In Loving Memory of Grandma

Ken's mom passed away this morning, after a brave, 30-year battle with Parkinson's disease.  She was a wonderful, loving woman who welcomed me into the family and always treated me like her own daughter (who she lost at age 36).  She was also a fun-loving and caring Grandma, much loved by all of her grandkids. 

We have wonderful memories of playing games with her around the kitchen table, celebrating New Year's Eve with her and Granddad every year, and looking forward to all the goodies she had waiting for the kids when we visited.  Earlier, before Parkinson's took away her mobility, she and Ken's dad loved to travel and camp, taking Ken and his sister on trips all over the U.S. western states.  Here's a picture of Grandma and Granddad with Jamie and Craig in 2006, happier times, when she was still able to get around.

She's been in a nursing home for the past two years and has steadily declined recently.  Although we are all upset and will miss her terribly, her passing is a blessing as she's had no quality of life these past few months.  She is free now and no longer suffering.

Ken and I spent today on the phone and making travel arrangements for Oklahoma.  It was tough to find available seats on flights.  He and Jamie will leave at 6 am tomorrow (!).  Craig and I will follow tomorrow afternoon, after Craig appears in his 6th grade talent show.  We don't arrive until midnight, so it will be a long day for all of us.  Thank goodness I've been feeling better lately and have better stamina.  I will certainly need it this weekend.  We're doing OK, but it will be a difficult few days ahead.