Long Week

This past week was one of the toughest our family has ever had to go through and hopefully we won't have to go through something like this again for a long, long time.  Last Thursday night (Oct. 6) Uncas received a phone call from his dad and Uncas learned that his mom passed away.  We were shocked.  It seemed completely surreal - it still does.  Rita was only 61 years and while she had been fighting the flu during the week, nothing indicated that this would happen.  She had an aneurysm in stomach and died before she even made it to the hospital.

The week was spent up in Duluth and we were surrounded by lots of family and friends.  It was so incredible to see how many people Rita touched - through her work and her hobbies.  She was truly a remarkable person.  So many of her co-workers - past and present spoke of what a great mentor she was, talked about her upbeat, can-do attitude and always willing to give.  Members of the Fiber Guild which Rita was very active in talked about how creative Rita was and how committed and organized she was within the Guild.

Rita was my mother-in-law.  From the first time I met her, she welcomed me into the family with open arms and her bright smile.  I was amazed at her talent for weaving.  Her patience and persistence with the hobby was truly inspiring.  I have many items which she made for me over the years - towels, scarves, home decorations, ornaments, and my personal favorite the shawl that I wore on my wedding day.  She also made baby blankets for each of our kids.  In fact, the last thing that she completed for us was Edith's baby blanket . . . She also knit and we have many hats, gloves, and socks from her.

She was a great cook and baker.  During the first year we were married, Rita taught me how to make pie crust from scratch.  She was a patient teacher and made it so easy.  I have many recipes from her including Uncas's favorite birthday cake and the recipe that I use to make sweet rolls.  Of course Rita herself couldn't eat gluten or refined sugar, but that didn't stop her from baking or cooking.  She made things that for the rest of us and attempted to make things for herself to eat as well.  Sometimes they turned out pretty good and sometimes we knew we would never be eating that again!  But what's so great is that she was able to laugh at the failed attempts and she would just try again.

This summer we were able to see Rita a lot.  She baby-sat a few times for us.  One day before Edith was due, she came and stayed with us for the day to give me a much needed break.  And after Edith was born, she came and stayed with us a whole week.  She loved spending time with the kids.  A couple of times Uncas took Eddie to Duluth with him and each time Rita typed up a little story, complete with pictures about Eddie's adventure.  I know she couldn't wait to do the same with Edith.

Rita never sat still.  She was always doing something. She was willing to pitch in and help with anything.  She loved her family so much.  The last time I saw Rita was a week before she died.  She was in the Cities getting her car repaired and stopped by the house to see the kids.  She held Edith so I could  get some cleaning done and helped give Eddie his lunch.  It was a short trip, but I know she enjoyed the time with the kids.  She loved seeing Edith smile and she was amazed at Eddie's vocabulary.  We were making plans for Edith's baptism, which would be the next time we would see each.  I remember commenting on her hair - she had recently got it cut and it looked really good.  I remember saying good-bye and watching her walk down the drive-way.  I can't believe that she won't be coming here to visit again.

While I am sad that I won't see her again, and my heart aches that our kids will not remember or get to know their Grandma Rita.  I hope we can keep her memory alive by telling the kids stories about her, sharing photos and giving them the things that she made.  She was a special person.  Some days/moments are harder than others.  I hope I've been able to convey what a special person she was.  She will truly be missed.

Meeting Edith for the first time

Happy Grandma (and Grandpa)

Rita in the middle at baby shower for her first grandchild

Rita with her mom, daughter and granddaughter

Baby blanket made for Edith

Baby blanket she made for Eddie