We had the most spectacular weekend in Montpellier. But last night as I was editing pictures and preparing the details for my recap post, I received a really hard phone call from my Dad. My wonderful Mammaw had a massive stroke and it is not looking good. She is being transported to hospice this morning.
I am in shock. I talked to her just 12 days ago on her 88th birthday and she was still sharp as a whip. This whole thing is so unexpected.
THIS is why sometimes I don't think it is worth it to live so far away. I feel so alone and helpless. With me being pregnant AND in France, I am stuck. Removed. Sad. Unable to be there for my family in their time of need. And it just really, really sucks.
All that to say, my incredible weekend has fallen by the wayside so that I can deal with this personally.
Thanks for your thoughts and prayers,
Abby
My trip home in June... the moment where I told her that we were expecting.
Last month at Stella's Baby Shower
Hi Abby, I'm sorry that you had to get this bad news. At least she was able to see you and your lovely pregnant belly and be a part of *a part* of the experience with you. Thinking of right now. Kristen x
ReplyDeleteThanks Kristen! I am happy that I was able to see her so recently and that she was a part of this pregnancy. :)
DeleteThis is part of the hard part of living so far away from family. Take care.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much!
DeleteSo sorry to hear about your grandmother. It was great that she did see you pregnant - love your photos! It was wonderful to meet you this past weekend - and hang in there. I believe that she knows how happy you are and knows you wish you could be there. She probably knows she is in your thoughts and heart right now. Thinking of you right now and sending comforting vibes your way. Stay in touch Abby - (and it was wonderful meeting your other half too!!)
ReplyDeleteSo loved meeting you as well! (And your gorgeous daughter!) We will let you know next time we are in the Bordeaux area :) Thanks for your thoughts!
DeleteI remember living in Utah, which is not nearly as far away as France, and feeling just as helpless when my grandfather was given not much time to live, when my older sister had her second baby, and even just when Amanda was having a hard day and I couldn't be there. There are wonderful things about making a life for yourself alone with your spouse, far away from home, but it's also really hard sometimes :( Thinking of you!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much... due to the pregnancy I would be grounded anywhere if a flight was required so it helps me not hate France AS much... but you are right, its still hard. :(
DeleteAbby I am so sorry about Mammaw. Of course you and your family will be in my prayers. love you!
ReplyDeleteThanks Mere... she's my last grandparent so its hard :(
DeleteOh, Abby I'm so sorry to hear this. I lost my own grandmother this way - she was in the middle of mixing a cake when she had her stroke. It seemed so unfair, but comforting to know she was active and happy until the end. My father died just before the twins were born. I was in the US, he was in the UK. There was no way I could be there but I have always been comforted by the fact that he knew I was having the girls. This will be tough for you, but I'm sure your grandmother is aware of your love still even though you can't be with her. It will help that you just had a good conversation with her. I know that from my experiences. It was so lovely to meet you this weekend. Keep in touch.
ReplyDeleteThanks Nicola! I do find comfort in knowing that she knew we were expecting a little girl and was able to be such a big part of the pregnancy so far. It was great meeting you as well- thanks for reaching out.
DeleteI'm so very sorry Abby, times like these are definitely the downfall of an expat life.
ReplyDeleteI'll be praying for you and your Mammaw xo
Thanks Sara! A really tough week for sure.
DeleteMammaw is such a sweet, Godly woman! I am praying for you in this difficult time. I love you!
ReplyDeleteOh Abby, I'm so sad to hear this. It's really hard to watch these things from afar. Your family and your Mammaw will be in my thoughts x x
ReplyDeleteAbby I'm so sorry to hear about your Mammaw. You know I know how you feel!! It's so hard to be all the way over here. I will keep your family in my thoughts. Take care of yourself and Stella! xoxo
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