Mutti

My Grandmother died yesterday afternoon.

She felt unwell Tuesday night and went to the hospital near her home in Berlin, yesterday morning we heard that she was doing better, and yesterday afternoon she died. It was a shock, even though she was 90 years old.

We all called her "Mutti," which means mommy in German, because that's what my mom called her. She drank more tea than you'd think humanly possible. She had moved to an assisted living facility six weeks ago and was very happy there. She loved it when her grandchildren, and then, in later years, great-grandchildren counted her golden bracelets. She made beautiful bags, sweaters, pottery and paintings. She was making plans to visit for Christmas.

She was über-crafty, she loved my babies beyond measure, and I will miss her dearly.

Mutti holding her darling India

Comments

[A Thrifty Mrs]

Goodness me, I am so terribly sorry to hear your very sad news.

[Kate in NY]

I have some very good memories of Mutti . . . of course, you know my favorite story about her was the time I inadvertently locked her in the guest bedroom at your childhood home . . . she was extremely good-natured way about it all - though she might have been thinking, "Who is this strange friend of Alexis, and doesn't she have her own home to go to now and then?"

I am so sorry to hear this news, and send my love and good thoughts to all your family . . .

xo
Khaite

[Susan (Putzfrau)]

Sorry to hear about Mutti. Sounds like she was a fantastic woman who touched a lot of people.

[Sarah]

I'm sorry for your loss...she sounds like she was a wonderful woman.

[APA]

May your memories & remembrances bring new life to your Mutti each & every day.

[Eurolush]

So sorry to hear about your grandmother. I lost my grandmother in June and it is still a very fresh sadness that I feel.

It's wonderful that your Mutti was able to live long enough to hold her great-grandchildren in her arms. What an amazing feeling that must have been for her.

I hope the happy memories you have of time spent with your grandmother will help to ease your sadness.

[Amy]

Please accept my deepest sympathies. I hope your wonderful memories can help you through this sad time. What a lovely photo.

[kristina]

i'm so, so sorry. i know we only know each other through our blogs, but your description of mutti brought tears to my eyes. thinking of you. k x

[Andrea]

I am so sorry. What a blessing to have had her in your life, what a loss to not have her visit the way she planned. I hope you feel her in spirit often and relish the precious memories of her life and inspiring presence. My thoughts go out to you.

[celia]

Oh, I am so sorry for your loss. Really. It's so sad moment but hopefully you have lots of fun and sweet memories to keep and share with your kids. You're so lucky for that.
Sorry again...

[Frogdancer]

I'm so sorry for your loss.

[Maiz]

Oh, Alexis, I am so sorry! She was a very lucky woman to have lived such a full and long life. I'll be thinking of you and your family.
Love,
Maiz

[Laura Matheny]

I'm so sorry! How nice that you have photographs and memories that you and your family can share...

[patty]

I'm so sorry Alexis. It's been 17 years since both of my grandmothers died, and my heart still aches for them. How great that she got to meet your girls!

[auntie J]

Hi Loopy. (Can I call you Loopy on the world wide internet?) I've been kind of stunned and probably in some denial about Mutti, but reading your post made me cry. In a good way. Thank you.

[maya]

i'm so sorry. think of the good times and the love you shared. it helps.

[Grandma Jen]

Hi Alexis. I was so sorry to learn about Mutti. I will always remember her fondly. This picture of her with India really conveys her spirit and curiosity. How she adored her greatgrandchildren! I'm so glad that she lived long enough to be in their lives.
This morning Hugo of 1-800-FLOWERS assured me that he would make it his personal business to see to it that you got a nice arrangement, but frankly Hugo didn't inspire confidence. I've got my fingers crossed that you do better than dandelions.
Lots of love,
Grandma Jen

[Laura]

I'm so sorry for your loss. What a lovely photo.

[Anna of Helylle]

I'm so sorry for your loss.I hope you feel her presence when you need to. The golden bracelet thing made me think of my grandma. When I become a grandma I'll get one of those, too.

[jessica Levitt]

I'm so sorry to hear about your loss...Muttie sounds like a lovely, strong woman. And what a beautiful photo...

[jessica]

I'm so sorry to hear about Mutti. A grandma's love is truly a special one. My thoughts are with you!

[Liss]

Sorry to hear about you loss. I like the photo and think it to be quiet sentimental as she is wearing her bracelets. Reading you post reminded me of my dad, the day before he died I really believed he was coming home to us and would leave the hospital as he was doing so well and the next morning he passed away. I don’t think you can ever forget some one who touches your heart, found memories will always stay strong.
I am very sorry you didn’t get to see her one last time before she passed away.

[Britt-Arnhild in Norway]

What a beautiful photo.

I am so sorry to hear about your loss.

[[michele]]

I'm so sorry for your loss Alexis. :(

[Beth]

My heart goes out to your and your family. Nothing prepares you for the loss of a loved one. I hope you find peace and solace in the love you shared with her and your girls. What a beautiful photo you shared with us too. Thank you.