Ruby Katherine Dooley Leftwich was my Grandmother. She passed away in March. She battled Alzheimer’s for many years. As sad as it is to lose someone you are close to, when you have seen them suffer for so many years, it is almost a relief to see them “go home.” I have now lost all of my Grandparents.
I had the great honor of being able to speak at Grandma’s funeral.
My childhood memories of Grandma Leftwich are so clear in my head, but sadly my relationship with Grandma has been non-existent in my adult years. The disease she suffered, for so many years, robbed all of us of having a relationship with her. Because of her Alzheimer's/Dementia she has never known my husband, she has never known my children and she has not known me in quite a few years. My daughter, Emily, is named for Ruby. Emily's middle name is Katherine. She is so proud that she is named for my Grandma Leftwich, but sadly she does not know how special that really is.
Several years ago I made a calendar with pictures of my Dad and Mom, my brother, my Grandparents, my cousins and my Aunts and Uncles. I gave it to Grandma for Christmas. In it, I also had my cousins, my Dad, my brother and my Aunts and Uncles , share memories of their childhood and visiting families, etc. I put these quotes in the calendar. Some of my cousins shared specific memories of Grandma Leftwich and I would like to take this opportunity to share these memories with you.
My cousins Shawn and Michelle and I wrote about the snake story. Apparently we were all quite impressed.
My cousin Michelle wrote, "Grandma and Grandpa's yard was great for running and chasing each other with that hill on the side of the house."
My cousin Brett wrote, "When Grandma would make biscuits she would let me open the can of biscuits (when they were not made from scratch) and put them on the pan. I loved the sound the can of biscuits made."
My brother Paul wrote, "I remember being exceptionally tired and wanting to stay in bed, but the wonderful scent of pancakes coming up the stairs would always keep me from falling back to sleep. I remember smelling Granddaddy's coffee when I made my way downstairs and how much Grandma seemed to love watching us enjoy them."
My cousin Kristi wrote, "I remember whenever we would go to Grandma's house to visit, before we left Grandma would take yummy things from the freezer and garden to our car so we could have them at home. For some reason, she never wanted Granddaddy to know."
I miss my Grandma Leftwich very much, but have missed her for a long time. I am glad she is in a place now where her mind is with her and she isn't confused or scared anymore. A place where she will know everyone and be able to do things for herself. A place where she will be reunited with my Aunt Judy and my Granddaddy. I found a beautiful poem that made me think of my Grandma Leftwich and how I feel about the life she has lead over the past several years
ALZHEIMER'S
By: Richard Underwood
You didn't die just recently,
You died some time ago.
Although your body stayed a while,
And really didn't know.
For you had got Alzheimer's,
You failed to comprehend.
Your body went on living.
But your mind had reached its end.
So we've already said, "Goodbye",
To the person that we knew.
The person that we truly loved,
The person that was, "You."
And so we meet again today,
To toast your bodies end.
For it was true and faithful,
Until right at the end.
And so, when we remember,
We'll think of all the rest.
We'll concentrate on earlier,
And remember all the best.
For in the real scheme of things,
Your illness wasn't long.
Compared to all the happiness,
You brought your whole life long.
We think of you as yesterday,
When you were fit and well.
And when we're asked about you,
It's those things that we'll tell.
And so we meet in 'membrance,
Of a mind so fit and true.
We're here to pay our last respects
To say that, "We love you."
Grandma, I miss you a lot. I know you finally know who I am again. Save me a seat until I get there! Love you!!
