Remembering Gammy

Our hearts are broken with the passing of Gammy yesterday morning, July 19, 2011.  Gam and Gampa are such an important part of our lives, and we've always wanted Gabe and Zach to know them and their boundless love. 

We feel so blessed that Gam knew our boys and are grateful for the unconditional love she gave them.  Whenever I was with Gam, I always knew how important family was to her.  Family was her life, and she was so devoted to each and every one of us.  I'm not her granddaughter by birth, but I certainly felt as if I was.  I know Gam knew that I loved her, but I just hope that she knew how important she was to me.  My grandmother lived so far away when she was alive.  So, my visits with Gam and Gampa were a treasure - something that I didn't have growing up but enjoyed so very much as an adult. 

Sharing my boys with Gam was just another joy.  She was so excited about the birth of her first great grandchild.  Before Gabe was even born, she bought us diapers, a comb & brush, other medical/infant supplies, a ceramic tooth box (for when Gabe loses his teeth!), stuffed animals, blankets, and nursing pajamas for me.  She also made Gabe a beautiful crotched blanket.  All before he was born!  After our parents and siblings, Gam and Gamp were the two people with whom we wanted to share Gabe with as soon as possible.  And they came to our house just minutes after we arrived home from the hospital.  What a thrill it was to see Gam and Gampa so delighted with our new, beautiful son.

Though I wish Gam had lived to see a great granddaughter, she was just as thrilled to meet Zach as she was with Gabe.  Again, before Zach was even born, she gave us diapers and other supplies whenever she saw us.  As with Gabe, Gam and Gamp were the first visitors to our house to meet Zach.  Again, I felt that same rush of delight watching them hold their second great grandchild.  And when I felt overwhelmed with caring for both Gabe and Zach my first week home from the hospital, Gam was more than over-joyed to welcome me and the boys to their house for a day of support.  While Gamp took Gabe to a park, Gam and I gabbed at the kitchen table with a sleeping Zach in my arms.  Gam knew what it was like to be overwhelmed with children (having raised 6 of her own!!!), and I felt so blessed just to sit and listen to her stories. 

Gam and Gampa have never been sparing in their words of love and support for their loved ones.  They express their love and devotion at every visit and with every phone call.  They think the world of their family and always make sure that you know it.  I love listening to them talk about my boys - how beautiful they are, how perfect, etc.  I never felt anything less than loved and beautiful when I was with Gam.  I only hope that I can be half the mother/grandmother/great grandmother that she was.  And if I can make my children feel the way that Gam made me feel, then I am certain that my boys will know love.

We miss you desperately, Gam. 

Gabe's first day home from the hospital and his first visit with Gammy & Gampa!

Gam was so excited to hold Gabe in her arms

she couldn't stop saying how gorgeous he was

look how happy they all are!

she was so happy with baby Gabe

Gabe's first visit to Gammy & Gampa's house (age 2 weeks)

Gammy giving Gabe a bottle for the first time

Gam kept Jason's crib (the crib he used as an infant) and put it together so that we could nap Gabe in his Daddy's crib when we went up for visits!

Gabe in his Daddy's crib

Gabe crashed the Whiffen women's Newport Weekend in October 2007, when he was 6 weeks old.  The Newport weekend was Gam's favorite weekend of the year.  She was thrilled when I brought Gabe.

look how happy Gabe is in his Gammy's arms

a visit at Gammy & Gampa's when Gabe was a couple months old

so happy with his great grandparents!

they adore him

at Gampa's 75th birthday party

at the 75th.  Gabe was 2 months

the gorgeous couple

still so in love

it was a beautiful, memorable party

Gabe getting into Gammy & Gampa's cupboards (age 16 months)

Gabe crashed another Whiffen women's weekend at Auntie Pammy's house in April of 2008.  Here he is in Auntie Carole's arms.  Gam (in the background) was thrilled to have him crash another women's weekend.

Gam looks so proud in this shot

she adored her grandchildren

Gammy's first visit with Zach (age 3 days old)

look how happy and beautiful she looks!

she and Gampa gave me those beautiful roses in the background

I love this shot

she's so beautiful (and she glows around her family)

Gammy and Zach (age 8 months)

Auntie Pammy, Zach & Gam - look how happy and beautiful she is

Auntie Pammy, Gabe, Zach & Gammy (March 2010)

a visit at Gammy & Gampa's.  We were eating cake and Gampa let Gabe blow out a candle (over and over again)

pancakes at Gammy & Gampa's (Gampa's pancakes are my favorite!)

Gam's helping Gabe.  Look at the size of that blueberry pancake!  Gampa's a master chef.

We love you, Gam!