Fly Away

Most of you that read my blog know that my Grandma died a few days ago. She had cancer and had fought bravely for some time now. I want to share a happy story about how my Grandma gave me my love of music and singing.

My whole family used to go to a church in Vincennes. When I was around 11-12 my Mom and Dad stopped going as did my cousin Wendy's Mom and Dad. After about a month of this my Grandma drove from Vincennes to Bicknell and announced she would be taking Wendy and I to choir practice with her from now on and we had to sing with her. I was mortified. That is really an understatement. I was so very shy at that time in my life and the LAST thing I ever wanted to do was get up and sing in front of people. Are you kidding me? They might look at me! She insisted and you don't tell Grandma no. So then started my education in reading music and singing. She is the one that discovered I was an alto. She was so patient with me trying to teach me the saprano part up until then lol. I wouldn't be able to get a piece of music and she would encourage me to keep on trying until I got it. I remember the love in her eyes as she would watch Wendy and I practice. She was so proud. Grandma had a ton of grandkids (she had 9 kids) and it was a big deal to be singled out by her. I will never forget just how special she made me feel. I do wish I could muster the courage and strength to sing for her one last time at the funeral like she wanted me to. I love you Grandma. Thank you for giving me my voice with your love.

Grandma

My Grandma Madge (Dad's Mom) is now living with my Dad and Mom. She moved in today and my Mom was able to set up hospice for her here in Indiana. She was living in Mt. Carmel IL. with her campanion Jack who just passed away this week from cancer. Grandma has cancer too. She is in a good bit of pain right now and her pain medicine is not working as well as it was. I am really glad she was able to move in with them. It is sad that she has had to leave her home of like 18 or 20 years. Most of the people who has been taking care of her is from the Bicknell, Bruceville, Vincennes area. It will be easier for those people that had to travel that far and with the gas prices that will help too. I am hoping to get to spend some more time with her now that she is closer. The last time I was there she wanted to share with me the story of her prayer shawl. Some of the ladies of the Episcopal church she attends got a chance to meet some important people of the church (she didn't say who) and they had these people bless the shawl for her. It was special to her and makes her feel better when she has it on. Lots of people are praying for her and I am asking you my friends to pray for her to be at peace and pain free until God calls her home.

Funk

Not the "won't you take me to funky town?" funk. Not the "ew that shoe smells funky" funk. (Or there is something funky on the Taco/Chicken floor kind of funk). Not even "she dresses so funky" funk. Nope none of the above. It's the dreaded "down in the dumps needing a big change" funk. The "you just have to get to know her" funk. The "change is scary" funk. The "my grandmother is dying a slow painful death" funk. The "no sleeping...ever" funk. The "the stupid dog won't stop doing his business in the floor" funk. The "nothing is ever good enough" funk. Sorry loyal blog readers for the ever so funky blog. Promise to be a bit more rainbows and sunshine next time (maybe I'll toss in some kittens too, heaven knows that Thomas has enough of my grand kittens to go around) :) Thanks for reading!