Honoring Family Members

Yesterday morning, my paternal and only living grandmother {aside from step-grandparents} passed away. She suffered from Alzheimer's and had been living in a nursing home for the past three years. Even while there, she had always been pretty healthy, just forgetful and sometimes confused about her location or how old we all were. She never forgot who we were, which was such a blessing.

When Nick and I first got engaged, my mom and I had discussed how she might be able to attend at least the ceremony with the assistance of a nurse. When her health began to decline significantly in the past few months, I came to terms with the fact that she probably wouldn't be able to attend at all. However, I'd held out the hope that we'd at least get to show her photographs from the day.

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My grandmother picked me up almost every day from school from second grade until I finally got my license at the end of sophomore year. I was mortified when she still had to pick me up in high school, but now I am so glad to have those memories. She would take me to McDonald's to get a small order of french fries for a snack or to the library to check out books.

I am incredibly lucky to have been very close to both of my grandmothers. They were so different, but both amazing women. I really really wish they could both be here for my wedding day.

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I am planning to carry as my something blue, my maternal grandmother's rosary and I will wear my paternal grandmother's ring. However, I have always loved the small, framed photographs attached to bouquets. Once I get back, I will be ordering two of these charms from etsy seller Designs by Tami to put their photographs in. Even though they won't be with me physically, having their photos so close will remind me that they are there in spirit. It won't make me any less emotional, I'm sure.

Images © DesignsbyTami.

Thank you for indulging my really personal post...I'll be back posting next week hopefully.

Comments

[Lyndsey]

I am so sorry to hear about your grandma. I toolost my grandmother 1 month before I got married. She was in a nursing home too and I was so hoping to have pictures with her on my wedding day! It's such a hard thing to swallow at a time like this! you will def be in my prayers girl!

[Erin]

i'm so sorry, allison. i know it's a tough time for you and i hope that you take some time to be with your family. the photos are a sweet sweet idea and will mean so much to you on your big day.

[Abbie]

I am so sorry to hear about your loss. I love that you are doing something to honor your grandmother on your wedding day. I am very close to my grandparents and am holding out hope that they'll be able to make it to my wedding next year.

[Heather]

I am so sorry to hear this. Both of my mothers parents passed away recently, and although I know they will be there in spirit, it is hard to think that they won't be there to watch their oldest granddaughter walk down the aisle. I will be carrying my grandmothers blue cameo on my bouquet, and probably sneaking in some Stewart plaid somewhere to make my grandfather happy :)

[Guilty Secret]

I'm so sorry for your loss. This really was a beautiful tribute.

[Molly]

I'm so sorry for your loss. I'm also wearing two things from both of my grandmothers who have both passed. I think it's a wonderful way to honor her. xoxo

[Vane]

so sorry to hear about your grandmother...

[Tina]

I am sorry to hear of your family's loss. I know what a trying year it's been for your family. Our family also had a rough year and it simply exhausted me in the weeks leading up to the wedding. It was hard for me to balance my sadness and my excitment and justify my happiness when everyone around me was so sad. I woke up on the day of the wedding with a sense of calm that I don't ever remember feeling in my whole life. I don't know if it was divine intervention from my Grandma or what, but I wish you the same as you roll into the home stretch.

[MichelleB]

Sorry to hear of your loss. We actually did not have any heirloom ring to wear at our upcoming wedding so my fiance bought me a gorgeous diamond engagement ring from www.idonowidont.com and hope to have this ring passed down from generation to generation in our family like in yours.