Yesterday we buried Nancy Braden, my boy's grandmother and my "little old lady." She is one of the last of a generation that lived totally differently than we do today. She never touched a computer or sent a text. She didn't have access to the educations that her grandsons have. She had a pretty set in stone belief system - we had topics I avoided. She worked hard all of her life. She grew up on a farm in Kentucky. Married a guy that brought her to "the city." She put in a garden to feed her seven children and she canned and froze and cooked - always cooked. This woman had something to offer you to eat - right up to the end in the ICU on the last day that I saw her conscious when she tried to send her nurse to give me an Italian Ice. That was her way.
The last years, due to illness and old age, we met at her kitchen table to visit. On more than one occasion I sat and cried and she talked me around whatever it was. Some days I talked her around her tears. My boys have lost their father and their grandmother in the space of a little over two weeks. We've had enough.
As I sat in the funeral home yesterday it occurred to me that, at 63, I'm not sure that I can find another "little old lady." I am at the age that I may have to become one. I pray that if that becomes my roll for someone that I do it as well as Nancy. Rest in peace, my friend.
Nobody can look at this picture and read your commentary and not be touched to the soul. I think you are ready to take up the mantle and be someone else's special friend.
Gosh Cathy this has made me cry!! Such a lovely story and so sad that your boys have lost two dear people so close to each other and you have lost a dear friend. Life is so cruel sometimes!! This is a beautiful image to go with your beautiful story. Big hug and a big Fav!!
I saw this beautiful image on the Trending Page and was drawn by the exquisite detail and wonderful colours. Then I read your equally beautiful story and I am truly touched by it. May the souls of your loved ones rest in peace Cathy and may you find comfort in your memories and the beautiful world that surrounds you. Fav.
Wonderful heartfelt words Cathy...you put your thoughts into words so well. What a wonderful understanding daughter in law you were , not easy sometimes with the age gap & different values & ways.
You will all be bereft at this loss of mother & son.......she must have been sad to see a child die before her...perhaps that hastened her death.
One of life's providers ....you will miss her so much. Deepest condolences Cathy.
Your story brought tears to my eyes too - so wonderful that you could have had such a great relationship with her, and so sorry that the world has lost just a wonderful person. Wonderful
Like others here Cathy, I could not read this without tears in my eyes. If I can offer any comfort, know that your continued words of strength have brought courage to me as events in my life right now have become rocky. Bless you. You have shouldered a great burden these past couple of weeks that I can not imagine, and yet you have carried on. This is a beautiful shot.
Love your beautiful heartfilled words and shot. Love and prayers to you all as you process the loss of your little old lady. So so sorry for all of your recent loss. Enough, indeed. Fav!
A beautiful tribute and a delightful photo. I hope that you and your boys can move on and am sure that over time your abundant supply of photos will assist you to remember happier times.
Stunning capture of this butterfly and the lovely flowers!!! Awesome story about your boys grandmother!!! And also such a sad story!!! Saying a prayer for all of you today, Cathy!!! FAV!
Although you are not old enough yet there is not a doubt in my mind when you become the little old lady you will do it with all the grace and charm Nancy did and more. I am so sorry for all you have recently endured but it is a testament to your character how well you have handled it!
This is a beautiful shot of two subjects you do so well and a wonderful tribute because of that, Cathy!
Such a lovely tribute! We should all hope to make an impression on people the way your "little old lady" did. When it's your turn to play that role, I'm sure you'll do it in style...and with flowers!
Beautiful butterfly to honor you little old lady. Your words are a great tribute to her and a fascinating description of that generation. May she rest in peace. FAV
What a lovely shot for today. Folk are with us for such a fleeting time, just like the butterflies.
I find I have friends of all ages and we all have times that we are the 'old lady' and times we are the kid in need of a wise ear. I have no doubt that you'll find yourself as both :)
I am so very sorry for your and your family's losses, Cathy. I really don't know what else to say except that my heart goes out to you and yours and I'm sending you a hug and hoping that you find the comfort and the strength you need for the days ahead. xx
This is a beautiful tribute.
This is gorgeous, Cathy! I saw it on a fav of fav threads from a while back. I was trying to hunt down the Paula Project to follow it. cannot find it. But did find this
July 6th, 2014
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You will all be bereft at this loss of mother & son.......she must have been sad to see a child die before her...perhaps that hastened her death.
One of life's providers ....you will miss her so much. Deepest condolences Cathy.
This is a beautiful shot of two subjects you do so well and a wonderful tribute because of that, Cathy!
I find I have friends of all ages and we all have times that we are the 'old lady' and times we are the kid in need of a wise ear. I have no doubt that you'll find yourself as both :)
This is a beautiful tribute.