My grandmother passed away last night. This has been a bad year for mothers in my family: first my mother-in-law passed away right before Christmas, and now my grandmother is gone. She was my last remaining grandparent.
I credit grandma for my love of reading. She bought me classic childrens' books by the boxful when I was a little girl and was always stressing the importance of education. She was a college graduate in an era when very few girls even thought of going to college. Grandma taught 4th grade forever in the little town where I grew up, and I've already received dozens of messages from former classmates of mine who were her students long ago, expressing their condolences. She lived a good long life and was able to live independently until she was almost 90 years old (last summer) at which time my aunt insisted that she move in with her for her own safety. I think that selling her house and moving in with her daughter and son-in-law was a real blow, even though they made her very welcome and took good care of her. She seemed depressed when I saw her last summer and I don't think she ever really recovered from losing her independence. I think she was ready to go, honestly.
May she rest in peace.
Margaret Martin Czmiel
I am so sorry, Jennifer. Knowing that she made a difference in the lives of many students must give you comfort. Another life well lived, may she Rest In Peace.
ReplyDeleteAnyone who lights the fire of the love of reading is someone I respect. My own fourth grade teacher really did that for me and I will never forget her. I am sorry that your grandmother is gone but honestly- her memory will live forever in the hearts of so many.
ReplyDeleteI am thinking of you tenderly.
I glass to all teachers, and especially teachers who inspired love of reading. Light and love to you.
ReplyDeleteYour grandma gave you the gift of a love of reading, that is a big gift and will stay with you forever. Sending you hugs.
ReplyDeleteI am sorry to hear about this Jennifer. She sounds like a lovely and very interesting Grandmother. She certainly has an interesting name - where did it come from?
ReplyDeleteMy grandfather (her husband) was the son of Polish immigrants. Czmiel was my maiden name.
DeleteOh, I am sorry for your loss. What a wonderful portrait of a lovely lady you have painted for us! I wish I could have known her, you are so lucky to have had such a fantastic grandmother.
ReplyDeleteJennifer, for your own cyber safety, remove all last names and cities in your post. It is a scary world out there.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the advice. I added a link to the obituary instead.
DeleteSo Sorry to read this. What a lovely post today. You are so lucky to have such a wonderful Grandmother. How lovely that so many of her students remember her.
ReplyDeleteMy Grandparents were Polish Immigrants and were wonderful. My Grandfather was a Detective for the Pinkertons. My Mum's name was Sandeiski.
Sorry to hear this. Grandparents are often very special people in our lives and it is hard to lose them.
ReplyDeleteSorry for your loss Jennifer.
ReplyDelete'Death is never sad if the gift of life has been well used'. It sounds as if this adage suits you grandmother very well.
ReplyDeleteShe sounded like a wonderful woman, Jennifer. You will miss her. Grandmothers are so special.
ReplyDeleteSorry to hear about your grandmother Jennifer.
ReplyDeleteTo have lived to the age of 90, most of it as an independant woman who has enriched and inspired so many other lives (not only her students, I am sure!) - that is a great achievement. I am sure you and all those who knew her are happy and grateful that she was part of your lives.
ReplyDeleteMy grandparents are long gone; the last remaining of the four was my maternal grandmother who died in January 2001. She, too, was special.
I've been shocked at the number of former students of hers (including a whole lot of my classmates) who have called, texted, and left messages of support on the online obituary.
DeleteShe sounds like a true inspiration and exceptional role model. May all her good qualities live on in you.
ReplyDeleteI am sorry for your loss, Jennifer. You have mentioned her in blog posts, and I always thought she must be a special person.
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry for your loss Jennifer.
ReplyDeleteA hug, Maria xx
I too have no grandparents in my life now. my condolences on your loss of a wonderful role model.
ReplyDelete{{{{{big hugs to help the hurt}}}}}
ReplyDeleteTake care
Cathy
Farewell Margaret though a part of you lives on in your granddaughter's heart and in her memory and in the memories of many adult people you taught when they were just kids.
ReplyDeleteI'm really sorry for your loss. It must help to know she was so well loved. So many people just drift away without really being missed
ReplyDeleteSending you a big hug and holding space for you in my heart.
ReplyDelete