Memories of Gram….

Many of you may or may not know this but I spent the majority of my early years in Gram and Granddad’s house here in Shannondale. In fact, this is the church in which I was baptized. We spent a great amount of time outside fooling with Granddad’s garden, raking leaves and popping impatiens buds. I remember when they paved the road and I got to go out to watch. Unfortunately for Gram, I was barefoot and got into the tar. Just one of the many times she came to my rescue.

    Things I most remember:

• Gram fixing me a snack of liverwurst with mustard and mayo

• Feeding the pileated woodpecker outside

• Rocking on the glider couch on the porch

• Bowling with Gram and Gran

• The sign outside the bathroom telling who was inside

• Lighting incense with Gram

• Getting caught listening to other conversations on the party line

• Gram always have a bucket of Gibbles chips waiting for me

As I got older, there were a number of life lessons she passed along to me without me even knowing it.

She constantly whipped me at Jeopardy, even into her 80’s and that showed me how important learning was and that regardless of what I did I could never catch her. It is hard to believe this statement knowing she was 100, but she was wise beyond her years!

She never had a bad word to say about anyone. Anytime I did, which is more often than not, she would stop me and remind me not to be so angry at others. She always had that calming voice and demeanor that either made you feel better or feel guilty for ever getting angry.

She was also the classiest woman I have ever known. From her proper dress, hair and makeup, to the way she spoke and carried herself, she was the quintessential lady.

I loved her with all my heart and I will miss her greatly. I know she has “rested her eyes” for one last time, but I know she is in Heaven with Granddad, looking down with a smile on all of us. We are all lost here without her, but we will all carry a piece of her with us until we join her. Heaven is an even better place with her in it and I know she will watch over us (in my case, my boys).

I miss her everyday and I will love her forever, but I am a better person because she was in my life.