Memorial for Oma by SWard80
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Description
I dedicate this image to my Oma, Jenny Van Daalen Wetters, who passed away this morning at the age of 86.
For those unaware, Oma is Dutch for Grandmother. My Oma had lived in Holland and Indonesia before coming to the United States and settling in Southern California. She and my Opa (grandfather) had eight children, seven of whom survived to give them 19 grandchildren and then many great grandchildren. Opa passed on over 15 years ago from cancer. Despite Oma’s own health battles, including 30 surgeries for everything from a back injury sustained in her teens to hip and knee replacement surgeries in the last decade, she never lost her sense of humor nor the mischievous twinkle in her eyes. She loved telling old stories, dirty jokes, and checkout stand tabloids. She was an avid fan of John Wayne and Shirley Temple movies, watching her favorite titles from their collections daily. She loved to knit, collected dolls, and use to stay up late cheating at cards. She absolutely LOVED her coffee, especially Starbucks.
My branch of our family tree has been living with and helping to take care of her for the last 10 years or so. Up until her health started to fail a few years ago, I drove her all over town to run her errands, take her to see her many doctors, or even just to pick up lunch. I use to pick up and help dispense her medicine, and until her last trip to the hospital, made her breakfast every morning. We never exactly found out what happened when last she was in the hospital, a stay that lasted nearly a year. Her health took a sudden downward spiral. We thought we were going to lose her then. But she managed to go on. She lost her mobility and most of her speech, slowly recovering some but not all of it. After coming home she managed to go on for another two years before passing on quietly this morning. Ironically, the day before what would have been Opa’s birthday. We suppose she finally had enough and decided she wanted to go surprise him.
She was a ray of sunshine and inspiration in our lives. Those of us that remain will miss her greatly until we meet again.
Technical info: Image was made from a photo of Oma and a San Simeon sunset, edited together in Paint Shop Pro 9 earlier today.
Comments (14)
Iceshark39
An absolutely beautiful tribute to her, Scott. She really was a remarkable woman. For the short time I knew her, forgive me, but I felt like I had a Grandma again too. She had a lovely, warm heart, that bright smile she always gave me and, yes, that little twinkle in her eyes. I'm tryly glad I got to know her and mourn her passing with you and your family. But she and your Grandfather are together again, and, I'm sure, smiling at you all with love. Deepest condolences to you and your family~
Faemike55
Very beautiful and moving tribute to your Oma. I am so very sorry for your loss.
hipps13
such a sweet smile so full of sunshine take care warm hugs, Linda
jocko500
lovely tribute. I see you loved her a lot.
jascorpio
Sorry for your loss. Lovely tribute. May her soul rest in peace.
whaleman
A very nice tribute! I'm sure you will recall many fond memories in the years to come.
0rest4wicked
Today they are in each others arms :), beautiful tribute!
sharky_
A wonderful tribute to her.... Aloha
shingleboot
Very beautiful
mikeerson
Her passing the day before your grandfather's bday does not seem like a coinsidence to me - H had a friend that died in 86, he was married... his wife died the day before his birthday in 95... What happens when we leave here? none of us know, but I do think our loved ones on the other side have a say in when it's time we go over there - I know people look at death with sorrow, I choose to look at it as the afterlife and it sounds so exciting she get's to be with her mate on his date... You were very close to her, I can tell with your writings, when you are alone and feel compfortable that no one is around, talk with her, I know it sound crazy, but there still is a connection is you try - she'll never be gone, she's just in the afterlife where we all will be some day. smile and remember the good times, the bad times (sorrow) will fade away if you just focus on the good.
mgtcs
Beautiful tribute my friend, a great image, thank you for sharing! Take Care!
Radar_rad-dude
A most splendid portrait and superb tribute! Well done! I'm sure this brings a huge smile to both your grandparents!
lior
It never cease to amaze me what man is capable to endure. I am saddened by the staggering losses you have/are enduring - yet gladdened that your spirit is strong and you are able to create such beauty still. Joy will come in the morning of the resurrection when all hurt will be healed and we will be together with those we love.
three_grrr
I have this vision of joyous reunion somewhere ... Don't let the sadness and sorrow of her passing overshadow the joy that is happening somewhere .. It isn't an ending, but the begining of a new journey for your Beloved Oma, and now she will travel it again with her husband, your Opa. She isn't gone, she lives on, just in a different form. She lives in your mind, in your heart, and all around you. You may even be aware of her now and again. God speed you on your journey, Jenny Van Daalen Wetters