grandma’s home & a few good memories

I remember watching her cutting up the cantaloupe as she talked with my siblings and I. I remember her sharing stories about our Dad and his siblings. One particular story she shared was concerning a pan of freshly baked brownies.She had pulled the brownies out of the oven and placed them on the stove top to cool. She told us that one of her children {can’t remember who.} had squished themselves between the stove and the cupboard and had eaten the whole top off the whole pan of brownies! {You know, the brownie top goodies, we all know and love.} Grandma started to laugh hysterically as she was remembering that very moment. I of course laughed too! I loved hearing stories from the past, both from her child rearing days to her very own childhood, but I really enjoyed hearing my Grandma laugh.

 

 

I loved hearing the story of how Grandma & Grandpa met. They were friends since a very young age. Needless to say, Grandma’s sister married Grandpa’s brother. I’ve always loved hearing this story!

 

 

One day, I was bold enough and asked if Grandma had any pictures of Aunt Sandra. {Grandma & Grandpa’s first child who lived for a short 5 months.} I was nervous, because they never really talked about her much. And Grandma graciously and happily took me to her and Grandpa’s bedroom, and lifted a small box from the top of their closet. And there in that little box was a small handful of pictures of a beautiful little girl. Grandma started to get tears in her eyes, while she told me that God had a different plan for her, and she was excited that she will get to see her again. I’ll never forget this precious moment with Grandma. After 3 miscarriages, I now know some of the pain and joy she was feeling.

I remember Grandma loved to read, and she especially loved reading to her grandchildren! Grandma always kept cookies in the freezer – I don’t think I ever remember a time when we were at Grandma & Grandpa’s when she didn’t have a plate or container of cookies sitting out on the counter.

Cheese danishes were a favorite of both Grandma & Grandpa’s. And there was normally one or two accompanying breakfast at their house.

Grandma was a very social person. She loved people and had cherished friendships. She loved writing letters, sending cards, and mailing pictures she had captured. {So many I have kept for keepsakes.} She loved playing games. I have so many memories sitting around their dining room table playing Rack-O, or some other game with the siblings, cousins and Grandpa.

 

 

Grandma loved to travel and enjoyed road trips with Grandpa. She loved shopping but was frugal in her spending. She loved garage sales, and always found treasures to bring home to decorate with. She never failed in finding small gifts or clothes for her Grandchildren or great grandchildren.

Grandma was always forgetting her purse. Wherever they went! Grandpa would ask “Do you have your purse?!”

Grandma was adventurous and it was evident the little girl never really left. She loved life, and trying new things. She was a hard worker, but knew when it was time to just relax. She loved to sing, and her and Grandpa sounded lovely together!

 

 

It was evident that Grandma loved Grandpa dearly. {And it was just as evident the other way around.} They not only shared a marriage founded on God’s word, but on laughter, and a lot of it!

Grandma & Grandpa took my sister and I on one of their trips. It was a Graduation Gift and it was one I will never ever forget! We went out west. We toured many places like the Grand Tetons, Yellowstone, Pikes Peak and so many more places.

The one thing I remember the most about the trip was the non stop laughter!
We were in a grocery store getting some groceries for the condo we were staying in. Grandpa called Grandma something silly and Grandma’s come back was “well you, butterball” while she gave him a gentle slug.

Needless to say my sister and I’s bellies hurt by the end of the week and I remember the feeling, the feeling of great and wonderful memories being made.

 

 

After a long battle with Parkinson’s and complications of failing health, Grandma passed away suddenly at an unexpected time. My aunt explains she was unable to attend Church for several weeks, but was able to attend the last two weeks of her life. And her last few hours were spent with Grandpa and their Church family.

Though most of the memories of my Grandma revolve around “Grandma’s House.” It was never really her home in the first place. Because long ago she believed in the Savior of the world and His free gift of eternal life was accepted. On Sunday, March 16, 2014 Grandma truly went where she belongs,  h o m e.

 

Grandma’s funeral was absolutely beautiful, full of some tears but mostly laughter! Because we know where she is and we’ll see here one day again soon! 22 of her 25 grandchildren were able to sing together for the service. Beautiful blessing to be part of a Godly heritage.