Goodbyes are never easy…
243 comments » 
There is no Weekend Dish this week, as you might have noticed there were no new recipes posted, and I haven’t done any blog surfing. This week, sadly, we had to say goodbye to my Grandma. She passed away suddenly, in her sleep, early Monday morning. Even though she was 91, it took us all by surprise. She wasn’t sick and didn’t have any long-term ailments. I had been away for two weeks (and still in Florida) when she passed, and am so thankful that I made time to go and visit her the day before I left. She was an amazing woman, the best grandmother, and will be missed tremendously by so many. I wish I had been able to sit down and go through every single recipe of hers with her, but now I’ll tackle them by trial and error. I look forward to sharing many of her favorites with you, as she loved nothing more than feeding those she loved, watching them enjoy the food, and always prodding whoever she was feeding to eat more.
My grandma hated to have her picture taken, so unfortunately I don’t have too many. The one above is from this past Christmas, and this is her and I on Christmas in 2005:
When we were growing up, my Grandma never liked dogs. Apparently, it was always a point of contention between her and my grandfather (who was a huge animal lover). However, in the last handful of years she began to soften, and then she absolutely fell in love with Einstein. They were buddies – she loved him, and he was protective over her. I love this picture of them:
While we all naturally feel she left way too soon, I know she is at peace, reunited with my grandfather and probably exchanging political jabs with my Dad. I love you Gram. xoxo
(Posting should be returning to normal next week, and I will be slowly catching up on comments and emails. Thank you all for your patience.)
My deepest condolences.
Reply
Mariana on October 8th, 2011 at 12:40 pm
I am very sorry for your loss. This is probably not an appropriate place to add this but i would like to thank you for your website. I live in Beijing, China and often get home sick, but like any Texas girl baking a little sweet treat always makes me feel better- i always find something on your website that i can make and feel just a little bit of home sweet home.
Reply
I’m so sorry for your loss. Take your time to come back, we will wait. <3
Reply
Sorry to read about your grandma. From the photos I see there are happy memories to cherish.
~Carmen
Reply
Sorry to hear about your grandmother. Grandmothers are the best! I miss my granny too.
Reply
I’m so sorry for your loss, Michelle. My thoughts are with you and your family.
Reply
I am so sorry to hear about your grandmother. I know from experience that the wonderful memories you have of her will never fade. My thoughts are with you and your family.
Reply
You can see the love in her eyes. I am so tremendously sorry for your loss. Take good care of yourself and your family.
Reply
I’m so sorry to hear about your grandmother. It’s never easy to say goodbye. Prayers and good thoughts are being sent your way.
Reply
Sorry for your loss. I bet your Grandmother helps you out from above when you tackle her recipes.
Reply
I am so deeply sorry for your loss. Your Grandma looked and sounded like suck a special lady. You family will be in my thoughts.{Hugs}
Reply
I’m sorry for you loss. Losing a grandparent it always hard, even when we know that it will eventually happen. I’ll look forward to you remembering her through recipes, that will be a great tribute!
Reply
My deepest condolences to you and your family.
I understand well as I too have lost my beloved Grams but it’s alright now as I have memories of her with me all the time. Take care… xxx
Reply
my condolences , Iam sure is has become an angel now and will be guiding you
Reply
I just found your website while searching for a new kugel recipe – another of many dishes that nobody, no way, no how (even I) will ever make the way my grandma (Oma) did. Without measuring ingredients, and with immeasurable love. She too died quietly in her sleep, at 99, and I still wasn’t ready. I understand and send you heartfelt condolences.
Reply
I am so sorry for your loss. You must have had a great grandmother. I have 8 grands and your post has made me want to strive to be one of those “great” grandmothers. Love your blog. Take care.
Reply
My deepest condolences to you and your family. Using her recipes will be a great way to remember her. Wishing you a lot of strength for the next few days, lots of love from Switzerland, Dawn
Reply
I’m so sorry for your loss. My thoughts are with you and your family.
Reply
I’m so sorry for your loss. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Reply
Oh dear, I’m so sorry for your loss. Sending my thoughts & prayers to you and your family.
Reply
So sorry for your loss.
Reply
I’m so, so sorry. ♥
Reply
I’m so very sorry for your loss. All of my grandparents passed away before I was born, so during my childhood, I always tried to live vicariously through my friends who had them.
Your family is in my prayers at this sad time.
Reply
So sorry for your loss Michelle. It sounds like your grandmother was a wonderful woman. *hugs*
Reply
So sorry to hear. Such a blessing you got to visit her when you did.
Reply
I am so sorry to hear about your loss
Reply
I am so sorry to hear this….. my thoughts are with you and your family…..
Reply
So sorry to hear about your grandmother. What a wonderful idea to honor her memory by going through her recipes.
Reply
I am sorry for your loss. Hang in there, it sounds like you have some great memories to hold on to.
Reply
What a sweet tribute to a beloved grandmother. So sorry for your loss, Michelle. I know your grandma is so so proud of you and will be right there over your shoulder while you play with her recipes. XO
Reply
My sympathies on your loss, sharing her receipes will be a great tribute to her. She sounds like the kind of grandmother I hope to be someday.
Reply
So sorry for your loss
Reply
So sorry…Take care.
Aneta
Reply
My condolences to you and your family. Grandparents are very special people. They warm our hearts, support us, and love unconditionally.
Reply
I’m so sorry for your loss … wishing you the peace and comfort of many wonderful memories.
Reply
Oh, I’m so sorry to hear about your loss. My thoughts are with you and your family.
Reply
Thank you for sharing with us. I’m so sorry for your loss, and I hope you all the best during this difficult time.
Your grandmother looks to have been a very beautiful and loving person, and I look forward to the recipes you’ll share. A great tribute.
Reply
So sorry for your loss. She sounds like such a sweet lady and the way you describe her reminds me of my sweet grandma, who I miss so much. I’m so glad you have precious memories to keep you two connected.
Reply
Take your time dear…we all understand. You have VOLUMES of memories tucked away for safe keeping. Unpack them as you are ready. Blessings.
Reply
Sending tons of love your way as I shed a little tear reading this. Losing loved ones is never easy and my heart goes out to you. <3
Reply
I’m so sorry for your loss. Take care and cherish all the wonderful memories of your grandmother.
Reply
I’m sorry for your loss. I’ve seen way too many losses this year myself and keep hoping it will come to an end soon.
I imagine baking some of your grandmas recipes will bring some sense of comfort though.
Reply
So sorry for your loss. It sounds like she was a wonderful woman.
Reply
So sorry to hear that your Grandma passed away. She sounds like a truly amazing lady and just think of all the wonderful times you had with her and the amazing things she taught you through your life. I feel your pain, I teared up as I was reading it as my Nan was 91 too when she left us. She too was a truly wonderful lady and miss her dearly and my Grandad too! Sending you a HUGE hug from England xxx
Reply
So sorry to hear about your grandma passing. I am sure she is very proud of you and your wonderful cooking site and her love is being passed on through you to all of us here thank you Grandma and Browne Eyed Baker
Reply
So sorry to hear. She was much loved by you! Your fond memories will love on.
Reply
I’m so sorry for your loss. Your grandmother sounds like she was a special lady. My prayers are with you and your family!
Reply
I’m so sorry for your loss! cyber (((Hugs)))))
Mandy
Reply
Sorry for your loss. She will always be with you as long as you keep her memory alive.
Reply
Losses are never easy and when they come as a surprise, no matter the age of the person we love and lose, it hurts a lot. It looks like you will have lots of good memories which will be a blessing. May family, friends and love carry you through this hurtful time.
Reply
I am so sorry for your loss – she sounds like a wonderful lady. She’ll live on through your memories and her recipes!
Reply
So sorry for your loss.
Reply
my condolences for your loss. she seems like she was an amazing woman, her warmth shines in that first photo. as you bake through all of her recipes, we’ll bake along and your grandma’s memory will live on through not just you, but all of us as well
hugs!!
Reply
I am so sorry for your loss
She was gorgeous.
Reply
Oh, I’m sad with you Michelle.
Now I am remembering when my Grandma passed away.
There’s no one like your Grandma.
Prayers for you and Grandma’s loved ones.
Reply
I’m so sorry for your loss. Lots of hugs and prayers for you & your family. <3
Reply
I found your blog not too long ago, and have really enjoyed it, but never commented.
It is painful to lose someone so close, but a life that is so long, happy and full can never truly leave us. The person may be gone, but there are little imprints of them everywhere. I hope you will soon be able to smile instead of cry when you come across one of those imprints.
Thanks for all of your recipes, I look forward to your new posts.
Reply
Sorry for your loss. Take your time, your readers will always be here.
Reply
So sorry to hear about your grandmother… Take your time and take care.
Reply
I am so sorry for your loss ♥ Your pictures are precious and she will be in your heart always!
Reply
I’m so sorry for your loss. So glad you were able to spend some time with her before she went. May your sweet memories continue to give you and your family comfort.
Reply
What a lovely tribute.
Reply
I am so very sorry for your loss. This brought back so many memories of my grandma’s passing 18 months ago that I ended up crying all over again. It is so hard to say good bye. My grandma was 97 and also a woman that loved to cook and bake. I cherish those recipes that she wrote down for me and love to make them for my family and friends. Somehow though, they just don’t quite taste they same as Grandma’s did. Oh, they are close…but something is missing. I feel her with me always. I feel confident that you will too. My grandma was my best friend and I can’t replace her, but I know that someday I will be with her again. May you find peace and comfort in your memories and recipes left behind from your grandma.
Reply
So sorry for you loss. Grandmothers hold a special place in our hearts! Relish the memories!
Reply
My condolences to you Michelle. The images depict a Grandma whose hugs and kisses must have been as sweet as pie. May you find peace and comfort in the warmth of the bond you shared.
Reply
Michelle, I’m so very sorry for your loss. It sounds like you have many beautiful memories to help carry you through this, let them.
Reply
Sorry to hear about your grandma. Prayers for you and your family. She will enjoy watching you try out her recipes! I know I love the banana bread one you shared, I think it was one of hers.
Reply
So very sorry about your Precious Little Grandma. Hugs and prayers from Virginia.
Reply
I’m a long-time reader and have enjoyed countless recipes of yours Michelle, but rarely ever comment. However, I just had to send you my deepest condolences & sympathy to you & your family. I’m so glad you are left with her recipes & wonderful memories. Wishing you God’s peace & comfort.
Reply
my deepest condolences. the pictures are lovely – thank you for sharing them.
Reply
Sorry to hear about your grandma!
Reply
My inbox was noticeably empty without your posts this week, and now I know why. So sorry for your loss. Your grandma obviously inspired your love for baking and will be remembered through it. Those we love never really leave us.
Reply
Michelle, so sorry for your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers. ♥
Reply
I am so sorry for your loss. Thanks for sharing a little about your grandma with us.
Reply
I’m so sorry to hear about your loss. All my condolences.
In thoughts with you.
Hugs,
Rosa
Reply
Hi Michelle, so sorry for your loss. Grandmothers are special beings, and I agree, I’ve tried to make my grandmother’s recipes and they never taste quite the same…it’s that special spice that they add (love!) that makes all the difference. Same with my mom’s recipes, too. When my mom passed, I made a cookbook with her recipes and my grandmothers’ recipes. Helped me cope to remember her that way. All the best, Cathy
Reply
I don’t know you, but hugs and prayers to you and your family. She looked so adorable in the pics
Reply
I’m so sorry to hear about your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Take care.
Reply
So sorry to hear of your loss. How blessed your grandmother was to be able to live such a long, productive and loving life and be able to have it end so gracefully, without illness or suffering. But, oh, so hard on those left behind.
Reply
so sorry to hear it. I love both of my grandma’s – one in 1971, the other in 1983 – and I know how hard it can be. I was wondering why I hadn’t gotten an email lately.
Take the time you need to get through it. Grandma’s are special people. Loving without nagging, and almost always good cooks or bakers (one of mine was terrible at both) and always has small cash ready to hand over for no reason (my grandma used to keep a $5 bill in the pocket of her house dress every time I came over).
Reply
I am deeply sorry for your loss, Michelle. This was a wonderful tribute to your adorable grandmother. As I read this I was reminded of the love I feel for my own grandma and the special relationship we share. Thank you so much for sharing…
Reply
So sorry for your loss.
Reply
I am so sorry for your loss. I lost my grandmother a few months ago and it was a bit of a surprise for us too. My heartfelt condolenses to you and your family.
Reply
The pic of you grandma with Einstein is lovely. I hope it brings back fond memories. So sorry to hear of her passing.
Reply
I’m so sorry. I hope remembering the good times and working through her recipes will help you get through this hard time. You’ll continue to be in my thoughts.
Reply
I’m so sorry for your loss, Michelle. Nobody loves you like your grandma…I’d give anything to talk to mine again.
Reply
So sorry to hear of your grandmother’s passing. All good thoughts going out to you. Grandmas live to spoil their grandchildren and I’m sure you made her very happy.
Reply
I am sorry to hear of the loss of your grandma. The photos of her remind me of my own grandma who left us 16 years ago. I hope your memories get you through the tougher times of missing her as well helping you battle life’s challenges.
Reply
I am so sorry for your loss. It’s never easy, whether we expect it or not. I hope you find comfort and peace in your memories, you will always have them. May they bring smiles to your face and warm your heart.
All the best to you and your family.
Reply
Grandmas are such special ladies. My deepest sympathy to you!
HUGS
Reply
My deepest condolences
Reply
I’m so sorry!! I’ve lost both my grandmas, plus a few women I’d loved to have CLAIMED as my grandmothers. It’s never easy…but I try to remember that, in the grand scheme of things, the parting is short. *hugs*
Reply
So sorry for your loss. It’s never easy, but it sounds like you had a great relationship with your Grandma and I bet you have a lot of wonderful memories to comfort you during this difficult time.
Reply
We’re never ready to loose those we love. My sincerest condolences and prayers go out to you. I’m sure your Grandma was very proud of you.
Blessings, Kelley
Reply
I am so sorry for your family’s loss. What a blessing to have a long life and for you to have her for as long as you did, but it is still sad to have to let someone go. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Reply
I’m so sorry for your loss, take care of you and your family.
Reply
I am so sorry to hear of your Grandmother’s passing. May the memories you cherish get you through these difficult times. I am sure she was very proud of the amazing woman you have grown up to be!
Reply
Sorry for your loss. Our thoughts are with you
Reply
Michelle,
I’ve followed your blog for over two years, and have to say I’ve made your grandmother’s pepperoni bread time and time again – your memories will keep her alive in your heart.
My sincere condolences to you and your family.
Reply
So sorry for the loss of your grandmother…I also lost mine just 3 months ago tomorrow and understand exactly your feelings. Cherish your memories together and lots of prayers to you and your family.
Reply
I’m so sorry for your loss. My grandmother passed away a number of years ago and I still feel her presence. Looking forward to seeing your grandma’s recipes.
Reply