Unfortunately, saying thank you seems to be an after thought more and more. So at least once a month, I will take a few minutes to publicly appreciate someone that has had an impact on me.
This round: My grandma
I really only had one grandmother. My parents are married still, which made the scenario of two. However, my other grandmother was not really a part of my life. When I got married, I didn’t gain any more as Pete’s grandparents passed away long before I met him.
That said, one grandma was all I needed because she was absolutely wonderful to me. She was far from the stereotypical grandmother. She didn’t really cook that well: her idea of a treat…graham crackers with powered sugar frosting, which we only got when my cousin Adam came over too. Most of the time the “frosting” was too watery. But for some reason both Adam and I just loved that she was giving us a “treat”. We would try to convince her that she didn’t really give us one yet and that she was getting old and just forgot. I feel this might come back to haunt me as I get older.
She didn’t knit (she never made me a hat or socks – I must also get this from her).
She couldn’t keep a plant alive (our mutual love of cactus suited us just fine). This list goes on and on.
Yet, if you asked me about traditions in our family (the ones that my mother, sister, brother and I do with my children), most of them come from her. She used to brush my hair for hours. To this day, the best way for me to relax is having someone play with my hair. And I smile every time I see my mother brush Keira’s hair.
She traveled to every state despite her fear of water and flying. Even now, when I see a souvenir spoon and think “I should get that for grandma” even though she finished her collection so many years ago. I believe this is where my desire for family to explore comes from.
She had this huge tree in the front of her yard and she would help make fallen leaves mazes/piles. My kids love playing in that front yard as much as I did. It’s one of the many reasons that fall is my favorite season.
She is a huge part of who I am. Not just because of genetics but because she was my first example that stereotypes shouldn’t be trusted. There are people that you “hope” you’ve made proud. She made sure to tell me how proud she was – at every birthday, at my high school graduation, at my college graduation, as I started my first job, as I moved away, at my wedding and for all three of my children’s births.
She passed away recently. I knew that when I saw her at Christmas this year, that I was likely saying goodbye. Luckily, I was able to fly back in time to be with her for her final day. This post isn’t a “I wish she had known how much I appreciated and loved her” because I made sure she knew that. This post is just a public appreciation of my wonderful grandma, Doris. She was no saint but she was my center. I will keep my promises to you and you were right…I do find comfort in knowing you will keep your promise and give a kiss to Connor and Adam for me.
Thank you for loving me, my husband and all of my children. I will miss you so very much!
With all my love forever,
Tricia
