Rest in Peace Grandma

My sweet grandma passed away this morning.  We have been by her side since Wednesday and it wasn't until today, when all the grand kids were out of the house and it was just her and her 3 kids, that she finally made her way to heaven.  When I got to her house Wednesday morning, I told her that I loved her and she did her best to tell me I love you too.  She knows I was there and she knows that I love her.

I know that my grandpa was waiting for her on the other side.  He has been waiting for her for over 30 years.  They were engaged to be married after dating for only 3 months.  They had 3 children and most of their marriage dealt with my grandpa's illness.  I like to think that when they saw each other for the first time today, they started just where they left off.

My grandma Noreen Theresa Kealy Zahm was a full-blooded Irish woman with a temper to match.  She attended Catholic schools in Seattle all the way through high school. She was the craftiest lady I knew and I know that I got my craftiness from her.  She used to make all of us Christmas ornaments every year and I still treasure those every time I see them. The above picture is at my wedding in 2009, just a few years before her health started to really go downhill.  

Last night, all the grand kids wrote down their favorite memories of our grandma.  We read the memories to her before we went to sleep.  My cousin and I prayed the rosary with her and a priest came in to give her her last rites.  It has been an emotional week for sure.  In fact, the last few years have been.  This picture is from Christmas 2012. 

Grandma suffered for a few years and even though we are heartbroken that she is gone, we are happy knowing that she is in a better place, no longer suffering.  We have so many wonderful memories that we will carry with us always.  This picture was from last Christmas...just 2 months before she would pass away.  We love you so much Grandma Noreen.  We will miss you forever and love you for always.