In Memoriam

Just over one month ago, on May 10, 2011, my Babcia (grandmother in Polish), passed away.
     Babcia was 94 years old.  Yes, she lived a long, full life, but you could tell she wasn't ready to go.  She caught a bad cold that turned into pneumonia & was in the hospital for a few days.  They sent her home on a Wednesday, still too weak to even walk by herself.  Two days later, on Good Friday, my uncle, in town for Easter, took her to the emergency room.  She was septic.  Babcia was still coherent through to the next morning until around 8:30 am, when she became unresponsive.  The doctors were not hopeful.
     A few hours later, before noon, she woke up as if nothing happened.  We were all in shock, as were the doctors.  They asked how she was feeling & she said "I feel good!".  The hospital was abuzz with our Easter 'Miracle".  The day after Easter, everyone from out of town left for home.
     Even though she was free from infection, Babcia started going downhill shortly after that.  Her body was just too weak.  She barely ate what everyone was trying to feed her.  They didn't expect her last a couple of days, but she held on.  Eventually, the decision was made to put her in hospice.
     She entered hospice on Wednesday, May 4th.  Every day there was a message to get to hospice right away because "This could be it".
     On Mother's Day, the whole family was there.  My dad, his 3 brothers, my sisters, husband & daughter, my cousins, spouses...It was a celebration of sorts.  We were all there for Babcia, our matriarch, the foundation of our family.  We laughed & cried, sang & played polkas for her.  We shared memories & picked on each other, the way we always do.  And every once in awhile, we'd get a knowing smile from her.  This was her party, the eternal hostess.  Babcia had her family together.
     Life is never fair as people have to go home & get back to work.  The family flew back to their respective states as we all prepared for the end.
     Monday, May 9th, the ones who live here, visited at various times during the day or evening.  We expressed our love, as always & reluctantly went home.
On Tuesday morning, May 10, 2011 at 12:41 am, my Babcia went home to God.

I wanted to share this with all of you because you know how close I was to my Babcia.  I am doing a lot better than I was so I knew it was time to tell the story.  I will post again soon.  Thank you to all of you for being here for me.  I love you all!
Hanging on to My Babcia's Babushka,

Collette