rest in peace

Today we laid my great grandma to rest next to her best friend and husband of 62 years. She died two weeks ago on the EXACT same date as my grandpa (though 13 years later)- such a crazy coincidence! I still can't believe she's gone and I'm still kind of wondering how I might begin to move on from this. She was such an amazing person and touched so many people over her life of 89 years. The easiest thing for me to focus on right now is channeling her love and kindness in hopes of just beginning to be as wonderful as she was to those around me.

I've spent a lot of time with my family going through old photographs, letters, cards, relevant newspapers her and grandpa saved from the 50s, 60s, 70s. I'm really thankful to have these things as a reminder of the full, loving lives they lived, and in a way it is making her passing easier. The bond & deep, enduring love she shared with my great grandpa is evident in every single photo of the two of them. Right now I'm taking comfort in the thought that the two of them are together again, and what I wrote about her HERE is that much more poignant. And in answer to my questions about what kept her going when the love of her life was gone- us. Me, my mom, my grandma and grandpa. She stuck around for us all these years. I am so happy she was with us for as long as she was.

She longed to be with my grandpa every day of her life once he passed. As she got closer to the end, she was tired, and wanted to 'go home.' I know she's there now, wherever that may be, and not a day will pass where I don't think about her. I really thought she would live forever! Cherish who you have friends, you just never know.

 Last summer. Love and shnuggs and a country drive!

 Oh just bein in love with Gpa! He always had his arm around her. So sweet.

 Four generations- me, mom, Great Gma & Great Great Gma Patterson on the left. 

 Five generations! My grandma Loya is in this one on the right.

 PAL PARTY! With my biological dad in the middle.

 A shuffleboard queen! Her and gpa had a room full of trophies and plaques. Badasses.

 They went to Yuma every winter. Just bein snowbirds!

 My gpa and cousin Mike built this back patio. I love how 70s this looks!

 Posing in what would later be a garden, and Gma in front of some flowers. My gpa won top prizes at the county fair for his gorgeous flowers each year.

 I want a camper! Seriously. They went camping and hunting ALL THE TIME. I would love to be able to drive up to Canada or wherever and just park my lil trailer and HANG.

 My gma Loya, mom, great gma and my grandpa (gma Loya's husband).

Gma Hicks with my mom when she was just a week old.

 Christmas one morning when Gma Loya was just a girl! Cuties!

 Great Gpa (far left) was a Master Mason of the 32nd Degree as well as a Shriner. Gma Hicks was in the Order of the Eastern Star, too. There's a lot of mystery and anxiety about these groups, and some people say they're cults. That's okay with me- I know that the only way to become a Master Mason is to do some really great works for others in your life. Gma and Gpa made a large donation to help build the new Mercy Hospital in Roseburg back in the day, just one of the great things out of many. They were always giving to other people, my grandmother always put herself last. So, so admirable.

 Grandma Hicks, her daughters Joyce & Gma Loya, and her grandma Hicks- my great, great, great Grandma!

Love this! Just having a huge sausage. Nbd!

This lady is my world, and I can only hope she knew how much I loved her.

So, so much Grandma! And thank you for everything. My heart is swollen and sore but I know it will heal in time, and you will always be with me, and I will never forget you. xo