To New Life
My grandmother passed away this weekend. Her health had been failing for a while. Fortunately, we were given enough notice to spend some time with her. For much of the afternoon the whole family filled her hospice room and consoled each other, taking turns to be at her bedside and speak to her in soothing voices.
At one point it was advised that we actually eat something, so my parents walked across the street and brought back food. We sat around makeshift tables and as we ate dinner our conversation drifted away from the sadness of the day. At one point, my sister made a joke and the room filled with our laughter. At this very moment, she looked over at Nanna and noticed that the color was leaving her face and that she was slipping away. We all gathered around her bed and held her hands and smoothed her hair and told her how much we loved her and how much happiness she had brought into our lives. She passed away peacefully and with us by her side. It was an incredible experience. I will forever be grateful that I was able to share that moment with her.
Knowing my Nanna and the way she cared for all of us, I have no doubt that she was waiting until she knew we would be okay without her. As long as we were fussing about, in tears and struggling to comfort each other, she wasn’t going anywhere. I truly believe that when she heard us laughing and feeling more comfortable in the moment, she knew that it was okay to leave us.
There are so few people in the world with the compassionate spirit that my Nanna had. For that reason, I am so very sad for our loss. But my heart is filled with joy for her. She is experiencing her first few days in heaven, reuniting with loved ones, no longer plagued with a feeble body and aging mind. For eternity, she will rest comfortably and reap the rewards of her selfless life on earth.
Anna Morley
as a radio personality in college
Anna & Frank Morley
Anna Callahan Morley, forever in our hearts.
February 2nd, 2010 at 1:58 pm
What a beautiful tribute!
February 2nd, 2010 at 2:00 pm
Emily-
The loss of a family member is never an easy thing, however reading your story,While wipping away my tears, I find myself feeling the peace that your family Did Friday in that room. Death is inevitable, but that does not mean it is a easysubject to think about, or discuss, especially when it involves a dear loved one.I know in the past we’ve discussed this topic a bit, and how uncomfortable itMakes. However after reading this and receiving your email the other, I want toLet you know impressed, and proud I am for you to allow yourself to feel your Loss, and relish in the awesome memory of your Nana, because those Memories will never leave you, and will allow you to take her with you forever.
It’s amazing how even in there last few moments of life, how intouch afamily member can be. I am not sure if I have ever told you this story, but the Night my dad died, everyone else in the fmaily had made the peace, and stated That they were ok with him finally resting in peace, and leaving us… Everyone That is except me (surprise, surprise right ). It was the final episode of Seinfeld. My Grandma was In my parents room with my dad (hospice was taking care ofHim @ home at this point) and I was laying on the couch with my head in myMom’s lap watching Seinfeld. About 1/2 through the show, I looked up at her, And said I’m tired, I’m tired of him fighting for us, and it isn’t fair to him to hang On any longer…. Minutes later my Grandma came out of the room, and said he Had taken his last breath.
We all need some guardian angels on side, and you my dear just received the queen bee of gaurdian angels.
My thoughts are with you and your family. Love you so much!
February 2nd, 2010 at 5:04 pm
That was beautiful. You turned your loss into a celebration of her life. Thank you. God Bless. Thinking about your family at this time. You are all in my prayers.
February 2nd, 2010 at 5:35 pm
Emily,
This is a beautiful tribute to a beautiful lady. She will be missed, but I know one special angel that was happy to have her join her in heaven.
Love,
Kristi
February 2nd, 2010 at 5:36 pm
May your wonderful memories bring you continued joy. Hug you mother for me and know that our prayers are with you.
An ABAC Friend.
February 2nd, 2010 at 7:37 pm
It is hard to leave a love one, espectially the one you care while growing up, it was a blessing though that you had a chance to say good bye, hope all the good memory will be with you forever.
February 2nd, 2010 at 11:09 pm
Wow, I loved this….. I know in my heart and soul. That Aunt Anna is all our angel. As she was in flesh and blood she is in heaven a precious wonderful angel. I feel so blessed to have been with the family on friday. For my Aunt Anna was my second mom. It was very important to me when i met Jerry Striplin that he meet my Aunt Anna and Uncle Frank. Since both my parents were gone. He would get to met the wonderful blessing of the best friends my parents and our family had. It was a good thing. A very good thing. I thought i would do better with the loss of my Aunt Anna. But truth be known. I sobbed for days. Was like losing my mom all over again. But this time it was a blessing in a way. When Mom passed she passed in the hospital. So to be able to have communion with Aunt Anna and family meant more to me than you will all know. It helped with seeing Aunt Anna go and the previous loss of my mother. I love you all dearly. And you all are right. Aunt Anna needed to know that her husband, children, and grandchildren and great grandchildren would be ok. There is nothing better than a laugh and a room full of love and respect. I am blessed to have been loved by Anna Morley and have the Morley family as mine. Thank you Aunt Anna . Love to all. Patricia and Jerry Striplin
February 2nd, 2010 at 11:44 pm
My prayers are with you all as you walk through this together as a family and individually as separate people. May the Lord God quickly transform your mourning into joy… joyous rememberances of not only who she was, but reminders of who she IS… a Daughter of the King and now sitting at His feet basking in His love!
February 3rd, 2010 at 2:01 am
Sorry to hear of your loss lovie. Beauty and strength seem to run deeply throughout your family and what a peaceful way to ease the passing of one of your matriarchs. Hope your heart is well…thinking about you!
February 4th, 2010 at 5:56 pm
Emily, what a great tribute to the life your Nana lived. Moving into the next chapter of our lives makes those left behind very sad but it’s only bittersweet. Temporarily we’re separated leaving us with a void and sadness. Claiming the joy and love we’ve shared brings us through to the next chapter in our lives.
Each of you have our love and prayers.
February 6th, 2010 at 3:35 pm
What a beautiful tribute. I grew up in Sandy Sprngs with Helen Morley. She, too, was a lovely person, just like her mom. Please extend my condolences to all of your family. Julie Herron Carson
February 11th, 2010 at 5:37 pm
I had goosebumps as I read this blog post. Her love will always be with you, I bet you can feel it every time you think of her.