Wednesday, December 6, 2017

Peace

Thank you everyone for all of your concern and kind words after my last post. Gregg's mom passed away peacefully Monday night, surrounded by her loved ones.

I would like to write more about Edythe, her life and what she meant to me and to the whole family, but I can't right now. Things are still too raw and my emotions are still too mixed up to do her justice, so I'll just say this: she was a good woman and as devoted a mother as I've ever seen. From the day I first met her almost 20 years ago, when Gregg and I were still barely more than friends, she treated me like one of her own daughters. People make jokes about mothers-in-law, but mine was a second mother (and a dear friend) to me. I am so grateful for her life, and for the son she raised into the good man he is today.

As per Edythe's wishes, her body has been donated to Duke University Medical Center for research purposes, after anything still useful was taken for organ donation. We are so proud of her for that! Lou (her husband) told us yesterday that her corneas have already been donated to someone to help them see again. When I think of what a blessing that will be to some family over the upcoming holidays, a tiny bit of the hurt inside me is eased. I admire Edythe's spunk. Not many girls born on a farm in rural North Carolina in the 1930's would ever consider foregoing a traditional funeral and instead will her body to science and ask her family to throw a party in her honor, but those were her wishes! How cool is that? There will be some sort of very small gathering for the family a bit closer to Christmas, the details of which still need to be worked out, but will probably involve a catered meal at the house and a little time for everyone to be together. It's all so wonderfully easy on the family; there's nothing pressing anyone needs to do right now, and that's a blessing at a time like this. What wonderful foresight on Edythe's part, and a loving thing to do for us.

We're sad, but doing okay. We have each other, and we have the rest of the family, and that's all that really matters in the end, isn't it?  Love is stronger than death.


Edythe in late 2016, pictured here with her three greatest treasures on Earth--her beloved children.



21 comments:

  1. What a wonderful tribute to your mother-in-law, Jennifer. I am so very sorry for you all losing a much-loved person, but as you say, you do have each other and can find a tiny bit of consolation in that she was surrounded by her loved ones until the end, and that her generous donation means a new lease of life for other people.

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  2. I am sorry for your loss, Jennifer, but happy to know that Edythe was one of the good ones and even in death was doing positive things. She sounds like an amazing human being.

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  3. Lovely post today about Edythe. What a wonderful lady she was.
    Love matters.
    gayle

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  4. I am sorry for your loss Jennifer.You are so lucky to have each other.

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  5. I love your last line, “Love is stronger than death.” It is so true. She will always be in the hearts of those who loved her. You were very fortunate to have a warm, kind woman in your life.

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  6. I'm so sorry for you loss. She sounds like a wonderful person. And this is a lovely tribute to her. How fortunate that you crossed paths with her. She has left behind a legacy of love.

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  7. Such a beautiful tribute, Jennifer. I wish I'd had the honor of knowing such a great lady.

    Love,
    Janie

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  8. Edythe sounds like she was formidably kind and thoughtful, giving and fun person. I hope her party is full of happy tears and wonderful remembrances.

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  9. We die as we live and your mother-in-law is a testament to this. She gave of herself in quite literal terms and that is beautiful.
    May the tenderness that she so obviously felt for all of you comfort you all.

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  10. She looks nice, friendly and fun-loving.

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  11. A lovely woman, and a lovely life, as three children show.

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  12. I look forward to that future day when you feel able to say more about Edythe. In death I applaud her wildly for organ donation and for leaving her remains tp Duke University Medical Center. That shows the love that she felt for her fellow human beings. Farewell Edythe!

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  13. What a beautiful post about an obvious incredible human. Holding space for you in my heart and thoughts.

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  14. Sad news Jennifer. So sorry for your loss.

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  15. Wishing you ease and sweet memories. I love Edyth already. Thanks for this brief introduction.

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  16. She sounds like a special lady! I do like her donation and no-funeral approach. My dad didn't want a funeral either, and it really did make things so much easier on all involved.

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  17. Edythe sounds like a sweetie and I love how her three great treasures are her children and how she treated you like a daughter.

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  18. I am sorry for your loss. What a wonderful lady.
    Hugs to Gregg and to you
    Maria xx

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  19. So very sorry for you all, but hope that happy memories will comfort you in the months to come. What a privilege to have her as your mother-in-law.

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  20. I am SO sorry for your loss. She sounds like the perfect mother-in-law (and friend).

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