Monday, November 06, 2006

Farewell, Grandma

Esther Elizabeth Goodway Scott

May14, 1903-November 5, 2006


Last night, a long and extraordinary life came to an end. My grandmother died quietly at the age of 103. I’m sad but in a way I’m happy for her. I’m glad that her fiery, energetic spirit is no longer trapped in a frail, helpless body. I belong to a school of Buddhism that was founded in this country by a Korean monk named Zen Master Seung Sahn. It was said that, during his final illness, he commented that our bodies were just rental cars and that is was time for him to trade his in. After a slow decline that encompassed not just years but decades, Grandma finally got to trade hers in last night. I hope her next one is a nice, shiny sports car.

9 comments:

Rosemary said...

My condolences. Here are virtual hugs for you and your Mom. I'll deliver real ones in a couple of weeks

pigbook1 said...

My best wishes:
May you mourn as long as you need to and no longer
~~Britt

Anonymous said...

i like that britt comment. agreed. grandma will be missed for sure- i'm super glad you can find hope and goodness in her passing. whatever comes when we move on from the world, i bet her candy and barettes and pedicures are around when she needs them. love to you and mom.

Anonymous said...

I'm sorry, Lucy. The loss of the physical matters more than we expect, but you sounds like you have it in balance.

Anonymous said...

I'm so sorry for your loss, Lucy. I enjoyed your earlier blog post about her. It sounds like she was an amazing woman. I'm sure that the next couple weeks are going to be emotional, hectic, and exhausting. If you need anything at all, including shop-sitting, running errands, etc., let me know. My schedule is very flexible.

Love,

Katie

Lucy said...

You all are so wonderfully kind. My family and I thank you for your kind thoughts.

Anonymous said...

My condolences on the loss of your grandmother. Just imagine what she saw in her own lifetime -- two world wars, a major depression and the atom bomb, but also the cures to many diseases, much greater prosperity and how many grandchildren and great grandchildren! When my grandmother died at age 93, I felt both sadness and relief. Like you mentioned, your grandmother was probably ready to turn in her rental car, as my grandmother was years ago. Hang in there,

Letitia

somebunnysloveDOTcom said...

Hugs to you during your mourning and condolences to your family.
=:8

Anonymous said...

My condolences.