Early yesterday morning, my mom and dad called me to let me know that my grandmother, Mimi, passed away peacefully during her sleep Saturday night.
If you’ve been reading my blog for a while, you know how much Mimi means to me. She was the matriarch of my mother’s side of the family and was always the spunkiest member of the bunch. I cannot wrap my head around the fact that I will no longer hear her stories and contagious laughter or feel the warmth of her hugs or taste one of her homemade sugar cookies.
This morning, I find myself sitting here, feeling the weight of losing Mimi, unsure what to really do with myself. When emotions have overwhelmed me in the past, one thing helps me work through everything and that is writing. So today I am writing a letter to Mimi, my beautiful grandmother.
Dear Mimi,
I love you. I miss you.
I miss the smell of your house. I miss watching you add an item to one of your many lists, your handwriting a perfect cursive that reflected your incredible artistic ability. I miss watching you spread jelly on your English muffin at the breakfast table in your silk floral robe. You somehow always managed to look glamorous at 7 a.m.
I miss the way you would use the words “tickled to death” to express your excitement over anything that brought you joy. I miss the way you would light up whenever you’d tell stories about Papa and the love you two shared. I know he was so happy to see you, the mother of his children, in heaven on Father’s Day yesterday.
When I learned of your passing, the tears came immediately. I couldn’t stop them, but I was surprised when I also couldn’t stop all of the happy memories that came flooding to the forefront of my mind. These memories only made me cry harder but they also left me with a feeling of comfort. I had 30 years with you. Thirty years with a grandmother who could not have loved her daughters or grandchildren more. Thirty years with a grandmother who absolutely could not wait to become a great grandmother for the first time.
Your reaction to the news of our baby is one of the most joyous memories I have of you. I will never forget the way your hands shot into the air or the squeal of delight that came from your lips when you learned you were going to be a great grandmother to a baby boy.
I wish with all my heart that you could have met our baby, but I will be forever grateful for the baby shower you and Aunt Laurie threw for me two weeks ago. You were surrounded by your family. Your sister, your daughters, your nieces and grandchildren and so much love and laughter!
You are at the center of so many family memories. Big Thanksgiving dinners at your house, served on your best dishes. Family Christmases in Gettysburg and long evening chats in your family room – you in your chair and Papa in his. A scotch on the rocks sitting on the table next to you, of course. Sanibel Island vacations and gigantic seafood dinners at McT’s and Gramma Dot’s.
We have so many memories together, Mimi, and I treasure all of them.
One story you loved to tell was a story about the time when you called my parents’ house to speak to my mother when I was very young and I answered the phone. You would laugh when you spoke of how I talked and talked to you for the longest time before you eventually asked, “Julie, where are you?” My reply? “In the closet.” Apparently I took the phone in the closet to hide because I wanted lots of uninterrupted time to talk to you. I crave that time right now, but part of me knows I can still talk to you whenever I want.
From what we’ve been told, you passed away peacefully in your sleep. I hope you were dreaming wonderful dreams. You’ve given me so many wonderful memories and served as a pillar of strength and love in our family for as long as I can remember. A social butterfly, through and through, I know you will be missed by more people than you can possibly imagine.
Count me at the very, very top of that list.
I love you, Mimi.
With love always,
Julie
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I’m so sorry to hear this, Julie! Praying for lots of comfort and peace for you and your family!
Julie I am so sorry for your loss. I know you are devestated. Your letter was so touching to her it made me cry.
Julie, I’m so sorry for your loss. Reading this made me think of my own grandparents and brought tears to my eyes. I lost them all many years ago, but I still think of them often. Loss is so hard- I hope you can find comfort in remembering the many happy times you shared together. Sending love and prayers to your family.
So sorry for your loss. Your grandmother sounded like an amazing woman.
So sorry for your loss. What beautiful memories you have of your Mimi. <3
Oh, Julie, I’m so sorry for your loss. Thank you for sharing all of these wonderful memories with us — it sounds like you were blessed with one of the best grandmothers possible. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family <3 <3 <3
I’m so sorry for your loss. What a vibrant smile she had!
Dear Julie,
When I saw your post on Facebook, my first thought was your grandmas’s reaction to the news of the baby. And the fact she won’t meet him. I pray that all the wonderful memories help you through this.
Warmest sympathy,
Janice
I’m so very sorry for your loss Julie. I will keep you and your family in my thoughts. Your words brought me to tears. I’m such a huge fan of your Grandma’s sugar cookies. My family absolutely loves them when I make them during the holidays. I’ll be sure to think of your Grandmother even more now when I make them in the future. I’ll be praying for your comfort and healing.
Sending you strength and peace through this difficult time. Beautiful letter- Mimi sounds like a wonderful lady. XOX
Julie, I am so sorry for your loss. Keeping you and your family in my thoughts.
Julie,
I’m so, so sorry for your loss. This brought tears to my eyes, making me think of my own grandmother who passed years ago. A beautiful, touching letter. Thank you for sharing it; writing really does help us grieve.
I’m so sorry Mimi won’t get to meet your baby boy in person, but you will always cherish the memories of her excitement at the news. And how wonderful that she was able to be a part if your shower! You’ll always have your Mimi in memories, and you can share your stories (and eventually, her sugar cookies) with your son.
My thoughts are with your family during this difficult time. <3
I am so sorry for your loss. Your letter was a beautiful tribute and it is so wonderful you are able to think of all the fond memories to give you comfort during this time.
Julie, I am so sorry for your loss… I hope that your memories comfort you during this time. It sounds like she was a very special lady.
I’m so sorry. It sounds like you still have lots of great memories of her.
Julie I am so sorry for your loss. I lost my grandmother two days after Christmas last year and not a day goes by that I don’t miss her. I will be praying for you and your family during this difficult time and know that you are surround by thousands of people that love you and are supporting you in this community and so many others.
God bless <3
In certain cultures, it is believed that the family matriarch’s spirit is in the butterfly, so when you said “social butterfly,” I just knew it must be true. Next time a butterfly lands near you or trails along as you walk Sadie and the new baby, know that may be Mimi coming by to check in and let you know you are being watched over. Sending love to your family and I’m sorry for your loss.
Thank you for sharing this with me. I absolutely love it!
I have never left a comment, but just wanted to let you know how sorry I am. Grandmothers hold a special place in our hearts. Her pictures show her sweetness and her happy personality. She was precious!
Thank you for taking the time to comment and offer your sweet words of support, Ginger. <3
I’m so so sorry for the loss of your dearest Mimi. Thank you for sharing all your wonderful memories you have had with her. Keeping you in my prayers.
Julie —
I have been reading your blog for years. I made your Mimi’s sugar cookies one year when you posted the recipe. Your letter to her was beautiful and touching. I’m so sorry for your loss. Your grandmother seemed like an amazing woman and I am glad you have many memories to remember her by.
Oh Julie, I’m so sorry for your loss. As a long time reader I know how much your Mimi means to you. Your sweet letter brought tears to my eyes. Praying for you and your family.
Julie,
I’m so sorry. I will keep you and your family in my prayers. This letter was beautiful. I didn’t even know her and I cried like a baby.
This brought tears to my eyes, I am so sorry for your loss Julie. I hope you will have comfort in knowing she passed away peacefully, I will keep your family in my thoughts and prayers.
Julie,
I am so sorry to hear about your grandma. Reading your blog you could definitely tell how spunky she was! My grandma passed away in 2014 and I still miss her a lot. Your letter is very sweet and it made me think of all the memories I had with both my grandmas.
I’m so sorry for your loss. I always enjoyed your heart warming stories of Mimi. She was so lucky to have you as a granddaughter and I’m sure she would love that sweet note. Praying for you and your family!
I am so sorry for your loss, Julie. My thoughts and sympathy are with you and your family for peace during this difficult time.
This letter is beautiful. I pray for your comfort in this difficult time.
I am so sorry for the loss of your Mimi. I lost my beloved Grandma in 2009 and while the sharpness of the pain and sadness eventually fades, I still think of her everyday. We are lucky to have wonderful memories with our grandmas. Cherish those good times. I will pray for you and your family. We have the best guardian angels up in heaven now.
I’m so sorry for you and your family’s loss. I know how important this woman is to you. You all are in my thoughts.
What a beautiful tribute. I’m so sorry for your loss.
My condolences to you and your family Julie, especially your Mom.
A beautiful letter for who I’m sure was a beautiful lady.
I am getting teary-eyed at work! God Bless you Mimi, you too Julie!
I have been reading your blog for awhile now and have grown to know and love Mimi myself! So sorry that she will not be around for the birth of your baby boy, but she will be with you in spirit. My thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time. Mimi will live on in all the wonderful memories you have, and I am sure that you will pass them down to your son. Hugs!
I’m so sorry for your loss. Grandmothers are such special people in our lives and I can’t imagine the sadness your family is feeling right now. Your letter to Mimi is beautiful. Your family is my prayers during this difficult time.
Julie,
I am so sorry for your loss. Your letter is a beautiful tribute. Your grandmother is smiling down at you.
Sorry for your loss, Julie! She sounds like an amazing woman.
I am so very sorry to hear this!! I sat here and cried as I read your special, heart-felt letter to your beautiful grandmother. From reading your blog I can tell how much she meant to you and your family but more than that, how much you all meant to her! There is nothing like the relationship and love from grandparents, I treasure and miss mine every single day!! She will be with you and your family always!!
Julie,
I’m sorry for your loss. May your grandmother rest in peace.
Remember to take care of yourself and the baby.
So sorry for your loss Julie. The loss of a grandparent as we’re older is almost harder because we’ve had more time with them. I hope you find peace in knowing she’s resting well. xo
So sorry for your loss, may the many happy memories of your grandmother comfort you and your family during this time. The best ones are always missed so much
Oh goodness, my heart hurts for you, Julie. Even before you wrote this, I could tell from how you spoke of your Mimi in previous posts that you loved and valued her so very much. You are in my thoughts and prayers as you go through this time of mourning and grieving. Take your time … we’ll be here. Sending big hugs your way. xoxo
I’m so sorry for your loss.
Julie, What a beautiful tribute to your grandmother. My heart goes out to you for your loss, and I’ll be keeping you and your family in my thoughts and prayers.
On Julie I’m so sorry for your loss, my thoughts are with you and your family.
What a beautiful letter. i am sorry for your loss.
Oh Julie, I am so sorry for your loss. I know you knew it was coming at some point, but it’s never easy. I am saying prayers for your whole family through this time <3
Julie, so sorry for your loss. This was beautifully written. How special that you were able to have your shower with her and be able to keep that memory of her love.
Hi Julie, So sorry for your loss. I know how very special grandmas are! Your family is in my thoughts and prayers!
Julie, I’m so sorry for your loss. This was a really beautiful post. Your grandmother seemed like a lovely woman. Take care of yourself.
Julie, I’m so sorry for your loss. My heart aches with you, and I wish you a peaceful mourning. How lucky you are to have known her so long!