On Monday at 2 PM, my Grandmother peacefully passed away at the age of 100.
Her last words was when she was straining to see something that we couldn't see and she said, "Roy???" (my Grandfather) and then she said, "Mom???", then she laid her head back down on the pillow, closed her eyes and then smiled. A few seconds later she was gone.
My Grandmother, whom we affectionately call "Banko" (my sister started this since she couldn't say, "Grandma", so "Banko" is what popped out of her mouth. So it stuck that way since. Of course there was a problem when she said, "Banko!!!", both Grandma and Grandpa both said, "Yes???" So a compromise was made and we called Grandma, "Banko" and Grandpa "Banko Roy" (btw, my middle name is Roy).
Banko Roy passed away 22 years ago and it was time for Banko to rejoin him as well as her mother "Mom Groover", as we called.
Cameron, my cousin's husband said it was the most beautiful death he had ever seen and I agreed. She died so peacefully, quieter than a mouse.
What struck me was her last words and I guess Banko Roy and Mom Groover was standing somewhere at the other side saying, "Hey we're here! Come'on home!!"
I'm gonna miss her very much, especially during the holidays at Bankos!
I've been asked to be a pallbearer and I am so honored to take a special part of her funeral and to carry her to her resting place.
I bought a little lamb which is her favorite animal since she's lived on a farm all her life and sheeps and lambs are her all time favorites. I also bought a heart necklace big enough to fit around the neck and had it engraved, "Banko" on it, I would like to have it buried with Banko when the time come to close her casket and taken to her final resting place.
Pray for me and keep me in your thoughts.
The calling hours on Friday from 2-8 PM and the Funeral is at 11 AM on Saturday.
I'll keep you all posted on the after funeral stories.
Take care and keep me near your heart as I mourn my loss.
Neal