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Originally Posted by Altenweg

Good morning my dear friends,

My grandmother passed away last night.

Today she is with my parents, that is what I believe, that is what I must believe. I hope in my heart that there is a heaven, and that one day I will join them all there.

I didn't go to see her. I was going to go today. It's too late. Did she know that I love her?

I'll be gone alot the next few days. I'll stop in when I can, or when I'm going crazy.

I love you all so much.

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And we love you dear.
Of course she knows that you love her - and always will. You keep her alive in you with all of your fond memories - that's what we all rely on when we pass on to the next stage. She will always be with you - in your heart - and I can't think of a better place to rest.. in the heart of those we love.

Take your time mourning - then do a lot of smiling when you think of all the wonderful times you had together. You'll remember the smells in her kitchen, her laughter, her favorite color, and most of all - her without pain and bodily weaknesses.. so be happy for her too.

Love,
Chery
http://smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/15/15_11_4.gif And she always will.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Altenweg

Momma C, where are you? Please, come back, let us know that you're okay.

I haven't been around much lately, and this trend will probably continue. My grandmother is dying, she won't survive the week, possibly won't survive the night. I can't go see her, I can't, it's too much everyone.

Starby, since I got off the phone with you I've been crying. It's too much on my shoulders, I can't be there for everyone anymore, I'm always there for everyone, when is someone going to be there for me? No one ever has. I'm the strong one, I'm the one that has to keep it together, comfort everyone, make the arrangements, say the eulogy, tell everyone that it's going to be alright.

Why? After all is said and done, my Aunts and Uncles will go to their houses, with their kids, and their grandkids. My cousins will go to their parents place, talk to eachother, love eachother, comfort eachother. I'll go home, to my husband and my children (and yes, they are a blessing) and the rest of my family won't give me a second thought until they need me again.

I'm sorry that I'm posting this here. I don't want to steal the focus away from Chery. Please, ignore this post, I just needed to write it down. Just ignore it okay? Please. Sorry. :(

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Honey, you are strong.. that's why your other family members count on you so much. You are also a pillar of strength to us all here on AMHD - and we have felt that strength many, many times.

You are only human honey, and you too suffer, so it's OK for you to come here and let us know how you feel and that you need some support. You will receive all the support we can muster - and well deserved.

I'm so sorry about your grandmother and know when she leaves this planet, she will no longer be in pain, frail, or helpless in the shell she's had for so long. She's ready to evolve out of that shell now, and move on to bigger and better things. She also knows that you will keep her alive in your heart with all the fond memories you have - she too will wrap her arms around you - and you will feel this when you need it most. I am certain of this, my love, and hope you too believe it.

So, take your time and come back to us when you are ready. Right now, do what we humans have to do (some of it automatic), then we break down for a while, but after that - you will see, just as we all need to, that life will go on ---- with one extra angel in your corner and in your heart.

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That was beautiful Chery! You warmed my heart and I know Alty is glad to see you back to give her such wonderful words of love!

My dear, dear friends, need, family.

I adore all of you so much. Even though your words brought tears to my eyes, they are good tears, tears that need to be released, cleansing tears, and I appreciate it. I have a hard time crying, sometimes I need a bit of help. ;)

I've started the eulogy, but I'm a bit stuck. I don't want to make it just about my memories, my experiences with Oma, I want it to be fore everyone. Of course I don't want to call everyone and ask for a quote or a story, the eulogy would be 3 hours long then. This is what I have so far, it isn't done, but what do you all think?

Maria Frank

Daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, mother in law, she wore all these name tags and more.

A women that moved to a new country twice in her lifetime, spoke 3 languages, raised 6 children, and lived to see her grandchildren grow up and have children of their own.

She lived a good life, a life full of joy, full of happiness. Yes, there was heartache along the way, but she survived it, she took it in stride and kept moving on.

She lost her father, lost a husband, her mother and a child. She mourned those losses, but she wouldn't want us to mourn our loss today.

She is now in a better place, with the loved ones that went before her. She is at peace, at rest, and she has left us with memories and the feeling of her love in our hearts. As long as we keep those memories alive, she will live on forever.

My memories are many. Family barbeques, picking the raspberries on the side of her old house. Christmas eve (she always gave me extra turkey skin because it's my favorite), I always looked forward to that, seeing all of my family, Oma sitting by the tree in her family room, passing out presents for her children, and cards to her grandchildren (which of us didn't appreciate the money in those cards?), birthdays, weddings, baby showers, coffee at her house on Sundays. In recent years the get togethers where few, but every time we were all together you could see a smile on her face, she loved her family so much, each and every one of us. We are her legacy, her life's work. Let's make her proud.

The Matriarch of our family, the strong women we all knew and loved. May we all find a bit of her strength so that we can get through this difficult time together. She would not want our tears; she would not want our sadness. Remember who she was in life, not who she is in death.

I know we will miss her everyday of our lives, until the time when we too will pass into paradise, and then we'll see her again.

I won't say goodbye Oma, I will see you again, I know it in my heart. Until then, guard over your family, watch us from heaven, our own guardian angel. We are truly blessed.

That's beautiful Alty! I have tears rolling down my face. So nicely written, and from your heart. I think you summed it all up, and there probably isn't much more to say, as I think you've covered it all.

Now, you are done with that part of it, sit back and relax for awhile! You deserve it. Oh, the kids are home for the week aren't they! Okay, well sit down for 1.2 seconds then, and breathe and dream of bubbles! BUBBLES... BUBBLES... BUBBLES!. and more bubbles!!

I didn't call lastnite, because I figured you were probably worn right out and needed some sleep. Call me anytime though. I'm dogless for part of the day. Snickers is off with the groomer, and she will come home looking all perty I'm sure! I'll probably have an excited buckin bronco on my hands when she gets back I'm sure! LOL!

Alty, you did a beautiful job on the eulogy. You encompassed many subjects and memories using few words. That is a gift to be able to do that. As I read it, I got a beautiful picture of a giving, loving woman, strong woman, one to be admired. Just beautiful.

Thank you guys. You don't think it's too short? I could go on, but then it would be mostly stories of her and me, and I don't want to make it all about my memories. I tried to keep it neutral, so that no one feels left out.

I'll run it by my Uncles, see what they think, if they have anything to add. :)

I think that you did a great eulogy Alty, very touching and from the heart. I believe that when she looks down and sees it she will love it, and you... for it.

Like I said I think that it is perfect hon. If you want to check out this website please do so... but I think you did a fine job of this already.

Eulogy Samples - Example Eulogy - Funeral Speeches - Sample Eulogy - Funeral Speech Examples

Stringer

Thanks Stringer, and thank you also for the links, I will definitely check them out. :)

I don't think it's too short Alty, unless like you said, your Uncles would like to add a word or two. I really think if they want to do that though, they could probably come up and say their own words that they want to share. Don't let the whole load be on your shoulders, you'll wear yourself out!

You still have the other things to deal with too, so don't spread yourself too thin. You'll need your energy for other matters also. ;)

Is it too early to drink? It's noon. Is that too early? ;)

Hey Ducky, my phone is charged, hint, hint. ;)

That was beautiful Alty! From it, I get what a wonderful amazing, woman you're grandmother is, and I'm sure she will hear it and it will just reaffirm how much you love her!

Thank you Tadita. :)

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Originally Posted by Altenweg

Is it too early to drink? It's noon. Is that too early? ;)

Hey Ducky, my phone is charged, hint, hint. ;)

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Somewhere on this planet it is Happy Hour, so go and fix yourself a nice drink dear and enjoy it!

What you wrote is not too long or too short - it's just right!

I have not had a drink in over 20 years, but if I ever would again, it would be a nice cold glass of Bailey's. There is something about that drink that just tastes sooo goood.

One of my dentist friends of 20 years gave me a bottle of expensive Champaign for Christmas - when I reminded him that I no longer drink, he told me to save it for when I get ready to move on off this planet.. that's when I thought that it was really a nice gesture - what a way to go - moving on with bubbly instead of in a hospital! I hope it will be in the cabinet for a while yet because I still have so much to do, but it's there just in case.

I had my hair cut today and feel 10 years younger. I wonder what Jaime is going to say when she sees it as I never had it that short before - looks really 'fresh' with a lot of gel in it.

Alty baby, relax for a while now, Momma C's orders.. you need your energy for yourself and your family too.

Night, night, all. C.U. tomorrow!


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Good night Chery, sweet dreams my dear. :)

Nice piece of Eulogy Alty, very nice indeed. For me it is already long. Since I don't have much time left, I could read only the first few paragraphs, but it's so so... nice! ;) Ok, will go through it later, since then... keep strong :)

I know Alty will appreciate your words Unky! :)

Another song for you Momma! I love this song by Alicia Keys! Well I love all of hers, so I'll play you a few.

YouTube - Alicia Keys - If I aint got You

YouTube - Alicia Keys - No One

YouTube - Alicia Keys-Superwoman New Video

Momma, thought you might enjoy these songs. I watched the CMA awards tonight, and they had some awesome entertainment. Here's just a few of the songs. I absolutely love them!

YouTube - Carrie Underwood - Just a Dream [Full]

YouTube - Brooks & Dunn with Reba - If You See Him / If You See Her

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vjaIm...eature=related

Here is my daily, sometimes twice or more... smile for you... too funny!!


Daily Email Newsletter - Funniest Video of the Day

Cute wasn't it? Smile for me Chery...

That was so sweet and funny Stringer. The voice inflection was terrific. I know it made me smile and when Chery see its, she will get so tickled. Just so precious!

That was so cute Stringy! It reminded me of this one. This guy has got to be one of the most talented ventriloquists I've ever seen, and this video is also so cute. Enjoy Momma. Hope you get a kick out of it. It's one of my fave songs too! ;)

YouTube - America's Got Talent Winner Terry Fator & Kermit the Frog

Oh Starby, that was so niiiiiiiiiiiiiiccccccccccccccccceeeeeeeeeeeeeee!

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Originally Posted by starbuck8

that was so cute stringy! It reminded me of this one. This guy has got to be one of the most talented ventriloquists i've ever seen, and this video is also so cute. Enjoy momma. Hope you get a kick out of it. It's one of my fave songs too! ;)

youtube - america's got talent winner terry fator & kermit the frog

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I liked it!:d

How are you Chery?

Stringer, how was your day today?? Business meetings go well??

Thanks for asking princess.

Not bad, at lease not as bad as usual...

We had a good supervisor quit today, she was a good girl, I am sorry that this happened...

So much change these days. Don't let it weigh on you! We just live in an ever changing world... not like our parents who were with one company and retired from that company. It's the weekend. Do you and Marta have any special plans?? We just got in from NH and I need to work on a drawing but I will be popping in on breaks.

Get the drawing done...

I think that maybe we will go see the new James Bond movie tomorrow, however I hear that it isn't as good as the last one; Casino Royal. This one only got two stars... we'll see...

One thing that I brought home from the meetings is a pounding headache in the back of my head and neck, so I think that I will try to lay down on the couch for a while... later.

Try the breathing exercises!! :)

Hi all!

Oma's funeral was today, what a masquerade. They decided that they didn't want me to read the eulogy, the pastor wrote and read one instead. He went to my Aunts house to ask questions about my Oma for the eulogy. Well, my Aunt is very self absorbed, so most of the things she talked about where about her life, not Oma's. It was so bad that even thought the pastor stated twice that my Oma was an only child, he kept referring to her 5 sons as her brothers.

At the end of it my other Aunt came up to me and said "well now we've had Auntie's funeral, I wonder when we'll have Oma's".

I showed her the eulogy I wrote, and she cried. "Oh Alty, I wish that you would have been allowed to read this, it would have been much more appropriate".

My Uncle from out of town, my Oma's second youngest son asked me if I was going to Oma's house afterwards for coffee and cake (even though we had a luncheon after the funeral). I didn't know about it. He told me that everyone was invited. Not me. I decided not to go.

I'm glad it's over, and I'm trying not to be upset about the whole thing.

Oh, one thing good came of it. Hubby's sister (who we haven't been on speaking terms with for 1 1/2 years) came to the funeral to offer her support. This is the first time that she's reached out. We've tried many times to no avail. Maybe this relationship can be mended after all. I hope so.

What a day, I'm so glad it's done.

Bless your heart Alty! That was a horrible experience but I am so glad your aunt got to read the eulogy you wrote. I am sure she will pass the word. I am just so sorry as I know you put your heart into every word.

Good things do come out of bad sometimes and hopefully, there will be a healing with your husband and his sister and all within the family.

Funerals are so stressful anyway. You did not need this added to it. Think of all the people, world wide that has had the privilege to read the eulogy you wrote. What an amazing thing if you think about it. Your Oma would be so proud of you. You can end your day today feeling loved by all of us and by your Oma, as well as others in your family of course, but knowing you put forth the effort to honor her... how precious that was of you. Thankfully, we only answer for what we do and not what others do and you did your best! I am very proud of you. Love and Hugs!!

I'm so sorry the funeral didn't turn out the way it was meant to Alty. Your Oma would be proud of you for what you tried to do though. I'm sure she understands the circumstances of the whole thing. I will call you later if you aren't too worn out. I have to run out for awhile, so I'm not sure what time. If you're tired, don't worry, we will talk soon.

Rebby, I just received your email about your sis-in-law. You did tell me about that when we last spoke, but I'm so sorry that you have to go through this. I will repley to your email, or I will call you also. I don't want to bother anyone when it is just such a hard time. You know you can ALWAYS call me at any time also right?

As I said, I need to run out for awhile, but I will be back later. I'm sorry both of you are going through all of this right now. I think of you both every single day.

I'll talk to both of you soon. :)

Rebbie and Starby, thank you so much. I hope she knows that I loved her, nix that, I know she knows. :)

Rebbie, I hope that you're okay. You know that we're all here for you if you need to talk. Anytime my dear, anytime. :)

I would like to share a poem with all of you, it's the one thing the pastor shared with us that I actually really appreciated. I've heard it before, and it's very fitting. I hope you all enjoy it, and live it. :)

The Dash Poem

by Linda Ellis

I read of a man who stood to speak
At the funeral of a friend
He referred to the dates on her tombstone
From the beginning to the end

He noted that first came the date of her birth
And spoke the following date with tears,
But he said what mattered most of all
Was the dash between those years

For that dash represents all the time
That she spent alive on earth.
And now only those who loved her
Know what that little line is worth.

For it matters not how much we own;
The cars, the house, the cash,
What matters is how we live and love
And how we spend our dash.

So think about this long and hard.
Are there things you'd like to change?
For you never know how much time is left,
That can still be rearranged.

If we could just slow down enough
To consider what's true and real
And always try to understand
The way other people feel.

And be less quick to anger,
And show appreciation more
And love the people in our lives
Like we've never loved before.

If we treat each other with respect,
And more often wear a smile
Remembering that this special dash
Might only last a little while.

So, when your eulogy is being read
With your life's actions to rehash
Would you be proud of the things they say
About how you spent your dash?

Presented by Simple Truths - Popup

Boy, with all the trails and situations going on now with a lot of my friends here, and my family, I find this short slide so uplifting. Yes it is simple and probably "old" information but it is still true now and will always be. So, this is my little gift to you today, be well, feel good, and keep on, you are stronger than you believe. You haven't even begun to test yourself.

Sometimes when I get down or blue with all that can happen I play this (and others) to help. And it does, because I believe that each of us is responsible for their own happiness, success, and answers...

That, of course does not mean that we can't use a shoulder from time to time. I have had many mentors and friends over the years (and now) that have offered me "that shoulder" but almost all of them have said "you can do this,"... one more time.

Stringer

Stringer, what a lovely gift, thank you dear. :)

I am happy that you liked it Alty...

By the way, I called you...

What?. what did you call her? LOL! You never call meee!. hahahaha! Well I guess you HAVE called me many things... hee hee.

The "simple truths" were beautiful by the way.

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Originally Posted by starbuck8

What?....what did you call her? LOL!! You never call meee!....hahahaha! Well I guess you HAVE called me many things...hee hee.

The "simple truths" were beautiful by the way.

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I am the Sheriff Wizard... I have been charged with the "word magic" gift. When I call you or anyone a name... they become the embodiment of that word... DUCK (Aflac! Quack!) hee hee.;)

I have feather insurance Sheriff! Aflack! I also have friends in the movie industry that would make the Sheriff jealous! Afleck! I'm going to be his date on the next red carpet! :p