Remembering my wonderful grandma

At 8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 28, I surely was sitting in a seat at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul preparing to take photos, or taking photos at the end of day one’s individual action at the Minnesota State Wrestling Tournament. I was doing what I love to do, covering high school sports action. 

Meanwhile, about five hours north at Thief River Care Center in Thief River Falls, my Grandma Donna Bergeron took her last breath after nearly 96 years of life, surrounded by family. 

In-between sessions at State, my brother and I heard about her condition and had the opportunity to say goodbye to her via FaceTime about four hours before she took that last breath. When we told her that we loved her, she wasn’t able to open her eyes but, according to family members who were there doing the FaceTime, her eyebrows raised at the sound of our voices. She knew we were there.

I also know she was ready to leave this earth and be reunited with her husband and oldest child. She was home and now no longer in pain, but the loss still hurt. 

Knowing I was doing something I loved and something I know she was so proud of me for, my newspaper work, provided me with a comfort. I just know this was exactly where she would have wanted me to be. 

Her service on March 5 at St. Bernard’s Catholic Church in Thief River Falls was beautiful, fitting for a woman who was beautiful inside and out. It was truly a celebration, and during that celebration her legacy of love and kindness were on full display. 

Being surrounded by family – aunts, uncles, cousins, immediate family members, and family friends – I shared many laughs, tears, and hugs over those couple of days. Remembering her and being around family during that time left me with a comfort that her memory and legacy would continue to live on in each one of us. 

Below, I have shared a Facebook post I made about her, following the news of her passing: the same words I was asked to share at the church right before the funeral. 

“I’m heartbroken as my Grandma Bergeron left this world at 8 p.m. on Friday at the age of 95, but I’m also happy that she is no longer in pain, and is dancing the night away again with Grandpa. As she said often late in her life, ‘I’m ready to be with dad.’ The fact that’s now a reality for her truly fills up my heart. 

“Before making this journey, she left quite the impression on not just me, but everyone who had the privilege of knowing her and experiencing her love. She loved her husband, her nine children, all of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and all of her family so much, and her pride in each and every one of us was so evident. 

“Whenever we would surprise her with a visit, she would always say, ‘Oh, hi’ with the biggest smile on her face when she saw us. Those who have visited her know the tone she says this in, and it’s one I will never forget. The greatest gift you could give her was your presence, and she soaked in each one of these opportunities. An embrace and/or kiss with an ‘I love you’ always finished a visit. She gave much love, and was surrounded by so much of it. 

“I have many stories I could tell about my grandma, but I’ll share just a couple. Many times when I would visit her, she would tell me how she read my paper, The Tribune, often from front to back. She was so proud of me, and that meant the world! I won’t stop sharing those stories, Grandma! As for another story, as my dad, brother, and I were taking in some state wrestling today, my dad, knowing his mom’s life was nearing an end, pointed to the part of the arena floor where he won one of his state wrestling titles, and then to the spot in the stands where his mom was jumping up and down in celebration with the rest of the family. As I stated, the pride and love for her family was always evident and always so felt. 

“I love you, Grandma Bergeron! May you rest in peace and enjoy that dance floor! The impression you left on my heart and in my memories will remain with me for the rest of my life!”