Sunday, March 4, 2012

Remembering Mama Billa

This morning my beloved grandma, Mama Billa as we all called her, passed away in her sleep. She had been in the hospital for a week now and I started mourning her loss then. We all knew it was inevitable, and there was nothing to be done, therefore the goal was to make her parting as painless as possible. Although it really doesn't make it less sad, the fact that she died peacefully in her sleep is of some comfort to me and those who loved her.
My grandma was no wallflower. Married at 14, she was the mother of 15 children. She was the matriarch of her family. Growing up I can remember her at the head of the table leading the rosary. I remember her sitting in a chair braiding tobacco while all the children deveined it. My grandfather was a farmer, and all his children worked the farm until they left the house. None of that, "I'm not doing that!" If you lived there, you worked... you sat at the table, you had a bowl of beans to shell, you sat on the porch, there were peanuts to shell... busy hands are happy hands... work,work,work. Funny the things that one remembers. When my grandfather died many, many years ago, she kept her family in check. She was a small little woman, under five feet tall, and when she spoke we stopped and listened. She was sweet, caring and soooooo loved by all. She lived in her home, assisted by her daughters until last week, she was 92 years young.
I will always love her, and miss her.

22 comments:

Terry said...

It sounds like she had a full life and will be missed. That's all anyone can hope for in this life. Sending hugs for you Brenda.

Pippa Parsons said...

Hugs and condolences to you, today here in France it is grandmother's day, so I'll add yours to my thoughts...

gmp said...

Sending condolences to you and your family, for the loss of your beloved Grandma.

Amy said...

Thoughts and hugs to you and your family.

Sheila said...

Dear Brenda,
Your grandma sounded like quite the gal, running a firm household where children were loved and learned to work and loving memories where made.
Deepest sympathy to you and your family.
sending big hugz~

Me and My Stitches said...

So sorry for your loss Brenda. It sounds like you have many great memories of times with her. Hold them close to your heart. Hugs to you!

Debbie Guidi said...

Dear Brenda, I am so sorry for your loss. Please know that your grandmother, you and your loved ones will be in my prayers.

WoolenSails said...

Brenda, I am so sorry to hear of your loss, it is a rough month for you. I do believe that she went the way she lived and sounds like a wonderful woman.

Debbie

jackiero said...

I am so very sorry for your loss. Your beautiful words describing your beloved grandmother has brought tears to my eyes. Sending you a vertual hug.

Patty said...

Sorry for your loss, sound like she was quite the lady and lived a full joyful life.

Erin said...

Brenda so sorry for your loss she sounds looked she left a wonderful family with great memories to cherish! You are in my prayers.

Jeanne said...

Sending more hugs your way. She sounds like a wonderful woman.

Barb said...

I am so sorry for your loss!!

Lynn Barbadora said...

Such a wonderful tribute to your grandmother Brenda. It sounds like she lived a very long, hard working life....but a happy one. May you be comforted by your precious memories of her. (((HUGS))) and prayers.
Lynn

andsewon said...

Sending my condolences to you and your family. Mama Billa sounds like a wonderful lady. How blessed you all are to have had her for 92 yrs!
Hugs,
Lola

Sue said...

Already in this month barely started, you have had so much loss. My prayers are with you. You are blessed to have such a wonderful Grandmother.

trash said...

Mis condolencias a su familia entera Brenda. Ése es un cuadro magnífico de su abuela.

Unknown said...

I'm so sorry - she looks like a sweet lady. Hugs to you!

Sheri Howard said...

Brenda I am so sad to hear about your grandmother. This has been a sad month for you. I hope you feel comfort when you think of the memories you have of her. ~~Sheri

teresa said...

A lot of kisses for you and your family from Spain.
Teresa

nlcalendar said...

I am so sorry for your loss. Your grandmother sounds like a remarkable woman. I'm glad you have so many great memories. Marilyn

Jenny said...

I am so sorry to read this! Mama Billa sounds like a force. I'm sure her loss will be felt by many...in the meantime sending prayers and hugs to help fill the void just a tiny bit.