It is with an extremely heavy heart that I post this update. In fact, I’ve been avoiding it for two and a half weeks. We have lost Babu. She was a hundred and a half and she went peacefully and quickly. It’s been a hard holiday and long December. I’m in the process of healing and getting used to the whole structure and routine of my life being upended. I miss her. But I am looking forward to figuring out my direction and living a life in her honor.
The following is something I wrote after she passed and I thought I may say it at the funeral but decided against it. Here it is for you:
Babu led a long, healthy and full life. She raised a large family, she traveled, she loved completely, she cared for others, and I can’t imagine she had any regrets. I know all of this, but I have been trying to figure out why this is still so hard. She lived to a round 100 and there isn’t any more I could have asked of her. So why is this so hard? It’s hard because we are going to miss her. I am certainly not the only one but I am going to miss her terribly. I am going to miss all those “dzień dobrys” and “see you later alligators.” I am going to miss all those “gimme a buzis” and the way she greeted every day, every task, every moment with excitement and delight. She sought fun and laughter and when there was none, she made it. I will miss the way she would do this butt wiggle dance for laughs and because no walker was ever going to stop her from dancing. I will miss the way her voice got high and breathy when she got excited. I will miss how she always wanted to know if the sun was out. I could never stop listing the things I will miss but I am damn grateful for having had them. I don’t know why I am convinced of this, but I am sure Zosh was there to meet her first. Again youthful and giggling. Then Babcia and Dziadziu. “You couldn’t ask for better parents” she would tell me every single day. And then, the icing on the cake, Jake. Man, she really kept him waiting. Now, she is happy and at peace and with the ones she is supposed to be with.
This is nowhere near as important, but I want to let you know that the work on this blog, this project, is nowhere near done. Nor will I stop doing it. Right now there is a lot of behind the scenes work I am doing so it may be a while until I post. But never fear, you will be hearing more from me.
transcribingmemory 
I’m sorry your heart is aching from the loss of your Babu. What a wonderful tribute you’ve created for her with this blog!
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Thank you. And that tribute will keep giving.
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So sorry for your loss. I feel like I knew her, through you, and loved her. Love to you and all your family ❤ ❤
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Thank you! ❤
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I am so sorry for the loss of Babu. She was an amazing woman. I wish you peace and strength in the coming days.
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Thank you very much.
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I am really terribly sorry to know she’s passed. I learned to love her through your writings and photos. She made me feel my mother and aunt were still here with me. I know you did beyond you could, though it seems it was never enough. (I know it from my own experience) Be in peace and keep loving on her.
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These words were needed. Thank you.
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I’m so sorry to hear this news. The lovely thing is that you honoured her in life as much as you have done in the heartfelt tribute here. Age has nothing to do with the best kind of love, other than to make it stronger and sweeter.
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Thank you for these kind words.
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First of all I am so sorry to hear this news. Just the other day I was thinking of you and wondering how things were and if you would have time to post again soon.
Babu had a good, long life and she was lucky to have such devoted family members to care for her. I am sure her passing is harder for you than it was for her to go. I believe she will be reunited with Jake, Zosh, her parents and friends who she missed. It is harder for those left behind who will miss her so much.
I hope that you will continue to transcribe the diaries. I loved hearing about her life but when you feel ready. Best wishes to you and Adam.
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These words are much appreciated. Yes. I will continue to transcribe! These journals and pictures are things I treasure and am obsessed with. There are many more decades of recorded memory I want to get to vicariously live through. Right now I am in crazy mode of taking pictures of everything. A lot of work to do to preserve these things. Then, or perhaps in the midst of all of that work, I will get back to transcribing and writing. ❤
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Oh, I am so sorry, you must be heartbroken. So sorry for your loss. Hugs.
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Thank you so much!
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I will miss your conversations with Babu, but know that after the first tsunami of sadness, you’ll. find peace and be able to relive the joy she brought you. Warm hugs,
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That’s what I’m hoping for! Thank you so much!
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I am sad that Babu has left us. I am sorry that you have to feel the ache that accompanies her exit from our world. But I am so grateful that you have honored her life the way that you have, and that you let us share that journey with you. Please accept my deepest condolences in your loss. I look forward to reading more about Babu’s life in her words and in yours. RIP dear Babu, I feel as if I knew you.
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Thank you so very much.
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No matter what her age, Babu’s beautiful smile lit up her face. I am so sorry to hear she has left us, but I’m grateful you introduced her to us in this blog. I hope you will continue to post. As others have written, I feel as if I knew her.
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Thank you so very much and I will lovingly continue to tell her story. ❤
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❤️
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I’m so sorry for your loss. I have loved reading about her, and I’m glad to hear the stories aren’t over. What an incredible way to keep her memory alive. She was a truly incredible woman.
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Thank you!
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I am so sorry. I am glad to have known her through you.Death is so hard and it matters little how long our loved ones lived-we miss them!
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Thank you. You clearly understand.
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Babu and you have touched more hearts than we will ever know. Thank you for sharing her life and yours. Holding you and the family in my ❤ Angie. I'm looking forward to more Babu whenever you're ready to continue. Be well.
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Thank you so very much. At first I dreaded writing the post and now that I have, many of you have said just the soothing things I needed to hear. Thank you!
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I have enjoyed your travels with Babu and hope I have the same care from loved ones as I near the end of life,
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I’m so sorry for your loss.
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