Gram Cherinka

Part of our vacation last week was a trip up to PA to visit Patrick's maternal grandmother. She had been in a nursing home for a few months and had been doing very well and in good health. We had debated on whether or not to trek up there, but in the end we felt it would be best to go ahead and visit while 1. We had only 2 kids to care for and 2. Gram was in good health. Last Monday we were able to spend the majority of the day with her. Patrick's and his Uncle Mac went to pick her up from the nursing home and brought her to Mac and Rita's house, where we were staying. The kids were able to play, nap, and continue on what was there routine so they could have a pleasant visit with her.

While the kids (and I) were napping, Patrick spent a good hour and a half talking with her, sharing about the kids, catching up, and hearing stories of Gram's past. We ate dinner, took a few pictures, and then Gram needed to head home. We had such a nice visit and I'm so glad that we took the time to travel up north.

My mother-in-law told me several times in the last week and a half how much our visit meant to Gram. Gram apparently talked about the kids a lot and enjoyed seeing their antics (some of them crazy...) while we were there, even only for a few hours.

My mother-in-law called me today to let us know that Gram passed away this morning. Her downturn was fairly quick and, in my opinion, seemed to die suddenly. My in-laws are travelling up to PA at this time and Patrick has not yet determined what he wants to do. I'm so very thankful that we got to spend at least a part of a day with her last week. What a blessing it was to be able to see her before she passed away. Our visit was timely and was very special for Gram, Patrick, the kids, and me. Please keep the family in your prayers.