perfectly. 101 is a good life for sure. A celebration indeed.
kerry - Oh Meg, I’m so sorry for your loss 🙁 101 years is a phenomenal lifetime, I hope I get to live that long and have a lovely family around me, as she did.
Big hugs to you all.
Kerry xxxxxx
Rosemary - What a beautiful life your grandmother lived. My condolences to your family.
Safe travels Meg! I look forward to your instagramming in Hinsdale. You’re in for some interesting weather out here…
Valerie @ Chateau A La Mode - What a beautiful post Meg. Thankfully you have a heart full of beautiful memories of her, but still we always miss our loved ones even if they get to live to be 101. You truly know what life is all about, the people we love and then loving on them. God bless your heart this week Meg. I will keep you in my prayers xoxo
Tiffany - A celebration of life is right, 101 is an impressive feat. I went to a celebration of life a few weeks ago and I got a little choked up, but they were happy tears, celebrating life, i left a better person. And there is something so sentimental about our elders and how they lose their filters and say any and everything, what a blessing they are. Thanks for sharing (and now can i add the turquoise necklace you wore at the 100 party is very pretty, i didn’t “read” your blog then but thought you should know)
Georgia - Ohhh Meg so sorry to hear that, what a fantastic ceremony it will be though, 101 years is incredible! I wish you all the best, and support for sorting her house out, i can imagine how hard it will be (Plus she is probably in heaven looking down thinking.. i wonder where that had gone!) lol
lovely post made me tear up.. xx
Tanya H - So sorry for your loss. My mom is spending the entire month of June clearing out her parents house after the death of my grandmother. No easy task. Safe travels to you, and enjoy the celebration of her life!
Kate - Oh Meg. I am so very, very sorry for your loss. My grandmother (mom’s mom) has been very sick and I am heading to Texas this weekend to just spend some time with her. It will be so good just to sit and hold her hand.
chris - Oh may she rest in peace . 101 is so amazing , my Grandfather just celebrated 100 and moved into a new apt , its amazing.
Kristin - So sorry for your loss. She looks like an amazing women!
roganne - i’m so sorry for your loss. i hope that you find comfort in reliving your memories with her. safe travels 🙂
Molly - My mother passed away last month and my girls and I just got back from 18 days away burying her, celebrating her life, packing up her house, taking things to consignment,having an estate sale, etc. It’s hard work. And it’s hard going through all the memories of things you remember growing up, finding homes for the items, reliving the personal memories attached to them and for me, to my mother’s home, where I stayed a lot. Sending lots of prayers your way as you remember this special woman in your life. Molly
amy jupin - this post…these photos…especially the one with you looking at her holding your pillow you made for her…
it just slayed me.
i am glad you are taking the trip with your parents.
good memories to be had.
be careful.
and give chicago jen a HUGE hug from me.
xo.
Michelle B. - I am blessed to have had 2 very special people like her, my Grandma’s Gert and Berneice. Miss them like crazy and miss all those “little” things that I have learned are really the “big” things….the smell of grandma’s cooking, her perfume, her smile and her eyes and the softness of her skin, the way she set the table for EVERY meal, her left-over’s tasted GOURMET, their love for me that was so evident, I didn’t have to do anything but walk in the door and it was like they won the lottery (everyone should be made to feel like that : )…..the little words of wisdom that they spoke…out of their life’s experiences….I miss them so much. UGH…tears. Blessings to you and your family : )
Leah - So sorry for your loss, Meg! It’s so hard to lose such a special person. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Andrea - Meg, I am so sorry for your losss. Enjoy your time in Illinois with family and Chicago Jen…..safe travels.
Dani - Precious memories! Prayers for you and your family. I remembered the post about her b-day party. She seemed like an incredible woman. Have a safe trip!
Alice H - Made me cry. She looked like a wonderful woman. My grandma is this special person to me.
mae - Love this. What a beautiful, beautiful tribute.
Handbags*n*Pigtails - We just buried our beloved Pastor on Sunday, Father’s Day. He was 87 and an old Englishman. It hit me really hard that day although we’d all been in a flurry of activity for over a week preparing for around 350 guests who were arriving to stay at the church(which is also a Bible School and publishing house). He was like the Godly grandfather I’ve never had from either side of my family and when they lowered him into the ground a piece of me went with him.
I know he is whole now and rejoicing in Heaven with his sweet wife but wow…when someone leaves this earth its felt in a deep way down here.
My deepest sympathies for the loss of this sweet lady.
jen - your post has brought me to tears…i have many letters like that to write but they are already long gone to read them…maybe i will do them just the same. and i should call my dad for fathers day. thank you for the glimpse into what seemed like a real firecracker and i am so sorry to hear of her passing. xo
chrissi - what a wonderful post. what a celebration of life. i love the photo of you and your aunt at her birthday party. she looks like a treasure. how lucky you are to have had her in your life. when i lose someone special i always imagine the wonderful celebration that they are having in heaven. just imagine the celebration she must be enjoying.
Leadia Jarvis - My grandma, who passed at 94 lived the same way and brought such joy to our lives. My sympathies on your loss.
And…Hinsdale, IL? That is right next door to Western Springs where I grew up! Small world. If you pass Crystal Lake on your way back, honk!
april - So sorry for your loss friend. I remember the sweet post you wrote when you celebrated her birthday last year. She is at peace now with the Lord……xoxo
Kirsten J - Ok. This is what my friend calls a “God breeze”. I need to call my favorite Auntie Linda and see if she can join us at the Oregon Coast tthis summer. My kids shoul know her, and she’s only 15 years older than me, so chances are THEIR kids will know her. I have tears in my eyes – enjoy the celebration!
Jana Banana - I’m so sorry for your loss, she sounds like an amazing lady. Hoping you have safe travels. Thanks for the reminder to let people know how much they mean to us now vs. later.
Jana Banana - I’m so sorry for your loss. She sounds like an amazing lady. Hoping you have safe travels. Thanks for the reminder to tell people how important they are to us now vs. later.
Patti Mullican - I’m sorry for your loss and hope you will continue to treasure these sweet memories. Praying for safe travel for you and your family and comfort for her son. Time goes by much too quickly when we procrastinate telling those we love how much so. Thanks for the reminder.
rae - so sorry to hear this. but wow, 101! that really is something to celebrate!
tiffany gardner - I remember your post about her 100th birthday and it was touching. You’re right… it is a celebration of life! 101 years…such a celebration!! Your blog brings such joy to me and even today on a sad entry… you remind us to live in the moment and love our life! Thank you… my fav blog girl!!
Kimberly Dial - So sorry to hear about your Aunt … thanks for the reminder … safe journey my friend 🙂
karen gerstenberger - Dear Meg, I am sorry for your loss, but also thankful for your auntie’s presence in your life (and your family’s life) for so many years! She sounds like she was a real character. God bless you with comfort, love and peace as you travel to her home – you’ll be on a sentimental, as well as a physical, journey.
sheryl - So sorry for your loss. The way you wrote about her was perfect she sounded like such a fire cracker! What a great life she had!! 🙂 I will be visiting Naperville IL this week too from GA. Have a safe time!
Katie - ok. I’m bawling.
Sorry for your loss, Meg.
Penny - Meg,
I am so sorry about the passing of your beautiful Aunt. You certainly have a way with words, that was a great tribute. I am sure you were a source of joy and pride to your Aunt. She sounds like such a caring person, much like you. Take care on your trip to her celebration of life. And what a wonderful 101 years!
Penny - Jennifer,
I am so sorry that you are going through this rough time. Cherish these last weeks with your Mom. I will say a prayer for peace for your family.
Jennifer Parks - This post brought tears to my eyes. My grandmother was very special to me she passed a few years back unexpectedly. Now, its my mother’s turn. She was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in January officially, she only has a few more weeks left with us. I don’t look forward to her passing as we are very close, I agree with the forever thing, its very hard to think about. I’m sorry for your loss, she seemed to be an amazing woman who lived a wonderful life.
Chantelle GivenMuch - Your sweet aunt sounds a lot like my grammy – 94 and still kickin’. 🙂 Thank your for this reminder to enjoy her while I can. ((hug)) I’m very sorry about your loss.
what inspires you - Absolutely Lovely! Thanks for sharing! Glad I found this space.
the domestic fringe - This is a such a beautiful post and tribute to your aunt. It made me get all teary-eyed. I’m so sorry for your loss. It’s wonderful that you have so many fond memories and that your children got to spend time with her. Travel safe.
~FringeGirl
Jessie Hurst - I’m basically sobbing right now. Although I’m pregnant and extremely hormonal this brought me to a different level of tears. My sweet Mama has always been my biggest cheerleader and fan and is now suffering from dementia. It’s so hard because I miss those conversations and hearing her sweet words of wisdom. I know she knows I love her but it is so hard to watch the ones you love and your hero grow old!
Rachel J - Im’ so sorry for your loss Megalicious! I know how hard it is. We are going thru the same thing, packing up my grandparents house. They live in Hoffman Estates IL. I was there for 2 weeks and just got back last week! Imagine only being 30 minutes from you! I will be praying for you guys and all the emotions surrounding this time. God bless you guys!
Kelly - This is a beautiful way to honor your aunt. That last picture is stunning & your words were so heartfelt! I hope you feel the Lord’s peace as you celebrate her life with your family this week.
Sarah - Love this post. What a wonderful woman she sounds like and such a long life! I’m sure your trip will be emotional and tiring but worth it. I need to do more for my grandparents that live in the same town as I do…thanks for the reminder! Hope you have a safe trip!
Stephany - I am sorry for your loss.
She sounds like she was an amazing woman.
Regina - Beautifully written! Thanks for the reminder to keep in touch as our moments to do so truly are fleeting, huh? What a wonderful tribute to her! And yes, you ARE indeed a good mother. 🙂
Mary - You just brought a girl that is tough as nails to tears, my friend! Oh my gosh, I loved this post. I am so sorry to hear of your loss, but soooo happy to hear of your appreciation for her. Women like her are just so rare and special. Such a wonderful tribute!
Mary
Gretchen - You are right about celebrating her life. She sounds like she was a wonderful woman! The closing up part is so true, and it is difficult. It was hard when my husband passed, and my son and I had to go through his things. What do you keep and what gets donated? So hard. It sounds like she had a wonderful time hear, but God has called her home. She will always be in your heart, and will forever be watching over you. Prayers for safe travels, and smiles when you think of her.
Kim Barlow - Same..crying..may the wonderful memories you have of times spent with her warm your heart and bring you joy.
God Bless,
Kim Barlow
Whitney - Megan, so sorry for your loss… This brings back a lot of memories for me as I had a wonderful and dear great aunt who lived to 109… It is amazing to hear the stories of a life spanning so many generations and experiences. What a wonderful tribute your post is.
jen s - I am so sorry to hear of your aunt’s passing. Sounds like she was a wonderful, spunky lady! No doubt there will be trips down memory lane while here in Chicago! As a personal side, you’re in my hometown! My mom is still there and we were just there last night! Enjoy that beautiful town!
northern cottage - this post made me cry…a happy good cry mixed with some sad! She looked fabulous (not her amazing age – talk about aging gracefully) I lost my mom not too long ago and she REMINDS me of her…so thank you for the little glimmer, the memories flooding back…the love! so very sorry for your loss! xo