In memory of Grandma Betty

On Saturday, June 13th, Betty Ann Roussin went to be with the Lord.  She was my grandmother, my advice-giver, my politically-charged informant and one of my truest friends.  For 23 years of my life, grandma Betty was always a constant presence: tenderly washing each of her grandchildren’s hands after a long day of playing with frogs and turtles at the cabin; cooking her famous spaghetti and meatball supper whenever we were all together as a family; calling me up during my hectic college days to take me out for lunch and just talk.  Those memories will be forever with me.

We had spent many days and nights with her during the month and a half that she was in the hospital and I am so grateful for those moments with my grandma, up until her passing.  She dreamt of the day she would leave that hospital, telling us of her plans to take us out to Inoni’s for lunch (one of her favorite spots to take her grandkids).  Even while she was in the hospice, she told my aunt Teresa to go buy a camper so us three ladies (and four of the nurses!) could drive along the north shore one last time.  Up until the day that she passed, she was truly a fighter.  Her will to stay alive for her kids and grandkids was such a testimony of her unconditional love for all of us.   Teresa was in the beginning stages of trying to make the north shore trip happen a few days before she passed.  It was a long, hard journey for everyone involved.  But I thank God that she is now FREE!  Free of her pain and her sorrow, free of her loneliness and free to be in the Lord’s presence for the rest of her days.  It is in this that I find comfort, especially in knowing that I will one day be by her side, praising the Lord with her.

Rest in peace Grandma.  I love you.

Train ride to Red Wing with Grandma

At the cabin with gram

Betty’s Gazibo (up at the cabin)

Christmas 2008

Christmas 2008

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