Goodbyes are never easy…

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:

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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
Grandmas are such special ladies. My deepest sympathy to you!
HUGS
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. :)
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.
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.
I’m so sorry for your loss, Michelle. Nobody loves you like your grandma…I’d give anything to talk to mine again.
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.
The pic of you grandma with Einstein is lovely. I hope it brings back fond memories. So sorry to hear of her passing.
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.
So sorry for your loss.
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…
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).
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.
I’m so sorry to hear about your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Take care.
I don’t know you, but hugs and prayers to you and your family. She looked so adorable in the pics ;)
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
I’m so sorry to hear about your loss. All my condolences.
In thoughts with you.
Hugs,
Rosa
I am so sorry for your loss. Thanks for sharing a little about your grandma with us.
Michelle, so sorry for your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers. ♥
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.
Sorry to hear about your grandma!
my deepest condolences. the pictures are lovely – thank you for sharing them.
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.
So very sorry about your Precious Little Grandma. Hugs and prayers from Virginia.
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.
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.
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.
So sorry for you loss. Grandmothers hold a special place in our hearts! Relish the memories!
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.
What a lovely tribute.