Goodbye, Grandma…
by Danny Fisher
The author (seated) with Mae Hoffman Fisher (standing).
I lost my grandmother yesterday.
It was expected, though not really this quickly.
She was many things, among them a librarian; a cancer survivor; and a very stereotypical grandparent in her sweetness, generosity, and unconditional love.
I remember one of the few visits we had where it was just the two of us. I had gone to New Jersey to try to be helpful after her first bout of health problems about ten years ago. At this point, I had committed myself seriously to Buddhist practice and study, and had recently come back from a semester living abroad in a Burmese monastery in India. We were in the car one day, and she, a devout Catholic, asked out of the blue, “Is compassion important in Buddhism?”
“Yes.”
“Looking after people, being a good neighbor?”
“Yes.”
“Well, O.K.”
That Christmas, I received a large box from my grandmother. I had no idea what to expect, and opened it to find a beautiful Buddha statue. I still have it to remind me of the loveliest interfaith encounter I ever had: the one with my grandma.
Very touching.
Sorry to hear it Danny. Peace and blessings to you and your family.
What a lovely woman, Danny. We’ll certainly remember her in our dedications at practice…
Danny: So very sorry to hear of your grandma’s passing. What a moving story…luckily there’s a box of tissues on the table next to me! (An aside: I love the vest she’s wearing in the photo – definitely a sign of a spirited woman with a sense of humour!)
thanks for sharing a beautiful memory of such an influential woman in your life. peace, love and prayers from my house to yours.
Rev. Danny – Your aged uncle and godfather is extremely grateful for this very lovely remembrance of his extraordinary Mom and your loving Grandmother who was very proud of you–as am I. She was a great lady of Faith whose heart was big and full of love and whose own capacity for compassion, I always see in you. Lots of love -always- and look forward to having you here. Uncle Dan
So sorry for your loss, Danny. My thoughts are with you and your family. Much love to you all.
I’m so sorry, Danny. My mother and I are thinking of you and your wonderful family. I wish the circumstances could have been different, but it has been a blessing to learn of your grandmother’s beautiful spirit. You are all in our prayers.
I’m sorry for your loss. I lost my grandmothers years ago, but they were good, strong women.
Thank you for sharing this lovely memory, Danny. I’m sending peaceful thoughts and hugs to you and your family. How lucky you were to have such a beautiful spirit in your life. Much love, Martine
I am sorry to hear about the loss of your grandmother. Condolences to your family. Peace.
I’m so sorry for your loss, and at the same time I just love this post. Thank you.
Danny, that was so beautiful. I remember when your grandma was thinking about getting that Buddha for you and she was worried it might be the wrong thing to give you. It seems like it was the perfect gift afterall. It was great to see you again today ater so long although the circumstances werevery sad. And yes, that vest is very much your grandma! Everything had sweet and gentle kitties on it!
I’m a faithful reader of your blog even though I’ve never commented before. I just wanted to extend my sympathies to you and your family. I’m glad your grandmother got to see what kind of man you grew into and I’m sure she was very proud.
Danny, I’m so sorry to hear this… thank you for sharing the story of your grandmother. She sounds like a wonderful soul, and I can see a lot of her in you. xox
[...] I reported to you all earlier this week, I lost my grandmother last Sunday. She was 80 years old. [...]
[...] Posted by Danny Fisher in obituaries. Tags: Godwin Samararatne, Mae Hoffman Fisher trackback As I mentioned, my grandmother, Mae Hoffman Fisher, passed away the Sunday before last at age 80. I didn’t [...]
Belated thanks for all the kind notes, everyone. _/|\_
[...] My grandmother Mae died one year ago today. [...]