A Tribute to the Lady in the Blue Dress

Well, after several weeks of being close to it, my Grandma Foltz passed away this morning. She had been suffering from dementia over the past few years, and had also been in failing health. She was 92. So, while it is sad for us, I am glad that she got to go to Heaven today and that she's not suffering here anymore.

I like what my aunt wrote to describe this morning: "It was very peaceful for her. In fact, she didn't make a sound yesterday and in the night, except to breathe. I had checked her about 5:05 a.m., and then I dozed off. I had a very vivid dream about Mom sitting up in bed, throwing off the covers and oxygen, and dancing her way to heaven."

So here are some memories about my Grandma:

First of all, my Grandparents are the ones who taught me what it is to love, in the way they loved each other and served each other. I remember them "fighting" over who would get to do the dishes, each refusing to let the other help. I think they're the first people who I realized I loved.

Second, when we were younger, Grandma would sew dresses for me and Eleanor. As we grew, we got to design our own dresses and help sew them. That was a really fun part of visiting them.

The third story is about how Grandma got the title: The Lady in the Blue Dress. When I was in elementary school (2nd grade?), Grandma and Grandpa came up to visit for a performance at school. During the performance, Grandpa had some heart trouble, and an ambulance had to come and take him to the hospital. So their short visit turned into several weeks until Grandpa was well enough to go home. But they had only brought clothes for 1-2 days, so Grandma ended up wearing the same blue dress almost every day to the hospital to visit him. I think the nurses gave her the name. But it was very fitting - she did like the color blue!

So I'll miss you Grandma! Give Grandpa a big hug for me, too.