Early yesterday morning, my mom and dad called me to let me know that my grandmother, Mimi, passed away peacefully during her sleep Saturday night.
If you’ve been reading my blog for a while, you know how much Mimi means to me. She was the matriarch of my mother’s side of the family and was always the spunkiest member of the bunch. I cannot wrap my head around the fact that I will no longer hear her stories and contagious laughter or feel the warmth of her hugs or taste one of her homemade sugar cookies.
This morning, I find myself sitting here, feeling the weight of losing Mimi, unsure what to really do with myself. When emotions have overwhelmed me in the past, one thing helps me work through everything and that is writing. So today I am writing a letter to Mimi, my beautiful grandmother.
Dear Mimi,
I love you. I miss you.
I miss the smell of your house. I miss watching you add an item to one of your many lists, your handwriting a perfect cursive that reflected your incredible artistic ability. I miss watching you spread jelly on your English muffin at the breakfast table in your silk floral robe. You somehow always managed to look glamorous at 7 a.m.
I miss the way you would use the words “tickled to death” to express your excitement over anything that brought you joy. I miss the way you would light up whenever you’d tell stories about Papa and the love you two shared. I know he was so happy to see you, the mother of his children, in heaven on Father’s Day yesterday.
When I learned of your passing, the tears came immediately. I couldn’t stop them, but I was surprised when I also couldn’t stop all of the happy memories that came flooding to the forefront of my mind. These memories only made me cry harder but they also left me with a feeling of comfort. I had 30 years with you. Thirty years with a grandmother who could not have loved her daughters or grandchildren more. Thirty years with a grandmother who absolutely could not wait to become a great grandmother for the first time.
Your reaction to the news of our baby is one of the most joyous memories I have of you. I will never forget the way your hands shot into the air or the squeal of delight that came from your lips when you learned you were going to be a great grandmother to a baby boy.
I wish with all my heart that you could have met our baby, but I will be forever grateful for the baby shower you and Aunt Laurie threw for me two weeks ago. You were surrounded by your family. Your sister, your daughters, your nieces and grandchildren and so much love and laughter!
You are at the center of so many family memories. Big Thanksgiving dinners at your house, served on your best dishes. Family Christmases in Gettysburg and long evening chats in your family room – you in your chair and Papa in his. A scotch on the rocks sitting on the table next to you, of course. Sanibel Island vacations and gigantic seafood dinners at McT’s and Gramma Dot’s.
We have so many memories together, Mimi, and I treasure all of them.
One story you loved to tell was a story about the time when you called my parents’ house to speak to my mother when I was very young and I answered the phone. You would laugh when you spoke of how I talked and talked to you for the longest time before you eventually asked, “Julie, where are you?” My reply? “In the closet.” Apparently I took the phone in the closet to hide because I wanted lots of uninterrupted time to talk to you. I crave that time right now, but part of me knows I can still talk to you whenever I want.
From what we’ve been told, you passed away peacefully in your sleep. I hope you were dreaming wonderful dreams. You’ve given me so many wonderful memories and served as a pillar of strength and love in our family for as long as I can remember. A social butterfly, through and through, I know you will be missed by more people than you can possibly imagine.
Count me at the very, very top of that list.
I love you, Mimi.
With love always,
Julie
![\"Quantcast\"/](\"//pixel.quantserve.com/pixel/p-1e3-7hOJ_U8Bg.gif\")
I’m so sorry to hear about your Mimi’s passing, Julie. Your letter brought me to tears and laughter! I loved the memory you shared about hiding in the closet so you could talk to her for an extended time:) It always helps me to picture loved ones in heaven doing their favorite activities❤️ Keeping you and your family in my thoughts & prayers.
I can’t imagine how incredibly difficult this must have been to write and share. I’m so sorry for your loss, Julie. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers during this tough time.
I am so sorry for your loss…. you and your baby now have a special guardian angel watching over you…Find comfort in your happy memories.
I am so very sorry for your loss. Your letter brought me to tears. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Oh Julie, I’m so sorry for your loss. It’s plain to see your Grandma Mimi was an incredible woman and such an important part of your family. Those memories you have of her are just priceless.
I’ve been reading your blog for years, and every post your Mimi was in reminded me so much of my Granny. My Granny passed away about a month ago, and it was the biggest loss I’ve ever endured. She also said “tickled to death,” and she was known for, not sugar cookies, but cinnamon rolls. Beautiful memories. I tear up just thinking about them.
I am so very sorry for your loss, because I know how heartbreaking it is. With each and every day that passes, my heart knows peace more and more knowing that my Granny is also in Heaven with her loving husband. Find peace and comfort in that during this challenging time. That your Mimi, while not physically, is still with you and your family in every other sense. My heart and thoughts are with you and your family!
What a beautiful letter! It’s never easy to lose a loved one and I’m sending lots of good thoughts and prayers to you and your family. Thank you for sharing with us 🙂
Condolences for your loss Julie- Thinking of you and your family right now.
This is such an important reminder for us to cherish our loved ones. Cheers
Though I don’t know you personally, as a long time reader I feel like I know you and your family. So, I immediately shed tears for you the moment I read your post. Your Mimi seemed like a precious lady and I am so sorry for your loss. God Bless you and your family!
So sorry for your loss Julie. What a sweet way to express your feelings for her, it had me tearing up. Thinking of you and your family during this difficult time.
What a beautiful tribute to your beautiful grandmother. I’m so sorry for your loss, Julie. Sending lots of prayers and comforting thoughts your way.
Sorry for your loss. How awesome to have had such a great grandmother!! God bless!
oh jules, I’m so sorry to hear of her loss. Losing someone so dear to your heart is never easy. I know for a fact she is with you little boy in heaven right now and she will guide him down when the time comes. I believe families are eternal and that you will be with her again.
My mother died 10 years ago this year and I feel that she is watching over my family every day.
I have made mimi’s sugar cookies multiple times and they are perfection.
I’m crying and I’ve never met her!
My heart and thoughts are with you during this time.
love ya!
I am very sorry to hear about your Mimi, but what a lovely tribute. Sending prayers of peace and comfort to you and your family.
I’m so sorry for your loss Julie. I’m very close with my grandmother too so I can only imagine what you’re going through… <3
From the pictures of your baby shower I could tell right away that she was so full of life. She had a contagious smile! It sound like you shared some incredible memories. Sending lots of love your way.
I’m so sorry for your loss. Your letter brought tears to my eyes. Wishing you peace.
Julie, I am so very sorry for the loss of your Mimi. She sounded like the best grandmother ever. I am sad for you and your family and hope that the warm memories and the fact that she left the Earth peacefully will help carry you through.
<3
Oh, how hard this day must be for you. Thinking of you and so glad you took the time to write this letter today … she sounds like a very special person. Sending hugs your way.
I am so very sorry for your loss. I will always miss my Gram so much and I tell my son all the time that she would have loved him more than anything. I know your baby boy will know the same about Mimi. Sending you all prayers and love.
I’m so sorry for your loss, Julie. Grandmothers are so special and may your many wonderful memories of yours continue to give you comfort during this hard time.
I am so sorry to hear about your loss. You can tell in your letter how much she meant to you, and what a sweet way to grieve through your loss. Lifting you up in prayers.
One amazing woman <3 Sending my love <3
Julie
I am so sorry. What a beautiful letter… it brought tears to my eyes. My prayers are with you and your family…
I am so sorry for your loss Julie! I am very close with my Grandma as well. I will be praying for your family at this time.
I am so sorry for your loss. Losing a grandparent, or any family member at all, is never easy. Cherish those memories you have and all those wonderful pictures.
You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Julie, I am so, so sorry to see this post. My Nana passed away in 2010, and I still think about her every single day and talk to her. I’m 23 weeks right now, and I keep thinking how awesome it would be for her to be here with me to meet the baby, but I know she IS here and is watching over us. Your grandmother is, too. God bless your Mimi!
So sorry to hear of your loss! What wonderful memories the two of you share, cherish those always! Your post made me think of all the wonderful memories I have with my Grandma… they sure are special!
So sorry to hear of her passing. It sounds like you two had a wonderful relationship. I’m sure she read your note, smiling down on you.
So sorry for your loss Julie. Your grandmother sounds like an amazing woman, it’s wonderful you were able to bring such light into each others lives. Those special memories you have will be cherished for years.
This is such a nice tribute to your grandma. The picture of her when you told her you were pregnant is probably my all-time favorite post on your blog. I was lucky enough to have 26 years with my grandma and, like you, I am very thankful. I am sorry for your loss. The happy memories will get you through. It sounds like she had a wonderful life!
I’m so sorry for your loss, Julie. That’s so wonderful that you saw her so recently and shared such a special bond. Sending good thoughts and prayers to you and the whole family.
Julie, I am very sorry for the loss of your sweet Mimi. What a beautiful letter. I cried reading the entire thing. I absolutely love the picture of her throwing her hands up in the air when she learned your special news. How sweet. Those memories are precious and priceless. Continue to use your writing as an outlet and it will help during times like these.
I am so very, very sorry for your loss. Your grandma seems to have been an amazing person and truly unique.
So so sorry for your loss. Today marks the 2 year anniversary of my grandpa’s death. I will always remember it because it was 10 days after my daughter was born. He was a man that I absolutely adored and I will forever be sad that he never met my daughter. They may not be “here” anymore, but they are always with us! xoxo
The sweetest letter. Such special memories! Julie, you and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers!
Julie,
I’m so sorry to hear about your loss … your mimi will always be your mimi and she will forever be taking care of you and your family.
My wishes of strength and support go out to you and your family.
So sorry Julie, thinking of you and your family.
Oh Julie, I am so very sorry to hear about your Mimi. I was reading your beautiful letter this morning as I was sitting on the train on my way to work and it brought tears to my eyes. My mother passed away almost exactly 2 years ago to the day and while I still struggle with her death, I have absolutely no doubt that she’s with me through every big life event and wherever I go. I know you all have a new guardian angel right now and I absolutely believe that your Mimi is looking out for you, your family, and your baby boy in the same way 🙂 I’m praying for you guys though, Julie! Xoxo
I read your post this morning and have been trying to think of something to say because your letter was just so sweet it brought me to tears. yesterday was the anniversary of my mom passing and I know there isn’t much that can be said to make the pain easier. I am thinking about you and so happy you have all those happy memories to remember Mimi by – that’s amazing and you will carry those with you forever.
I know the pain of her loss is a lot right now, but I am so glad for you that you had such a great relationship with your Mimi (that picture of her with her arms in the air, celebrating the news of your baby boy is the cutest!). As someone who has made Mimi’s sugar cookie recipe, I know that is a great way to share the love you have for her with others.
Warm thoughts to you and your family.
This is a beautiful and brought tears to my eyes. Wishing healing for your family and thank you for sharing with all of us.
Sorry to hear of your Mimi’s passing. You and your son now have a new angel watching over you. Hang on to those beautiful memories.
So sorry for your loss Julie!
That was wonderfully beautifully written. Prayers for you and your family.
I’m sorry for your loss Julie. May god be with you and your family during this time <3
I am so, so sorry that you and your family are going through such a sad experience. What a truly beautiful tribute to your grandmother. I hope writing brings you some peace in the weeks to come. xo
I am so very sorry for your loss Julie. Coming from a big family I have unfortunately experienced a lot of deaths, as well as much joy. I think one of the best things is the remember all of the good memories you have, which is exactly what you’re doing! Laugh as much as you can and cry just as much. Thinking of you!
Thank you for sharing. Sending virtual hugs! Reading this has encouraged me to step up my Matriarch status. Thank you Ms. MiMi!
Oh gosh, Julie. You’ve made me cry in the middle of my work day. My heart is full of sadness for you, but I hope you find comfort in the memories of Mimi as you move through life. Know that your little boy has the best guardian angel out there!