Viva la Vida

Posted on Author Ryan McNeil


I really wrestled with whether or not I wanted to write about this, so much so that I resigned myself to merely hinting at it in my last post. However, even with just that hint, I got notes, comments and messages of support…and really felt moved by all of it. So here’s the short story.

That wacky gal you see in the photo is my grandmother Maria (or “Lolly” as she was nicknamed…but don’t ask me why). This past Saturday night, two days after her 87th birthday, she passed away from Alzheimer’s. Her funeral was today.

I’ve managed the past few days pretty well all things considered. The hardest part was watching her passing’s toll on my family. My mom’s side of the brood is a tight-knit bunch, and even though everyone knew this day was coming, it didn’t make it any easier on anyone. What can I say – it’s one thing to feel so lousy you want to cry…it’s a whole other level of hurt to have your mother crying on your shoulder.

I wish I had some movie related tidbits to say about my grandmother, but that really wasn’t her bag. She’d watch whatever dvd we happened to put on, but couldn’t tell Carey Grant from Hugh Grant if a million dollars depended on the answer. Whether she was a movie lover or not, she helped raise me and turn me into the man I am today. I miss her already, and can’t thank you fine folks enough for letting me tell you about her.

19 Replies to “Viva la Vida”

  2. Sorry to hear about that. I felt like crap for months when I lost a cat who was a really close pet for 12 years. Can only imagine losing a close relative. I've lost grand parents in the past, but they've all lived in other states so I rarely saw them. In those situations the pain wasn't as great and didn't last as long. But seems like you had a really close relationship. Hope you get to feeling better soon.

  7. I'm sorry for your loss. My dad always told me: When a baby comes into the world, the baby is miserable and crying while everyone around him/her is so happy. So, in cyclical fashion and coming around full circle, when someone dies, everyone around that person is miserable and crying, while the person who dies is really so happy and freed.

    Hope this helps you as it has helped me. I'm sorry for your loss.

  8. I'm so sorry to hear about your loss hatter. I know I'll be a sad muffin when my grandparents go. So I wish you all the best!

    And if you need anything, remember:

    ^^^^^ all those people up there are likely better choices than me (unless you want to talk about Chickens vs. Koalas, then I'm your man ;)).

  9. I'm really sorry to hear that dude. Losing your grandparents is never fun.

    I actually just had the second anniversary of my grandma passing the other day. She lived with us and she was my Siskel or Roeper to my Ebert. She saw at least 2-3 movies a week with me and she loved them dearly. She was the one who actually got me my first video camera and encouraged me to write and blog. The day she had her stroke and died I was devastated. I've been to that dark place and ya know, whether you're religious or not you gotta believe that she is looking down and she is proud of what a great person you've become.

    If you EVER need someone to talk to I'm here for ya.

    -The Movie Encyclopedia

  11. Very sorry to hear about this, Mad. My thoughts go out to you and your family. Here's hoping that you all make a successful emotional recovery.

  15. I'm very sorry for your loss, Hatter. I see the devastation that Alzheimer's causes on a daily basis at work, and my heart breaks for anyone who has a loved one suffering from it, because everyone surrounding that person suffers too. Just know that your grandmother isn't suffering anymore.

  16. Thanks for the big shoulder sweetie. I love you so much for being a steadfast rock (so it seemed anyway). It's been a very difficult week, but time now to think of happier times. As Casey said, Grandma is a free as a bird now…no more of that terrible confusion and, in her lucid moments, fear of what was happening to her. Remember how much she loved you!
    Love – Mom

  17. MH, I'm very sorry to hear about your loss. Recently I lost my own grandmother, so when I say "I know what you're going through," please know that I mean it and it comes from the heart. Four years ago I also lost my maternal grandmother to Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's as well. Both are insidious diseases that we need to lobby harder and harder to cure.

  18. Your mom is wise. 87 is a good, full life, and it sounds as though she lived it well, and even better for you, she lived long enough for you to get to know her well. My best to you and your family.

  19. I am so sorry to hear about your loss, and hope that you will be alright. My grandmother has alzheimer's so I can understand what its like to see them not knowing things that they used to and how difficult that can be.

    My thoughts are with you and your family at this difficult time.

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