Jewells of Thought

March of 2020 is ingrained in my mind. The days of missing her feeling off because no one could visit the Nursing Home. March 10th was the last day I got to see Grandma Rosemary alive.

There were a couple of days where my mom and uncles saw her at least one other time before the week of Covid restrictions before that final day. I remember waiting in the car as they tried to visit with her. Of course it didn’t last very long at all.

Our last memory was so poignant… in the midst of the March festivities. Hallmark had already started the Irish movie marathon and one of the newer movies was on that evening. We talked about how beautiful the Ireland countryside was from the movie and of a fantasy of a vacation to such a wondrous place. Something never to have the opportunity to happen for us, of course.

Never did I think that would be my last memory of her from 4 years ago. I am so grateful it was happy thoughts and conversation over a sweet movie. She loved watching movies. It’s rather an Alsman side of the family hobby more so than the Bishop side. We related through movies and spent time laughter and fun over dozens and dozens of hours together.

March wasn’t such an emotional month of memories until 4 years ago. Watching my cousin and her beautiful daughter come all the way from New Mexico to say hello and goodbye and yet not be able to do so because of the restrictions. Then within days our Rosemary was gone on in the wee hours of the morning one Friday in March. It seemed like forever and yet it was all a haze of emotions and tears.

Yesterday’s date reminded me once again of that day. I know my grandparents have been happily reunited that measure of knowledge is comforting. This just reminds me personally that spending as much time as we did when we could was absolutely worth it being with her at the Nursing Home. The little memories and bits of laughter were comforting for her as much as it was for us visiting with her.

When you love someone you put in the extra love and attention to them… it shows in you and your loved one when love shows through your relationships.