Granny
Posted under life
I just received word that my double-Taurus grandmother suffered a stroke after her 92nd birthday party on Sunday. She can’t speak, and they have called in hospice. She has been in steady decline since her first major stroke almost exactly 2 years ago.
Today is her real birthday. And I wish for her freedom from the pain she has been in and a peaceful transition. I sure am grateful to have had her as my Granny.
- 25 April 2006
Molly Cliborne
1 · María · 25 April 2006
Dear Molly,
As I watched your picture download (and it takes forever because we have a dial-up connection) I saw a sweet and beatiful picture from your past unfold. Almost instantly I picked up on the the knit pattern of the op your grandmother was wearing and then the cute little dresses that the little girls were wearing along with all three’s darling smiles. I knew before it down-loaded it was from the 70’s – 80’s. I am so sad to hear about your grandma and I have a great amount of empathy for you. Sunday was four years since my mom pasted away and I’ve had a lot of emotions well up within me.
Your are in my thoughts and prayers,
Love, Your friend,
María
2 · Molly · 25 April 2006
Thanks Maria. I think this picture was taken as my sister and I were leaving Granny and Gramps’ house to go back to Texas. That’s why we look like we’ve been crying, and Granny looks sad. My cousin, in the white shirt, has this “whatever” look on her face. :)
Granny isn’t expected to make it to the end of the day. I’m headed out there in a few minutes.
3 · Becky · 26 April 2006
I’m stealing this picture for my own use. Hope you don’t mind. Look at me sticking out my gut like I’m all proud of it. Jeez! I remember that shirt of Granny’s, and I just realized that I bought one really similar to it about 6 years ago and it was so strange how I was drawn to it and I never wanted to let it go, even when it became about 4 sizes too big. I made mom take it in on the sides so I could still wear it. I finally gave up and took it to the thrift store. I wish I still had it. Thanks for keeping me company last night. I’m still not sure if I’m existing in reality right now.
Love you,
Cousin “Whatever”
4 · María · 26 April 2006
Dear Molly, Cousin “Whatever” and Molly’s whole family,
Though we’ve never met, you are all in my thoughts and prayers during this very sad time. It is a good time to reflect, remember precious memories and the wonderful feelings connected to those bygone days. Maybe those days have melted into the past, but you will always have those beatiful memories and I see a lot of love there. Talk, share, and get love and support to each other.
Your Friend,
María
5 · Venussquare · 26 April 2006
My very best wishes to you and your Granny, Molly.
6 · Hannah · 26 April 2006
Molly Dearest,
Oh, my hugest condolensces and the best to your family. I have a Taurean grandma that I adore, too. She also has suffered a few strokes. Luckily she is OK but I found out today that my paternal grandpa is in the hospital with problems.
Your grandma really looks like a wonderful lady. I bet she lived an amazing life. Maybe you can tell us a bit about her?
Hugs,
Hannah
7 · molly · 27 April 2006
As expected, Granny passed away Tuesday evening. It was truly a blessing. She had not been well for quite a long time.
I can't even tell you how much we loved spending summers at Granny and Gramps' house when we were kids. Granny was so nurturing, she just made you feel so special. She called us 'puddin' and 'sugar,' and she called our things "pretties" in her wonderful Southern lady's voice. I used to cry my eyes out when it was time to go back to Texas.
Granny had a ton of energy. By the time I was in my mid 20's, she was in her late 80s, and she could outlast me in a day of shopping and running around or housework. She had homemaking down to an art, and kept up with everything.. laundry, cooking, cleaning, shopping, gardening, you name it. She was double Taurus and she had her system! She made it her life's work to make sure we had enough to eat, and enough coats and blankets.
She knew so many people and had so many friends. She was the 6th of 11 children in her family. She has two sisters left, and they were very close. You know how families have central figures.. that's how Granny was for us. She kept up with everyone. She always sent holiday and birthday cards without fail.
She loved getting together. And she loved children. One of the last things she said before she lost consciousness was 'where's Evan?', Becky's 7-year-old, her great-grandson. Just wanted to make sure someone was looking after him.
She had a great sense of humor. Some of the stories she told! Like the one about having lunch with a circle of local friends, widows like her, all in their 80s.. one of the ladies said she wouldn't get married again if he had a "gold ding-dong!" I cracked up just hearing the story.
8 · Venussquare · 27 April 2006
May she rest in peace and what a blessing that she died peacefully and left a legacy of love and joy. We should all be so lucky.
My condolences, Molly.
9 · chin velasquez · 27 April 2006
My dear Molly,
Just read the sad news about your grandma passing away 2 days ago. Im so sorry. I have been praying for her and you, and your family ever since you sent word earlier this week. The photo you have here is so precious, ans she’s just a beautiful woman, looks so happy with her granddaughters at her side.
I’m thinking of you, sending you and your family all my warm blessings of love, and my condolences. Praying that she is looking down on you in peace and with so much love. Hope you are doing ok…
xo, love,
Chin
10 · Hannah · 27 April 2006
Oh Molly,
Your description of her was so loving and personal. And that so mirrors how I feel about my own Taurus grandma. She is also very good with kids, family, has a very impressive system (which makes her seem persnickety but not in a Virgo kinda way), she’s a hoot and a riot and has funny tales to tell. I know it’s going to be hard for me when she passes, but on the other hand, with a life like your grandma has had and my grandma has/had, you know that there is no better way to go.
XO,
Hannah
11 · Becky · 28 April 2006
I never heard that “gold ding-dong” story, but I loved how she called the ladies that she walked with, all her age, “The Old Ladies”.
There is an energy on this hill of hers, I think. This morning I was chosing an outfit for the funeral and heard a lawn mower close by; I looked out the window and saw Florence (Fran’s “younger” sister of about 75) riding the mower in her front yard. I thought she must be proving to herself that she’s still got plenty of time to smell that fresh cut grass and know that she did it herself.
We’ll be celebrating Evan’s birthday tomorrow. I know you’ve been doing too much driving lately to make it back, but we’ll eat a piece of cake for you guys. Come visit at the Cliborne Estate anytime! Maybe I should name it “Clibornea” or “Powerville”... ;o)
Love you,
Beck
12 · Carol L. · 30 April 2006
Sending my best wishes to you and your family. Your grandmother reminds me of how my mom was with my daughters. She loved having them come and spend time with her and my dad. She always had projects and adventures planned. She was also a Taurean. My three daughers and I miss her a lot. Take care, Molly.
Carol
13 · Katy · 30 April 2006
I will always remember one of my very first astrological experiences which involved reading Linda Goodman’s “Love Signs” (many, many moons ago), and she described Taurean women as ‘tall women’ whatever their physical stature ~ that made me feel good. It sounds like your Granny was indeed one of those Taurean ‘tall women’, and I hope I can fulfill the same role for my own grandchildren one day like your Gran obviously did for hers. I have been told that my own Granny was a wonderful woman (yet another Taurean!), but unfortunately she passed away unexpectedly a few months before I was born. My Mum says she can see parts of her in me… I bet there are parts of your Granny living through you, too :)
Love Katy
14 · Molly · 1 May 2006
Thank you so much for your comforting words. It's funny to hear Granny described as a tall woman. She stood 'five-foot-nuthin' and always said she wanted to come back as a six foot tall man.
I understand what you mean though. Despite her small stature, she was a 'tall woman.'
15 · Alyssa · 1 May 2006
Dearest Molly,
Just reading and finding out about your Gran. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family…
You are an inspiration, as always, as you “drive through” this experience, sharing it with others in such a lucid and giving manner.
Blessed be,
Alyssa