HELP LAY BELOVED GRANDMA TO FINAL REST

My grandma helped people during her lifetime and doesn't deserve to be treated like this in her death.

My name is L. J. My grandma, Elsie Reid, died suddenly at our home last Thursday. My mother, Desi, had taken care of grandma Elsie for over ten years. For six of those ten years, my grandma was totally bedridden. My mom did almost everything for her. During that same time, my mother also cared for my father, Ali, who died from Cancer in 2020 during the height of the Coronavirus pandemic.

Taking care of family has always been a priority for us. My grandmother, Elsie, took care of her mother, Lila (my great-grandmother), until her death. Then my mother, Desi, took care of my grandma Elsie until hers. So our family understands sacrificing for family. Family matters.

After high school, Grandma Elsie went to Monroe School of Business. Not long after, she was blessed to meet and marry the love of her life, my grandpa- John Reid. He too, understood sacrifice because he had a disabled mother, (my great-grandmother) Lily. Upon great-grandma Lily's death, grandpa John went to live with his aunt Katherine and her husband, Fred Klausmann. When grandpa John was old enough, he served his country during the Korean War.

I've shared the names of both my great-grandmothers (Lila and Lily) and my grandfather (John) because I was named after them. My name is L. J. I carry their names to honor the memories of those who came before us. I told you, family is important to us. That's why it hurts so much that we need help to bury my grandma Elsie. Family matters.

Grandma Elsie loved to help people. She was in the Parent Teacher's Association (P.T.A.) and was the troop leader with the Girl Scouts. She was a good friend. Grandma opened her heart and her home to friends and family to celebrate reunions, weddings, graduations, birthdays, retirement, and simply the celebration of life.

Grandma Elsie opened her home to something far more important, though. She served as a host for VSA- Victims Service Agency. The exact name of the agency changed over the years, but the mission is still the same. Grandma helped victims of domestic violence. Our house was a safe house. Women went through the VSA program for support while living at our home. We provided a safe harbor as abused women fled for their lives. Grandma Elsie took pride in being able to help women and children escape violence to start a new life.

Grandma Elsie also opened her home to Fred Klausmann. Remember, as a boy, grandpa John went to live with his aunt when his mother died. Fred Klausmann took my grandpa into his home and loved him. Years later, Fred Klausmann needed that favor returned when Katherine died.

When Fred Klausmann (Caucasian) fell in love with Grandpa John's aunt Katherine (African-American), Fred's family disowned him. But, our family's love is color blind. My grandparents loved Fred Klausmann for all he had done for them. So once again, my grandparents opened their hearts and their home. Fred Klausmann lived with them until his death.

My grandma Elsie experienced some sort of emotional breakdown when grandpa John passed away. She and grandpa had been together since she was 16 years old and he was 19. Grandpa's death was a great loss.

The years revealed that grandma had Alzheimers. Of course, it progressed. After a fall, she became bedridden. My mother lovingly cared for grandma's every need for years. We all live together. Here's an old photo of us. Yes, that's me as a baby.

About three weeks ago, grandma had a stroke.

Last Thursday morning, mommy fed grandma as usual. She had no idea that a few hours later, my mother would be performing CPR after calling 911. Unfortunately, mommy couldn't save grandma's life. My distraught mom is still dealing with the pain of watching her beloved mother die in front of her eyes.

The funeral is scheduled for Thursday. My mother (with the help of the funeral home), has spent a week arguing with New York Life Insurance company. The insurance doesn't want to pay the life insurance claim. Grandma Elsie had a policy with them since 2004. When grandma got sick, the policy lapsed. My mother paid all the past premiums. The policy was reinstated at the full amount. New York Life Insurance put it in writing. We have proof.

Now New York Life Insurance company is telling my mother that there was no updated medical information requested when grandma Elsie's policy was reinstated. Well, that's not our fault. New York Life didn't request an updated medical. They just reinstated the policy when the premiums were paid.

This is wrong. This is not how a faithful customer should be treated. Grandma had that life insurance policy since 2004. It is the insurance company's fault that they did not ask for an updated medical record. They said they are investigating and will get back to us.

When my mother spoke to them Thursday, New York Life didn't even have grandma Elsie's doctor's name or contact information. So what investigation can New York Life Insurance company be doing?

We are short on time. Please help. My grandma Elsie was such a nice lady. She lived in service to others.

The insurance company is dragging out our pain. We can't bury grandma without the insurance money.

Your contribution is truly appreciated. We are forever grateful for your love and support. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.

Sincerely, L. J.