by

Sad

I’ve been ambivalent about whether or not to share this, but I wanted to make a comment on a wonderful new invention I dreamed of as a child and never expected to come to fruition in my lifetime: video chat.

After being unwell since Christmas, my grandmother was admitted to hospital several weeks ago and it did not take long to get a bleak prognosis of a few weeks. I considered driving to Quebec, but the weather being what it has been in the northeast coupled with her rapid decline meant that I could very well not make it. I did not feel comfortable flying out of Mexico and leaving my things and truck here so near to when I would have to leave.

Finally, it was decided that I had visited in September, that my grandmother was very happy about seeing me so recently, and that she would be very satisfied with a few Skype calls that would confirm that I was healthy and happy. The first Skype call was just after she got in from hospital and we were able to catch up a little. The other calls were just smiles and blown kisses. But at least we saw each other and spoke in real time. How extraordinary to have this technology when she was born in a time where planes were only still getting off the ground.

She died peacefully last night, March 22nd, in my mother’s home. She was an extraordinary woman I loved very much and who accepted me just as I was. Grandmaman traveled as long as she could and was forever marked by her trip to China. She understood and indulged my wanderlust and never faulted me for needing to be somewhere else. She followed my blog (even commented on it!), emailed, and used Facebook and Skype to keep in touch. Technology allowed me to stay close even when I was far away. I am very grateful to have had those last few video chats with her.

43 thoughts on “Sad”

  1. So sorry for your loss, you have my condolences. It’s good that you saw her before heading south. Always better to see a loved one when they’re still alive.

  3. I’m so sorry to hear of your loss. It is a wonderful, wonderful thing how this techno gizmo we’ve come to rely on connects us all. How lovely that you two were blessed with the video chats. I’m sure they meant as much to her as they did to you. Our greatest gifts are tied with heartstrings.

    • Thank you. It’s amazing that she learned the new technology! So many people from that part of my life want to know what’s going on with me, but don’t do the blog or Facebook. Grandmaman figured out those things because it would mean more contact. I made an effort to phone more to do my part.

  4. You have been an outstanding granddaughter. Just think of all the adventures she enjoyed because of your blog, Facebook, and Skype. You actually enriched her life. She now knows more about Mexico then she really wanted to know 🙂 She will always be in your heart and somewhere she is watching to see what comes next.

  7. I am so sorry for your loss. It is good that you could keep in touch with her, My grandmother has been gone for several years now but think of her often. They have that special place in our heart. Keeping you in my thoughts.

  8. We are so sorry about your Grandmaman Rae! Our sympathies to you and your mother. I noticed her posts and know you were close.

    It is a result of the ease and frequency of travel these days that we miss these events in our lives. We were on our way to Mexico but still in Oregon when Norma’s mom died. We were able to turn around and go back to help her dad out.

    My brother died when we were in the middle of one Mexican winter and like you, could not easily return home. His daughter was in Mazatlan for the winter then as well so we had a family get together in the summer. That was what he would have wanted.

    • Thank you, Croft. During our last ‘real’ conversation, she made it very clear that it was okay that I’m here. I accept this as a price to pay for the nomadic genes that come from her side of the family! 🙂

  11. Thinking about you at this time, I’m so pleased you were able to stay close with Skype and she would have been delighted reading about your experiences in Mexico. Your blog has been very descriptive and reveals how you are feeling and what you have been doing.
    Elaine

  13. I too am saddened to hear of your loss. Am glad you were able to visit her both in person last Fall and recently on Skype. Like you, my nephew was in Mexico when my Mother (his grandmother) passed away, and they too enjoyed several Skype calls in the weeks prior to her passing, as well as a last phone call while she was on her death bed in the hospital. I’m grateful for technology that connects us with loved ones even though thousands of miles apart. Praying for peace as you grieve her passing, and joy and comfort in the many memories you cherish.

  14. Thinking of you and your loss of your Grandmother. So glad, however that you were able to have the special times and memories that you had. Marsha

  19. I’m so sorry for your loss. I’d say more but everyone above has already expressed everything there is to say. Just know that we all care.

  20. Rae,
    We are so sorry for you loss. You comment “she was a lady but could drink beer from a can” speaks volumes as to what a great character she must have been. Keep those thoughts alive . Think of the great stories you’ll tell her when you catch up on the other side.
    Alan

  21. Hi Rae,
    It not easy to say good bye to our loved ones.
    Everyone above has expressed everything I wanted to, too.
    Hugs

  22. So very sorry to hear about your Grandmother, Rae. Glad to hear that you were able to Skype with her and had a good visit last fall.

Comments are closed.