I am falling flat with words. Every time I try to think of how I want to pay tribute to my recently departed Grandma Hanky, I am only able to come up with something very simple. No long eulogy, grand words and I feel stumped even though there are hundreds of stories I could share.
I sit back and wonder why. It’s almost like she’s saying “I know how you feel…don’t be so hard on yourself.”
So, I won’t be. And in all honesty, there have been so many heartfelt and beautiful words said about my dear Grandmother, that I feel like *I* have said them too!
Therefore, I will steal a few words…oh, wonder what Hanky would think of that 😉 Here are words from my sister. I could not have said it better:
Lessons from Grandma Hanky:
1. Spread love wherever you go; A smile is never wasted.
2. To give is to receive.
3. Christmas should be celebrated all year round.
4. Frank Sinatra is the best singer there ever was.
❤
Another amazing tribute to Hanky was a collaboration of three things: my Step-Dad’s videography, my Uncle’s soul-stirring song, “Returning Home” and family. Here is her tribute:
My thoughts. . .life is about love. Hanky was all love. Never failing, always unconditional, warm as the sun. . .love. She was a gift to everyone who encountered her of genuine pureness and light. Her arms were always extended to family and strangers. Her nurturing has made me love family like no one else has. Even as she has passed, her love somehow feels stronger than ever. Thank you, Grandma. I love you.
If you want to hear the other tributes about Frances Brandmeier, please visit her memorial guestbook — such great words about an amazing woman!
A beautiful tribute to your grandmother. The song with all the beautiful photos and videos of your grandmother with her family was so touching. Bless her soul and may she be resting in peace! xo
Much thanks Suzanne, always 🙂 xx
WWHD… (What Would Hanky Do) will be forever built in to all I do.
thanks B
Same 🙂 Love you!
Hey Blair,
As I read your beautiful post, your pure love and feelings for Hanky and “life” came shining through loud and clear… Mom loved the Mother Teresa quote… “No one can do great things, only small things with great love” That’s what your post was to me… a seeming “small thing” … written with “great love” Keep using your talents to serve… You have many… Love Uncle Jimmy
Thank you so much UJ 🙂 Thank you for seeing the beauty in the simplicity – as I know Hanky does as well 🙂 Much love always!
Grandma Hanky is smiling down on you Blair. This is beautiful!! Don’t discount the guardian angel aspect of her in your life now. SHE PROMISED she’d be one and so I KNOW that’s an extra added spiritual helper in your life now, all of our lives. She’s not a promise breaker-:) Just like My Grandma Bidie, her Mother. I feel an opening and a closing since she passed. THE OPENING is getting bigger and bigger than the closing, though it’s still an adjustment. Like the plaque in her very holy Hospice home stated in so many words: “Now I don’t have to just see you in one place, I get to see you every place”… Thanks Blair!!
Love, UM
So wise, UM! I am so grateful for her guardianship and the blessings I’ve felt with the entire family recently. It is an adjustment, and every day is filled with more and more light like you describe. She is everywhere. Love to you!
Really beautiful Blaire. What an honor for such an honorable woman.
Love you all.
Brett & Sheila
Thank you Brett + Shelia 🙂 I agree 🙂 xo
Her love does feel stonger than ever. WWHD is transformational. It’s kinda weird, but since her passing, I feel her everywhere. Must be something to that guardian angel stuff.
xoxo,
Paula
Glad you’re feeling it too 🙂 What a great guardian we all have 🙂 Love to you!
Blair, I’m sorry to hear of your grandmother’s passing. My! How she was loved! That shows in your writing and in the comments left by others. No doubt, Hanky, is smiling down on you and your tribute to her. You are her legacy and that is the best way to honor her! Prayers for your family as they deal with the hole that is left behind. It’s always so sad to see those that we love so greatly go. 🙁
Thank you for your kindness, Karen 🙂 She was and still is very much loved! We will take your prayers gladly – thank you Karen! 🙂
Beautiful tribute to your beautiful grandmother! She sounds like she was a lovely much-loved lady! She is smiling down at you and will always be with you 🙂
Oh thank you dear Erin 🙂 She truly is!