MIA

Sorry for the absence. At first it was a happy little unintentional break - a natural consequence of my husband being home from work for the summer.

Now, however, I'm sad to say I'm in the midst of an unexpected trip to my hometown. We got a call on Friday that my beloved grandmother was in the emergency room. Saturday's call reported that she was improving, but would need to stay in the hospital for a couple of days for antibiotics and oxygen. Sunday morning we were so shocked to be wakened at 5:30 by a call informing us she had passed away during the night. She just went to sleep, and peacefully slipped from this life into the next.

It is just such a sad time for our whole family. Nana was predeceased by her firstborn and her husband, and is survived by seven children, six children-in-law, fourteen grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren - all of whom loved and respected her deeply. She was a true matriarch, and our family is suffering so much over this loss. We know that she is now freed from all her earthly pains and illnesses, and is rejoicing with her saviour in whom she placed all her trust throughout her life. But her presence is missed so profoundly here.

Today we celebrate not only her funeral Mass, but also what would have been her 86th birthday. I love you Nana, and I always will. You are terribly missed.

Eternal rest grant unto her, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon her. May the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.