I'm not clear as to when it was that I met Joan for the first time, mostly because from the start, this beautiful soul was so loving and welcoming that I instantly felt like part of the family. I loved to hear her tell stories of when she met the love of her life, her time in California, her time as a tailor, and mostly the memories she shared from when Bryan was just a boy. I loved the way she used her hands to gesture little details. The way she smiled when just seeing and enjoying her family together. I loved seeing photos of her wearing the clothes she wore and the elegance she always carried.
On June 1st we got news that Grandma Woodward had been hospitalized. After watching what had to be the most spectacular sunset on Bryan's birthday our moods were saddened but mostly shocked. With family rushing to see her and us far away in Chile, it all felt like a terrible nightmare. We had just seen her at our wedding, called and followed up her hip surgery, she had just bought a map of Peru to continue following our travels. It felt unreal to hear that she had gotten I'll and passed to reasons unrelated to the surgery.
Her life was a beautiful one, filled with so much love. I'm so honored to call her Grandma, to have shared sewing tricks, played cards and many games, and spent time in her home.
Cheers to a beautiful life, a beautiful woman, a wonderful soul. May your warmth live on forever in the hearts of those who love you!!
2 comments:
A beautiful tribute. She loved you both dearly and was so glad to be apart of your special day. She would be grateful you honored her by exploring one of her favorite places. She loved to travel. We love you and again Happy Birthday Bryan!
Cheers to her. I'm so happy for you and your heart to have experienced such loving acceptance. Now you have those memories of her to treasure for the rest of your life. Love you both very much and I send you my deepest condolences.
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