Tuesday, December 30, 2008

Get Me Through December


I've not been posting very regularly since I've been home. Just like all of you, I've been busy. The holidays should all be over soon though and a steadier winter routine will set in.

In my last post, I told you that so many days in late December hold powerful events and memories in my life. So far, December 29th had not had any big events attached to it's date. I was glad about that. Then yesterday happened.

A man in a pick-up with a big steel bumper backed into my car in a parking lot. It was his fault and I doubt I'll have trouble with the insurance but the car is a mess. It can be fixed but I had planned to have some mechanical work done this week in preparation for a little winter trip to see my father. My brother says I should have that done following the body repair and an alignment after that.

A car is only a car and it's mishap was not the big event in my life. No, my dear Nanie passed away last night. Twenty-five years and a day after her grandson, my brother. She had been in an almost vegetative state for a long time and in just a couple of days weakened and passed away without pain or suffering. She was soon to be ninety-one. My mother was her only child and I was her first grandchild of five. Only four survive her. She also has nine great-grandchildren and four great-great-grandchildren. She has in the last few years lost most of her brothers and sisters but has two remaining sisters, both of who were with her when she died. She was the second oldest (oldest girl) of ten.

I told my son today that I plan to hibernate from mid December to January third every year. You think posts have been scarce lately......

Ralph, now you know why Get Me Through December is "my song". For my grandmother, I would choose a Van Morrison song but have been asked not to play them. My Nanie was a very deeply religious woman and many of Van's spiritual songs would fit with this post. They would comfort me and help send her on her way. My brother who died twenty five years ago was famous for his singing of Amazing Grace. Since I don't have a recording of him doing it, the Blind Boys of Alabama have replaced him at my request. I also have an old hymn that she would approve of, Johnny Cash with In the Sweet By and By.

This twenty-five year old photo shows my Nanie (in the red skirt) when she was around sixty-six. Also her mom, my mom, my sister and niece. I took the photo and was pregnant with my second child. We were a five generation family for quite a few years back then. God Bless My Nanie!

8 comments:

nan said...

Cuidado, I am so sorry! My condolences to you and your family. This is certainly a difficult time of year for you. I am thinking of you as you remember your loved ones!

Cuidado said...

Thanks, Nan. I find it amazing that our loved ones passed the same day.

Ralph said...

Cuidado, such sadness has inspired both you and Nan to such wonderful expressions. Oh how I love this incredible version of Amazing Grace! I was simply blown away when I first heard it. A great tribute to Nana.

Cuidado said...

Thanks, Ralph. She lived to a ripe old age and had a full and interesting life. We're so glad she did not suffer.

Kat said...

Cuidado,
I'm so sorry for the loss of your Nanie. You are in my thoughts and prayers. I hope this New Year brings you comfort and joy.

Carol Tiffin James said...

I also extend my sympathy. It sounds like she was a great lady!

Anonymous said...

Hey Ma,
Why have you been asked to not play Van?
-A

Christine said...

I was wondering the same thing. (Van)

~Christine