My bittersweet family news

[Siwsan]

I shared with everyone about the death of my sister, in February. She had three grown children. This week I learned that her oldest son and his wife are expecting their first child.

My sister would have been a phenomenal grandmother and I know it was something she really looked forward to experiencing.

While visiting with them, in Asheville, this week, I said how much I was looking forward to being a great-aunt, but they informed me that they really want me to fill my sister's role and be the child's honorary grandmother. I was touched beyond words.

So, when the time comes I will head back to Asheville to be there for the birth, and offer as much help and support as possible. I can't tell you how flattered I am, and how much I am looking forward, in a bittersweet way, to doing my best to fill my sister's incredibly loving shoes.

[CaliforniaPeggy]

1. Congratulations on your wonderful news, my dear Siwsan!

I am sure you will be a wonderful grandmother to this new life...

I am also sure that your sister is smiling...

[Siwsan]

38. Thanks! No doubt she will be keeping an eye on me

My sister was a church going music teacher, at a parochial school. I'm a non religious (but pretty spiritual) old hippie earth spirit, but so is the mother to be, minus the "old". But Chris was pretty liberal and non-judgmental in her outlook, which is how she raised three amazing humans.

[livetohike]

2. That is so sweet! You will be a wonderful Grandmother.

[Siwsan]

39. I'm looking forward to the adventure

I helped raise my niece and nephews, which will make this even sweeter

[chillfactor]

3. congratulations grandmother!

you will fill your sister's shoes admirably!

[Siwsan]

40. Thanks!

The things Chris and I shared in common are the best things about us.

[Skidmore]

4. Congratulations!

You will be a wonderful grandmother, the kind your sister would have been. That little one will be doubly lucky to have the benefit of having you and your sister in his life because I'm certain you will teach him or her about her.

[Siwsan]

41. Thanks! I'm fortunate to have had such great role models

I had very cozy and loving grandmothers. And I do have some wonderful stories to share.

[Downwinder]

5. You have been adopted. Congratulations.

[Siwsan]

42. This is a role I never anticipated playing

Now I might have to actually grow up! Well, a little, anyway.

[Omaha Steve]

6. .

[irisblue]

7. mazel tov!, make it a point to get a generations photo

maybe with your sister s' photo being held by the little ones mom as you hold the baby.

[Siwsan]

44. Great idea

My niece is the granddaughter of Holocaust survivors, which gives our expanding family a new and unique direction. I'm looking forward to teaching this child about the amazing and rich faucets of their heritage.

[Marrah_G]

8. Congratulations Grandma :)

[AuntPatsy]

9. Congratulations

[rurallib]

10. Granny!!

what a way to honor both you and your sister.

[riderinthestorm]

11. Everyone says grandchildren are the best! Enjoy this time!

you're going to rock this!

[3catwoman3]

12. What a wonderful honor...

...they have offered you. I am sure your sister's spirit approves.

[Dont call me Shirley]

13. ...

[chervilant]

14. Congrats, Granny!!!

Post lots of pics!

[joanbarnes]

15. Best wishes to all of you.

[LibDemAlways]

16. That's wonderful and so thoughtful of

your nephew and his wife. Your sister was a great mom to have raised such a considerate and loving son! Congrats to all!!

[blondie58]

17. That is awesome!

And i am sure that you'll be wonderful.

Edited to add- i am so sorry about your sister. Life is just not fair sometimes.

[pansypoo53219]

18. kid's need grandparents. i was lucky. i had 4. til my 20's. great-aunts & uncles too. GREAT GREATS!

[calimary]

19. That's really lovely news. And what an honor for you!

I'm so sorry about your losing your sister. But I know you'll be SPLENDID in her honor!!!

[roguevalley]

20. It is the most core belief that I have that family stay with us when they pass and are present

at every event. They are our guides and guardians. Your sister made way for you in some ways and she will be by your side enjoying your joy of her grandchild with you. Just know that. They will be there, all of them. All of the world's love to you and your family at this trying moment. My thoughts are with you.

[jwirr]

21. That is wonderful. Another little part of your sister. And you will also make a great honorary

grandmother.

[pnwmom]

22. They wouldn't have asked you if you weren't the same lovely kind of person your sister was.

This was a great honor.

Enjoy your grandchild!

[KMOD]

23. That is so very sweet.

I am sure that your sister would want it that way as well.



Much love to you and your family.

[DawgHouse]

24. Congratulations! You'll honor your sister in every way!

[seabeyond]

25. tears. that is beautiful, in a bittersweet way, yes. i am glad you are there for them.

and i am glad they gave you this gift.

[Solly Mack]

26. You'll be wonderful.

[mountain grammy]

27. Two of my good friends have been Aunt Grannies for more than 20 years

since their sister died. now they're great Aunt Grannies.. enjoy the babies.

[catbyte]

28. Congratulations! that was a very touching thing for them to do.

What an honor. I know you will be a wonderful honorary grandmother. Spoil the kid rotten--that's what grandparents do!

[hollysmom]

29. wow, congrats, your nephew must really love you.

[nirvana555]

30. That's so heartwarming and is the best illustration of "Bittersweet"

I've ever heard. I sure they are thrilled you'll be there for them...so sorry about your sister....

[JDPriestly]

31. Nothing better on earth than being a grandmother! Nothing!!!

[Iwillnevergiveup]

32. How wonderful for everyone all around

Would you consider being called "Nana?" That has been music to my ears for a couple of years now with my 3 year old grandson. Especially when he says, "Hi, Nana" and gives me a great big smile. Remember the nursemaid dog from Peter Pan? She was the premiere Nana.

[sabrina 1]

33. That is so wonderful, I am happy for you!

[merrily]

34. Congratulations. You'll make as great an honorary grandmother and aunt as you made a great sister.

Your family is lucky to have you and you are lucky to have them.

[brer cat]

35. How sweet!

I am sure you will fill her loving shoes very well, Siwsan. Enjoy your grandbaby.

[a la izquierda]

36. Grandparents are amazing.

I just lost my grandma a few weeks back. I was so fortunate to have three of my grandparents into my late-20 and late-30s.

[madamvlb]

37. What an honor. Big Congrats Grandma.

[CTyankee]

43. what a wonderful way to honor your sister and now your "grandchild"!

I am sure your sister would be so happy for you to do this. It's lovely.

[AwakeAtLast]

45. You will make a great one

And carry you sister's spirit with you. I think it's fabulous that they thought of you in this way!

[Siwsan]

50. I've been in all of their lives, since their birth

I held them, bathed them, changed diapers, fed them and cuddled them so I have an incredibly strong bond with all three, and now I also get to embrace their spouses and partners.

[kairos12]

46. Being a grandparent is wonderful. You will love it.

[Lunabell]

47. Congrats Great Aunt to be!

Your sister would be so proud of you.

[blm]

48. Asheville is such a beautiful place to help raise your new grandchild.

Wishing you all the best.

[Siwsan]

49. They really want me to move there

My last day as a fully employed individual is on my birthday, this year. I still have a whole lot of work to do, settling my mother's estate and overseeing the care of my 97 year old aunt, but when I'm free of these obligations, it's likely I will head to Asheville, for good.

[blm]

57. We have it in our sights, as well.

Hoping Mr blm can arrange to be transferred to UNCA from UNCCH.

[kdmorris]

51. Congratulations!

I know that this good news doesn't take the place of your sister, but maybe it can help with the healing.

You'll be a wonderful grandmother!

[TuxedoKat]

52. Wow

What a lovely and generous family you have -- I would be quite honored too. So sorry for the loss of your sister too.

[MrMickeysMom]

53. And, what a wonderful grandma-ma you'll be, too, Siwsan...

It's possible to have a tear in one's heart for this eternal connection.

You will be wonderful. I'm happy for you!

MMM

[Siwsan]

54. Just before she died, I promised my sister I'd look after her family

The kids are coming to see me in July, and I can't wait. I see my brother in law quite often. Since my mother died, just three weeks after my sister, we are helping each other through the red tape nightmare of filing insurance claims and sorting through possessions.

[MrMickeysMom]

55. Oye… what a head ache that must be...

Still, it sounds like your family certainly has what's it got to get through it and carry on.

You've been through a lot in that short time. I don't know about how you feel, but I feel the presence of my mom whenever I need deep thought about these things. For example, when you're going through some possessions of theirs, something will just jump out at you and you might get a strange and sweet message of that unexplained thing we see from time to time… just like they're there right along side you. Could be that one just needs to feel that, but inside my head, it's more.

[Siwsan]

56. It's funny, but I feel that more about my Dad

He died in 1999, but I was much closer to him, emotionally. Now that we're clearing out the house, I run across items that bring memories flooding back. We are finding quite a few Mom things that make us smile, though. And I'm sorting through 60+ years worth of photographs so that we can scan and preserve them for the kids. Those really trigger some amazing memories.