Gramma Hazel Van Patten12-26-15 to 9-29-08
This has been a tough week for Jere, as his sweet, most beloved and cherished person on the planet, his Gramma, finally succumbed to all her health problems. She was 93 years old, and her death had been awhile in coming, but it still has been very hard on him. She passed away peacefully on Monday afternoon, which frankly is such a blessing. However, it's hard for him to see it that way, because now it's final.
Gramma was his everything. I believe she is truly the ONE person in this world (next to me and Maggie) that he REALLY loves with all his heart, unconditionally. She pretty much raised him. She is someone he respected, trusted and believed in more than anyone else. When we first started dating, I knew things were really progressing when he started saying...."love you more than my Gramma." It was sort of a joke, but also sort of true. A real indicator of where his heart was. He has long said that when she died, he would be suicidal. Thankfully, he has had some time to know this was coming, and he had a really wonderful conversation with her about a month ago, before she went into the hospital that was a nice closure for him. However, he's still struggling.
She was a great lady, and we will miss her.
I dropped Jere off at the airport this morning, he'll be in Antioch until Monday. The funeral is Saturday, and he will be singing "The Old Rugged Cross" at her service. It was one of her favorite songs, and he feels it's one thing he can do for her. Here's to hoping he's able to get throug it. We're gonna miss him while he's gone, hope he hurries home.
Until we meet again Gramma!
4 comments:
I am so sorry for him, I'm sure his Grammy is looking down saying "don't cry Jere I'm doing cartwheels up here", he has such a tender heart, that's what makes him a great Dad, husband and friend. I'm sure he will honor her well with his song. I will keep him in my prayers.
Jere:
I am so sorry! I hate it when grandparents pass away! I love really old people. They have such wonderful stories and capture such wonderful places in our souls. I know how close you were to your Gramma and "I mourn with those that mourn and stand to comfort those in need of comfort". Love you!
Jere,
I am sorry to hear about your grandma. Yesterday was the one year mark of Eri'c grandpa's death. It is ard to say good-bye. I hope all went well with the funeral and your song.
Jenn Crandall
I was surfing and came across your blog. My dad and Jere's grandpa were brothers. I spent many a night at Aunt Hazel's visiting with Jere's Uncle Roger. Aunt Hazel was one of the sweetest and kindest people I know. She never had an unkind word for anyone. I am so glad that I was able to stop by and see her this summer when I was visiting from South Carolina. What a great picture! Love and prayers to you-all. John Van Patten
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