Both of my Betty Lou's are gone now from this earthly life. My grandmother, my mom's mom, is Betty Lou Johns and passed away in February of 1998. Chris' grandmother, Betty Lou Ammon passed away on July 21st of 2008. I loved grandma Ammon. When Chris and I moved back to Oregon after going to school out there we moved in with his parents on Mt. Tom in the Coburg Hills. Grandma was living there at the time. I was pregnant with Emma at the time and not working. So during the day everyone would leave for work except me and grandma. Those were the days when I had ample time to read, write in my journal and visit with grandma. We would sit for hours and just talk and talk and before we knew it someone would be coming home from work. I learned all about her life in California and her sisters and one brother who were very dear to her and she would tell me stories from when she was growing up. I was also the biggest fan of her turkey soup. She would take Makenzie on walks to the end of the driveway. Makenzie would look forward to those walks everyday.
Her death came unexpectedly. She has always been relatively healthy and lives in her own home independently. So when Donna (Chris' mom) took her in for her routine blood transfusion that she would have every 9 months or so nothing was thought of it. Donna expected to come back, see a revived grandma with more color in her cheeks and take her for some ice cream before taking her home. That's not what happened. She never ended up leaving the hospital. A few days later she was gone. She went into heart failure during the transfusion.
I know that grandma is happier now. She had been very sad the past two months since her last sister had passed away in May. She told me often how much she missed her and I know that now she is with all of her sisters and parents and is rejoicing. I'm grateful that when we pass from this earthly life all is not lost. What a wonderful plan our Heavenly Father has given us. To be able to live again with those we love. I'm happy for you grandma but I will miss you and your turkey soup.
Grandma as a child
Grandma with Chris and Melissa and Carissa.
17 comments:
I'm so sorry about your loss. My grandparents all died before I was born, so Bryan's grandparents have been mine as well. I can't imagine losing either of them. I hope you are doing okay.
I'm so sorry to hear about that! It sounds like you had an amazing bonding time with her, which is awesome.
What a neat relationship you had with her. That would be so wonderful to spend so much time and get to know her like that. I'm so sorry to hear that she passed. The first thing I thought of when I read it, was about the lesson I just read in the Joseph Smith manuel. It is chapt. 14, Words of hope and consolation at the time of Death. It was a beautiful lesson and I know you will find comfort in reading it.
If you ever need a shoulder to cry on or just someone to talk to I'm here.
Thank you so much for all of your help. It's been so hard being so far away and feeling so useless in helping mom. Thank you so much for being there for her especially considering how hard this must be on you because you were so close with Grandma. Thank you!
I'm so sorry about your loss. It was neat to read this tribute to her and to hear about your special relationship you had with her.
Your Grandmother sounds like an amazing Betty Lou. I can't get enough of that awesome little girl picture of her. It is adorable.
I'm sorry to hear about the passing of such a special person in your life. I could feel the love you had for her as you wrote about the time you were able to spend with her. What a special time.
Hope you are doing well. Sending you my love.
What a wonderful tribute to her. She seemed like a great lady. Sorry to hear of your loss but just knowing she is back with her family is a wonderful blessing
I met a lady at the hospital a couple days ago who had the name Betty Lou. I just thought, there will always be a Betty Lou! I am glad we got to go see her. Good for you for listening to the promtings to visit.
I love the times is our lives when we can visit with our elderly relatives. It just calms us down and they tell the most amazing stories. I'm glad you were able to have some time with Betty Lou. Paula
I love the times is our lives when we can visit with our elderly relatives. It just calms us down and they tell the most amazing stories. I'm glad you were able to have some time with Betty Lou. Paula
What a wonderful tribute. I am sorry for your loss. I also have a Grandma Betty...happy memories.
Our prayers are with you! How wonderful that you have your fond memories!!
That was a beautiful post, D. Great pictures and good memories. Thanks for sharing.
Wow, that is so great you had such a close relationship with her. Sorry for your loss. My grandparents have all been dead for many years but I think about them everyday.
Thank you for being such a part of her life. She was such a wonderful person who cared so very deeply for everyone and always took care of us all!!! Please let everyone know that I am so sorry for the loss of Grandma. Years have passed since we last spoke but I have always loved and will always cherish my grandma penny.
Carisa?!
It's been years. I would love to get in touch again.
Uncle Russ also passed away last year and we've been trying to find you. My mom has some effects for you.
You can reach us at Darilyn's email: dlyn at hotmail dot com.
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