I guess I feel 'in wanting', to post some things about my grandmother. My sister wrote a tribute to her a few days ago, and it really impacted me to do something for her myself. A lot of what I could say, my sister has already, and she was dead on. My grandmother was one of a kind. She had this spirit that was contagious. When I remember back on the times I was around her, I think of all the many things that she did with our family..her family. Once we went hiking (Colorado, maybe), and I was sick (I was about 4-5 years old) with strep or something, and she stayed by me the whole time. Later on, when we had moved, my brother and sister were home, and she sat down and played a game of molass with us. SHE WON, not to the amusement of my sis (or me). She was an excellent cook. We always had fun when we were all together, back then when things were so much simpler to me. Holidays were a blessing on my tummy. I didn't spend a lot of time with her in the kitchen, but from what I can recall, she cooked with such ease. No matter what she was doing, she always kept peace on her...with her, and if affected those around her. I remember the last year or two before she passed, things were different. Other roads had begun to weave themselves into different areas of our family. I was no exception. I allowed my own rebellious and 'free range spirit' to keep me from spending the time I needed to, with both my grandparents. This I do regret. The Christmas of 2007 was extremely strange. I went to the stores to shop, and for the first time I realized they wouldn't need presents anymore. About this time, (between October and Christmas), my mother was able to return a collage of family pictures centered around my grandparents, that I had given them for Christmas the year before. I hold on to this especially to look back on the memories me and the family were able to make over the years. When Easter comes up each year since then, I have become, what's the word....closed off. After reading what my sister had written, I started thinking that if my grandmother was meant to leave us, Easter was the perfect day. Not only because of the symbolism of Easter itself, but one of my greatest memories happened that day. I was under the age of 12, probably 8 or 9. We and the extended family, joined my grandparents at there Kansas church that year. Several families in the congregation were asked to stand, ours as well. When we stood, the entire church gasped. We had filled 3-4 rows of pews. Later on, toward the end of the service, my younger cousin and I, joined her in the choir to sing the "Hallelujah Chorus". I can still remember the joy I had singing with my grandmother, and I think she really enjoyed it too.
Unfortunately, grandma was unable to meet little Emerson, but when I saw (and read) my sister's post, I realize that my grandmother lives on in the lives of those she left behind. Sis, she sure did leave a legacy, didn't she? I may have my regrets, but I also have my memories, and these I will keep for the rest of my life. I love you, Grandma. Thank you, for ALL you did for me growing up, I hope I made you proud.
(For my grandmother, mother, sister, and niece - May we all remember...)
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