Johns' Journeys: G.G.

We lost a dear member of the family last week. Corene (Granny, Grandma, G.G.) Johnson passed away last Friday, January 8, 2010. She was Chris' grandma (age 81). She had a pretty big stroke about 10 years ago before I met her. But, she was a trooper...the doctors and therapists didn't give her a very good prognosis on that one, but she fought on...teaching herself to walk and talk again. She lived at home with Donnie and Kay 8 years before having another significant stroke 2 years ago. She decided to go to a nursing home after that. She had a massive stroke Jan 5 that she just couldn't recover from.

I remember Chris telling me about her progress from the first stroke when we first met. He was so excited that I was an occupational therapist and was so hopeful that I would have some great ideas that could help her! (Poor G.G...I am pretty much a pediatric therapist with very little experience with older adults). I did have some neuro experience, though, so maybe I gave a tip or two.

Chris sure loved his Grandma. He told me stories of things he and Jason did with his Grandma and Grandpa...he was so proud to be their grandson. He talked all the time about how much he missed his Grandpa, and was very helpful and sweet with Grandma. He patiently waited for her when she was a bit slower than all of us, he helped to and from the dinner table every time we ate dinner with her. He had even been known to help her to and from the bathroom and helped her get dressed if needed (how many Grandsons will do that)?? He valued her opinion and was so excited to tell her about both of our pregnancies.

G.G. was so excited when our niece Aubrey was born. She held her when she was a baby, played patty-cake with her, read to her, and colored with her. Jackson came along and she did all of the above; they also had quite a fleet of Hot Wheels that the 2 of them raced on her TV tray every day! She was so excited when Katie was born, and although she wasn't able to see her as often because of Katie's somewhat fragile health in the beginning and the nursing home having too many 'germs' for a baby...she was so proud to hold, hug, and kiss her each time she saw her.

G.G. loved to read, something we have in common, and has read countless books in the almost 8 years that I've known her. I don't think I ever saw her without a book in front of her.

I enjoyed hearing stories about her during the past week while she was in the hospital and while we were preparing for her funeral. She sounds like quite a spunky lady who enjoyed life and loved her family.

We'll miss you G.G., I hope you and Chris and Arlie (Grandpa) are having a great time together in Heaven!!

Chris, G.G. and Jackson when Jack was born