Monday, January 16, 2012

Memere

She didn't have a powerful, meaningful, society changing career.  She never beat any world record or won any awards that we've heard of.  She was never on television or the radio and was certainly not famous.  She never had a mansion, or a yacht, and she never saved a group of people from a burning building or developed the cure for cancer.  She lived a quiet life being a doting wife to her husband, a faithful Catholic, raising her 2 children, moving around the country (and once out of it), and living independently as a widow for 32 years.

Yet her life was a gift to all that were lucky enough to know her.  Her gift to all of us was unconditional love, uplifting positivity, kindness, sincerity, and honesty.  She made friends...life long friends, every where she went because of her magnetic, genuine, lovely personality.  She saw the best in all people and the sunny side in all situations.  Or if she didn't, she was sure good at faking it ;)  She was and is an example as to how to live a successful life.  Leaving a host of happier, uplifted people in our wake, not through grand life changes or showy gestures, but by caring about each interaction with the people you meet.  She inspires me to be kinder, more content, and more grateful for the little unglamorous life I've been given.

Oh, how I will miss you, Memere.

November 18, 1919-January 16, 2012

12 comments:

Jayme said...

I'm sorry for your loss, Giselle. What a beautiful tribute, though. God bless!

d e v a n said...

I'm so sorry for your loss! She sounds like a lovely woman.

Anonymous said...

Grandma's are so special that you can't imagine a life without them. We remember the great things about them and how special they made each one of us feel. I know how much you loved your Memere and can only imagine how much she loved you in return. She must have been very proud of you.

Moira

Emily said...

I'm so sorry, Giselle. Peace for you and your family as you deal with the loss.

Michelle said...

So very sorry for your loss. Take care.

Aunt Sara said...

Giselle, I'm so sorry for your loss. My prayers are with your family.

Heather said...

Hugs and prayers for you and your family.

Sara said...

Beautifully written, Giselle. I lost my grandfather just a few weeks ago, and am still trying to deal with it. I'm so sorry for your loss and am thinking of you and your family.

bluedaisy said...

This is beautiful...so very sorry to hear this news. It sounds like she left you with many great gifts- including courage! Prayers for you and your family.

HawleyFamily said...

So sorry for your loss. Many prayers for your family as they say goodbye to a well loved woman. Wish I was there to give you a big hug right now.

CARRIE said...

George Bailey would agree. It is in touching people's lives that we make the most difference. Who knows how many small seemingly "unimportant" things your Memere did that benefited the lives of others even beyond the scope of her family and friends.

Kelsey said...

What a beautiful tribute Giselle - I am so sorry for your loss.