Wednesday, July 24, 2013

Saying Goodbye to My Grandmother, My 'Maggo'



Late last night, my grandmother passed away.  When I was a little girl, I called her 'Maggo,' and the nickname stuck.  Maggo would have turned 99 in November.  She was the most incredible person I've ever met.  She lived all over the country and the world (including Shanghai, and Hong Kong, where my father was born).  She traveled to over 20 different countries.  One of her favorite memories was on a trip to India, where she taught a guru how to take a shot of scotch while in Shirshasana (the yoga pose of standing on one's head.)  She had a degree in chemistry, which was not a common occurrence for a woman in the 1930s.  She worked as a fashion designer, among other professions.  We shared a love for style and design, for Thai food, for daisies, and for the color yellow.  Her apartment was decorated in gorgeous mid-century furniture and Asian decor from her travels.  She still dressed up every single day.  She was my idol, and one of my very best friends.  And she was absolutely thrilled to have a great grandchild on the way.

My heart hurts you guys.  She suffered a stroke last month, and although she improved greatly, we all knew that she was ready to go.  I am relieved that she went in her sleep (as she hoped would happen), and that she doesn't have to suffer.  But right now, I just can't image life without her. 

Three cheers to a strong, talented, beautiful, worldly, vibrant woman!  I am so very lucky to have had her in my life.

Follow Bubby and Bean

Bubby and Bean on Bloglovin

33 comments:

  1. I am so sorry for your loss. =( She sounds like such an amazing woman. I love the yoga pose story. Your family is in my thoughts.

    ReplyDelete
  2. I am so sorry for your loss.She sounded absolutely wonderful.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Your grandmother sounded like an amazing woman- so talented, intelligent, and a beautiful person. I'm so sorry for your loss :( My heart goes out to you and your family.

    ReplyDelete
  4. I'm so sorry that you had to say goodbye to someone so incredible :( Sending lots of positive thoughts your way. <3

    ReplyDelete
  5. So sorry Melissa! Thinking of you and sending love your way. xo

    ReplyDelete
  6. ahh I'm so sorry for your loss. It's hard to know how to feel when you lose someone you love so much. I hope you and your family are ok

    Hannah xx

    ReplyDelete
  7. Oh nooo, I'm so sorry. Sending love and prayers!!!

    ReplyDelete
  8. I saw the photo of this post on fb earlier today and hit that like button. I came back to read it right now, and the tears are seriously welling up my eyes. My grandmother had a stroke when I was little, and she passed in her sleep as well. I'm thankful that your grandmother had a peaceful parting as did mine. I know it hurts, and it will for a long time. She sounds like a truly amazing woman, and I am glad that you had all the time with her that you did. Celebrate her life, and please smile today - at least once.
    ~Kim

    ReplyDelete
  9. Lovely post. I wish you the best of recovery, but there will always be that part of your heart that will hold her spirit forever. SHe sounds like an angel who has blessed your life.
    I am so sorry
    Lots of lovE!!

    ReplyDelete
  10. melissa, my heart breaks for you. :( so glad you got to know, treasure, and have such a wonderfully inspiring soul to be your grandma. :) sending love

    ReplyDelete
  11. what a colorful life she had... You are lucky.
    I've never met my grandma

    ReplyDelete
  12. This post brings tears to my eyes! I'm so sorry for your loss!
    She really sounds like a wonderful woman who had a wonderful life!
    (((HUGS)))

    ReplyDelete
  13. Ugh. sweet thing. this post hit me hard. I lost my grandmother about 6 years ago and it still breaks my heart to think about. I know exactly how you feel, and no words can describe it. I am so so incredibly sorry for your loss, I love you, and I am here for you if you need to talk <3

    ReplyDelete
  14. Your grandmother sounds like a lovely lady, and I am very sorry for your loss. I can not imagine a life without my grandmother and you are in my thoughts.

    ReplyDelete
  15. Melissa ,I'm so very sorry for your loss. Your grandmother was most certainly a beautiful, intelligent and wordly lady. Lucky you for having her in your life!
    Interesting about your father being born in Hong Kong - I grew up there :)
    (((big hugs)))

    ReplyDelete
  16. I am so sorry for your loss... hang in there.

    ReplyDelete

Thank you for commenting! We love reading your thoughts and we're grateful for your input. (All spam will be deleted.)