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Rita had never been alone. She and her husband were one of those couples that did everything together. They were thick as thieves, as the saying goes. Xup has talked about her parents being like that and I'm too tired to find the link, but I think everyone knows what I mean. Some couples are like that. They had nine kids. Yes, nine. After Rita's husband died, she summered in Michigan with one daughter and wintered here in Texas with another daughter - my mother-in-law.
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Everyone worried about Rita back in 2002 when her husband died because they had been so attached, but over time, Rita's individual spirit emerged. In a big way. Rita was a riot. She would say whatever she was thinking and most of the time it was funny as hell. And not in a way like you were laughing at her. She had a great sense of humor and used it. She laughed a lot. And maybe some of those times when she was being blunt, she didn't intend to be funny. But she was.
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Several years ago when we were alone in my MIL's living room, I told her, "I really don't know what to call you." She replied, "Call me Rita, I hate being called 'Grandma'." I thought that was funny but my MIL does not like that story. About 4 years ago at my Christmas party she had several glasses of wine and was the highlight of the whole evening. I need to find those pictures. She wore a Christmas bow on her head the whole evening.
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Speaking of that: For some reason I was really into making bows this Christmas and after I wrapped Rita's gift I took a picture.:
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I walked into her bedroom today (Friday night) to see if I could feel her presence. I saw that cross on her dresser. Everyone knows I am not religious, but I had a strong feeling that I needed to get that cross blessed for her.
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I always write out all the birthdays when I get a new calendar and add little stickers and I know I will be sad when I flip the calendar to August this year and see: Rita 90 along with a bright red star. I really loved Rita and I will miss every single thing about her. It's so hard to believe she is gone and I will never hear her voice again.
12 comments:
My condolences, to all of you who loved her. I'm so glad you have so many fond memories of her.
I am sorry for your loss. Rita seems to have lived a full life - blessed by and being a blessing to all her loved ones.
My condolences... she seems to have been a person who lived life to the fullest and touched those she loved around her... Take care.
Gee, so sorry for your and your Sweetie's loss of dear Rita. You know I'll be praying for you and your Sweetie and family.
Weren't they a Gorgeous Couple...He is so handsome and Rita is so very Beautiful. I am so sorry for your loss....It is so very hard when someone as distinct and memorable as Rita, dies...
I LOVE the idea of you getting the cross Blessed and putting it in her casket. I know what you mean about Open Caskets, but this certainly seems like a special and needed exception. RIP Rita.
This post brought tears to my eyes. I love the photo of you with Rita, the bow and the cross.
God bless her and may she rest in peace.
What a beautiful tribute to a special woman in your life. My condolences to both you and your husband.
Thanks everyone. It's been a very busy weekend and we have made all the arrangements to get Rita back to Michigan and to get ourselves up there. We are fine - just worried about My Sweetie's mom. Thanks for all the nice thoughts.
My condolences Geewits. She seems like she was a wonderful woman. You wrote a great tribute.
Great post/tribute Geewits. My sincere condolences to the both of you.
Wonderfully written tribute. I hope you were able to share similar words at the funeral, because it's nice to hear things that will bring a smile to your face, even at the saddest of times.
What a loving tribute.
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