Monday, March 30, 2009

My grandmother, Isabel, passed away this afternoon. She was the kindest, sweetest, most compassionate human being I've ever met. She was kind, had a wonderful sense of humor, and loved children. A part of me goes with her.

Please keep her in your prayers. God bless.



Prayer of Commendation

"Go forth, Christian soul, from this world
in the name of God the almighty Father,
who created you,
in the name of Jesus Christ, the Son of the living God,
who suffered for you,
in the name of the Holy Spirit,
who was poured out upon you.
Go forth, faithful Christian!
May you live in peace this day,
may your home be with God in Zion,
with Mary, the virgin Mother of God,
with Joseph, and all the angels and saints. . . .

May you return to [your Creator]
who formed you from the dust of the earth.
May holy Mary, the angels, and all the saints
come to meet you as you go forth from this life. . . .
May you see your Redeemer face to face."

____________________________________________________________________
4-1-09

I would like to extend to all of you profound thanks for your prayers and well-wishes. This has been incredibly difficult for me and for those of us who loved her, as some of you might already know. My grandmother will be laid to rest this coming April 3rd right next to my grandfather.

I want to also say that I'm acutely aware of the fact that she lived a long life - she was 20 days shy of her ninetieth birthday when she passed away. Many people who are considered to have lived a long life don't necessarily live as long as she did. I'm also cognizant of the fact that human beings who might - at most - be half my age have entered the hospital in which she passed away and never came out. Her passing, thank God, was not a violent one, although someone like me, who loved her dearly, will always consider her departure premature, regardless of her late age. Yes, I have a lot to be thankful for, but the pain of losing someone like her swells in me sporadically throughtout the day. I think those of you who have had your hearts broken by a loss of this type (and I know that there are A LOT of you) can relate to what I'm going through.

Again, thank you for everything. God bless you.

17 comments:

Adrienne said...

Tom - you've been on my mind all day.

I'm so sorry. I know how much you loved your grandma. God bless you and may she be resting in His arms now.

You have not lost her - she will always be watching over you and will live forever in your heart.

Kirk said...

My friend I am sorry to hear this news.
I know exactly how you must be feeling and I will say a prayer for you today - in fact I shall do so right now.

ukok said...

Oh Tom, you have my heartfelt prayers for yourself and for the soul of your dear departed Grandma. May her memory be eternal. (((hugs)))

Tracy said...

oh Tom, I am so very sorry. You are in my prayers during this most difficult time.

Terry Nelson said...

Dear Tom, I am so sorry for your loss, I had hoped your Grandmother would recover and remain with you for a long time. I will pray for the repose of her soul, and for your consolation. God bless you and keep you, and may he let his face shine upon you.

Terry

Cathy_of_Alex said...

Tom: Auntie A clued me in. Know that she and many others are looking out for you and praying for you.

I'll remember your Grandma and your family before the Blessed Sacrament. I'm just about to head to the Adoration Chapel now.

Katie Alender said...

Tom, I'm so sorry. A part of you goes with her, but a part of her lives with you.

You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Shirley said...

How sad for you to lose your beloved grandmother; I had been keeping her in my Rosary prayers, and now I will add her to my prayers for those souls who have passed on - to be with the Blessed in heaven. Consider yourself hugged, and I'll continue to pray for you too.

Therese said...

Tom,

I am so sorry for your loss. I will be praying for the repose of your grandmothers soul and for everyone here grieving her death.

Eternal rest grant unto her oh Lord and let perpetual light shine upon her. Amen.

Mike and Kim said...

As my boys said when their grandmother passed, "Happy Heaven Day" to your grandmother. May it bring you comfort and peace to know that she now eternally rests in the arms of God, Mary, and His heavenly angels.

The void it leaves in your life is truly unexplainable...what I know is that is makes your heart physically ache. May God surround you with His tenderness and strength...and in doing so allow you to feel His perfect peace.

Her legacy lives on now, Tom, in you.

We are praying for you, your grandmother, and your entire family.

Peace Be With You.

Anonymous said...

So sorry for your loss, I'm praying for grandmother, and your family.

Melody K said...

I'm so sorry for your loss of your grandmother. May perpetual light shine upon her. Prayers for all of you.

Katie Alender said...

Hey, Tom, just dropping by to say hope you're holding up okay this week.

Mike and Kim said...

Tom...
Listen to Alan Jackson's Sissy's Song. It touched me too!

Sending many prayers!

:)
Kim

Anonymous said...

Dear Tom--

I am so sorry for your loss. She sounds like a great woman. May she rest in the Eternal Peace of Our Lord, and may He comfort you and your family in this very sad time.

In Christ,
Georgette

Rita said...

Oh Tom,

I am so sorry to hear your news. I only wish I had heard sooner.

Rest assured you and yours are in my prayers.

Some of us are having quite a Lent.

"For with the Lord there is mercy, and with Him plentiful redemption"

God Bless,
Rita.

Terry Nelson said...

Dear Tom - I just want you to know I'm still thinking of you and praying for you and the repose of of your Grandmother's soul. God bless.

Terry