"God saw you getting tired, and a cure was not to be.
So He put his arms around you and whispered "Come with Me."
With tearful eyes we watched you, and saw you pass away.
Although we loved you dearly, we could not make you stay.
A golden heart stopped beating, hard working hands at rest.
God broke our hearts to prove to us, He only takes the best."
Thursday, after a 17-month battle with cancer, Linda passed away. We were fortunate enough to get to say goodbye to her. She was awake and alert the previous Saturday. We arrived home, and Carter and Charlie kissed her, and were kissed back. Carter went off to play, so Charlie sat with Grandma for a bit. She held his hand, he smiled back at her, and she talked to him. Before we headed home Sunday, Carter got to say goodbye, too. She sat with Grandma and kissed her cheek, and Grandma told her how much she loved her and how proud she was of her for being a wonderful little girl. I don't know if she knew it was goodbye, but I'm thankful that the kids will have a positive final memory of their amazing Grandma.
Arrangements were made Friday. Her memorial was Sunday, and for the first time in days, it was finally sunny and beautiful outside. Coincidence? Doubtful. I think everyone in Washington County came to pay their respects to Linda and the family. People she worked with, sharing stories of her understanding and dedicated work ethic, people she lived near, sharing stories of conversations and laughs, people who may or may not have been family, sharing stories only "family" could have, even if they weren't related. The same sentiment was shared by all: she was someone who loved with all her heart, unconditionally and knew no strangers.
Monday was her funeral, again a beautiful day. The Chalupa men, men who have changed my life for the better, will forever been pictured in my head. They looked so handsome - you'd never have known they were the knuckleheads who yell during cards and crack jokes about bodily functions! Our sad and somber group celebrated the life of the woman we all loved, for so many different reasons.
For me, the memory that sticks out most vividly is our shopping trip in Lahina, Hawaii. Now, I truly think I could win a medal in the Shopping Olympics. However, Linda would certainly place better than me! She drug me from one end of that island to the other, searching for the perfect Hawaiian dresses for Carter and Courtney (10 and 9 months old at the time). We went back and forth, back and forth, trying to find the best and most cost-effective dress. She finally found the perfect ones, and while she paid, I curled up Indian-style on the floor for a break. She laughed at me, then we have tropical drinks at a restaurant on the beach. We looked at and talked about Haleakala, an active volcano that we could see from the window, and reflected on what she called a "peaceful" morning! I told her my feet were killing me, and she just laughed at me!
Through this battle, I never once heard her ask, "Why me?" I know we asked that question. Life isn't fair. You can say what you'd like and give your insight, but it isn't fair. It just isn't. The only positive outlook that can be found at this point, in my eyes, in that Linda being Linda shaped my life into what it is today. She raised four amazing boys, father and uncles to my children, and her morals and spirit are passed down to her boys, their wives, her grand kids and friends. Her 59 years didn't seem like near enough time, but I'm thankful for the time we did have with her.
We got "groceries" after making funeral arrangements: soda, chips, and enough booze to inebriate an army! This is how Chalupa's deal!
Charlie (10 months) and Cousin Marissa (16 months), playing Saturday
Our our way home from Grandma and Poppy's, the sky was on fire with pink and purples. It was gorgeous. Carter, out of nowhere, said to me, "Mama, do you think Grandma and God made the clouds pink, just for us?" I certainly do, Baby!
Grandma's pride and joys: Charlie, Carter and Cousin Owen (nearly 8 months), before the memorial Sunday
Junior High, approximately 1964??
Mr. and Mrs. Chalupa
(where does And get his looks?!)
The boys: Brian, Andy, Corey and Kevin, approximately 1986
In memory of a beautiful wife, mother and grandma, who will be missed dearly
My guys, getting by
