Christmas Part II

We had a very sad Christmas this year.  Jonas's mom Marianne (Mimi) had been getting increasingly sick over the past several weeks.  At the beginning of December she was admitted to the hospital, and after about a week was discharged to a hospice facility.  After a few days there, she asked Jonas to fly back to Georgia.  The kids and I met him in Gastonia, and we drove down to see her.  She wanted to meet Jonas Henry.

When we arrived, she was asleep, but woke up to meet her newest grandbaby.  Mimi was very happy to see us all.  She was able to hold Jonas Henry, and he gave her nice gurgles and smiles.  She blew kisses to the girls and told us all how much she loved us.  It was a very special moment together.  Just a few hours later, Mimi passed away, surrounded by her family.  We are so lucky to have been able to share those final hours with her.

I really hit the jackpot when it came to mothers-in-law.  Marianne was the most amazing lady.  She was so very caring and generous.  I felt instantly welcomed and loved from the moment I met her.  I think of her a hundred times a day, and have gone to pick up the phone several times to ask her a question, only to realize I can't anymore.  I miss her terribly.  I get most upset when I think of the great Mimi our kids are missing.  I hope I am able to do her memory justice.  We talk about her a lot, and remember the fun things we did together.  I am very thankful for the past two summers when Mimi and Papa moved to town.  It was so nice to have them just down the street and the girls loved playing with them on a regular basis.  We were blessed more than we realized.  

Mimi, you were one special lady.  We love you and miss you so very much.