Well, the day after I posted the snow pictures, my grandmother died. Mom called me Sunday morning to say that Hospice had called her to the nursing home, that Gram's breathing was labored, and then she called about a half hour later to say she was gone. I know she's much better off, that she's happy and with Granddaddy now.
The week was long and full of strangenesses. Rick and Jeanette were in North Carolina on vacation. Rick flew down to Nashville, then drove to Huntsville, getting there at 10:30 Monday night (I think, my days run together). Jen flew to Orlando, back home to get appropriate clothes, then Thomas and Rick and I drove down to Birmingham on Tuesday to pick her up at the airport. My uncle Dick and aunt Jackie drove in on Tuesday. The funeral was Wednesday, attended by my cousins Cindy and Sheri, all 3 of Cindy's sons and a wife (only one of them are married), Sheri's husband and 2 year old (who has the most adorable wardrobe!). What was really amazing was that Dick talked with Cindy's sons–his grandsons–whom he's never spoken to or acknowledged.
The funeral was at Valhalla Memorial Gardens, which isn't as interesting as it sounds. As T said, there were to valkyries and no mead. I really hate memory gardens, but that's where Gram & Granddaddy and Jean are interred, and where Mom will be one day next to him. The service was conducted by Gary Bradley, and was very moving, speaking of Gram's good influence. That really made me cry, that and the gorgeous a cappella singing.
Dick and Jackie left on Thursday, and that was the day that Rick and Thomas, with help from Jen, installed a new over-the-stove microwave for Mom. She was ecstatic. Naturally it took ages longer than they expected, but that's always the way.
We all left on Friday. We drove Rick and Jen to the airport, then stopped in to have dinner with Scott and Janica. On the way home I started feeling nauseous. Went to bed about 9:00. At 11:30 started vomiting and diarrhea at the same time, and continued that at 2-3 hour intervals. Ugh. I stayed in bed all Saturday. T wasn't feeling that great either. I think it was food poisoning, but not sure from what.
Fortunately I was able to make it to church today. Everyone was so nice. Afterwards I went home, we ate leftover Chinese from the previous night (lo mein), and took a nap. A 3-hour nap. Whew.
I know it will be hard for Mom. She's been going to see Gram to feed her at lunch every day for the past 7 months. She did go back to Sunday school today, and one of the nice ladies in the class met her at the door and made her feel welcome, so I'm hoping she'll get into class activities and not isolate herself so much.