Goodbye Grandma

My Grandmother lived for 100 years, which was amazing - she passed away in late December and since my parents were already here in CA with us for the month of January and she was cremated, we had her memorial in MN on February 13th. It was a beautiful celebration of her incredibly well-lived 100 years on this planet. The memorial was held at her Methodist Church where she was faithful for many, many years in attendance. As is the tradition in Minnesota, after the service, the "church ladies" cooked up the most amazing Minnesota potluck luncheon and gave us the opportunity to eat and gather together over Grandma's favorite dish - Ernie's hotdish and scalloped potatoes with ham. It was divine! I would never be the person I am today without having her presence in my life and being her only granddaughter, I held a very special place in her life. Steve created an incredibly powerful video montage of her life in pictures, video and music - there wasn't a dry eye in the church. We all felt so fortunate to be in Grandma's life and are so happy that while her physical life has ended -- her spirit lives on in all of us that she touched on so many levels... here's a few pics of the special day.

Grandma is 100 today

My grandmother turns 100 today... how amazing to have lived 100 years.... here is the post I did last year on her 99th birthday... she is not very mentally aware unfortunately, but I hope she knows that we send her big hugs and lots of love for this really special day!

Ben's Great Grandma turns 99!

My paternal grandmother, Alice Nelson is turning 99 years old today... it's amazing really that she has made it this far... I mean.... 99 years old. Imagine what she has seen in her lifetime and all of the things that weren't there and now are during her lifespan!

I always thought it would be so great to have my child know my Grandma Nelson because she was such an incredible person in my life during my formative years. I have very fond and clear memories of cooking with her, washing dishes together, doing projects together and just spending SO much time at my grandparents house while growing up. My grandparents were also incredibly supportive of both me and my brother's education... without their support, I would never be what I am today. I am so greatful for their inspiration and support in this and all areas of my life.

Grandma has lived such a full life... and after losing my grandfather more than 10 years ago, we never thought she would trudge on in life... she sold the big house (where my dad was raised) and moved to a sr. living community where she thrived for more than 7 years. Finally last fall, it became clear that she needed much more support for basic living, so sadly, we put her in the nursing home in my small town of Mora, called The Villa. She did okay for a while and now has really started to decline in all areas of health and life and almost doesn't recognize family at all at this point. This has been a sad way to watch my grandmother prepare to leave the world... it's been even harder watching my parents and in particular my dad watch HIS mother decline...

It's become a bit of a full circle of life in our family with Ben... one is coming and one is going. :)

In March when we were home in Minnesota, Grandma Nelson got to meet Benjamin Nelson Caputo. It was such a sweet reunion. I know Grandma doesn't remember it or really know that it happened, but it was more for all of us than for her really... she touched his hand so gently and sweetly and stared so deep into his big eyes. I don't know if we'll see her at 100 and truth be told, I hope we don't because her poor body is worn out and her life as she, and we have known it is really over... she is ready to go to heaven to be with almost everyone she's ever known in her life.

But, I will still hold in my heart the moment when she got to meet her great grandson, Benjamin. Here are a few pictures of their meeting in March... Happy Birthday Grandma... we love you so much!