Loss

We lost a wonderful woman last week. Tyler's grandmother Welcie Winningham passed away. She was 89 years old and is holding Tucker in this picture. The other pretty lady is Tyler's maternal grandmother Oletta Guthrie.

Welcie, or Grandma, was so so kind. I have never known of her to not be smiling. She always greeted me with open arms and love. From the moment I met her I felt accepted by her- and welcomed into the family.

I have really enjoyed getting to know my father-in-law's siblings over the years. He has a very eclectic family full of individuals who are unique and interesting. I always wondered how they were raised. I would think that it is rare for a group of kids raised in such a small town during the 50's and 60's to turn out so open-minded. I'd like to emulate that with my kids- for them to just know that they are free to be exactly who they are and that I will accept them. I'll have to bend Tom's ear some more on this topic :-). They are spread out all over the country and the world. Tom's sister Nancy will be flying in from Australia. We are all gathering on Tuesday to say goodbye to Grandma.

This will be the first significant death that my kids will face. By significant I mean that they (especially Madeline) have really known and been a part of Grandma's life. Madeline has seen Grandma nearly every other weekend since she was born. I am nervous about how to talk to Madeline about death. Tyler and I agree that we need to decide now how we are going to talk about it and what we are going to say. What words we are going to use. I do not want this to scare her. Or devastate her. I want her to have the same thoughts about death that Tyler and his family do- that we grieve our loss of our loved one here on earth but that we must rejoice in their return to God's arms. Where there is no sadness, or pain. I have a hard time with death. With loss. Funerals are very difficult for me. I want my kids to be more comfortable with the inevitable and to think of a funeral as a time to celebrate someones life.

I loved Grandma very much. Nearly every day I think about the wonderful family I get to be a part of because God chose my husband well. I feel so blessed to be a part of this family. She was a wonderful kind woman and I will miss her smile.