Thursday Thirteen #103 (Thirteen Things About My Grandma)
Wednesday, April 2, 2008 10:34 AM
Most of my regular readers know that my grandma passed away on Monday. The funeral is this Friday, so I am dedicating this post to her. She was an incredible lady. Picture what you think would be the “perfect” grandma, and she was more than that. I wish you all could have known her.
- She was my #1 fan. Even when I started lessons, she always wanted to hear me play the piano. I could be playing “Birthday Party,” and she would act like I was Mozart’s prodigy.
- She gave the best hugs. I would not call Grandma “fat,” but she was not skin and bones either. Her hugs were “squishy,” and when she did hug you, all the worries and pains would vanish for a while. I think I will miss those hugs the most.
- She had beautiful, soft hands. Even in her last days, when her body was so broken, her hands still felt the same. They were still soft and beautiful. I could hold them, and feel that my grandma was really “there,” instead of lying in bed so sick.
- She told the best stories. When I was little, I loved sleeping in bed with her listening to her bed time stories. I would ask her to tell me the same ones over and over again, and never once did she act like she was too tired or sick of doing the same thing.
- She sang us funny, little songs all the time. She knew the silliest songs, and when she sang them, we would laugh and laugh until our little tummy’s would ache. I still sing some of those songs to Brendan.
- She was a talented artist. I remember one time watching her paint, when suddenly she had to leave the room to answer the phone. When she came back, I had painted every thing in that room black. I wanted to be “like her” (That happened last year! Just kidding, I was six). Needless to say, I did not get any artist ability from her.
- I never heard her yell at any of us grand-kids. She did spank me once, but that was because I ran out into the middle of the street in front of an oncoming car. It scared her to death, and she squatted me on my bottom. It broke my heart because she had never done that, but I soon realized how much it frightened her, and how much she loved me too.
- She made me homemade Pooh Bears. They never really looked like the “Pooh Bears” you see on Disney, but they were made with such love, and I never let them out of my sight when I was young. I still have the very first one she made me. It’s so old, but I cherish him forever.
- She loved music boxes. I would sit for hours, winding and listening to them over and over again, sometimes at the same time. She never yelled, “STOP! That’s driving me nuts!” which is what I would do. I am sure it must have driven her nuts, but she just let me do it.
- She made me feel like I was the most beautiful person in the world. I have had kids make fun of me when I was growing up. I have had my heart broken many times because a guy I liked would not return the feelings. Yet, when I was with Grandma, those things did not matter. She loved me and saw something in me that no one else did. I could tell her anything, and if she could not help the situation, all she had to do was “hold me tight” and let me cry. I always felt better after that.
- She had a wonderful marriage. My grandparents were so cute together. They loved each other so much. It was so precious to see them still holding hands as they walked together. Even when Grandma was losing her mind because of Alzheimer’s, her eyes would still glow when Grandpa talked to her.
- She never met a stranger. If she met you once, you would suddenly be receiving birthday cards from her as long as she could do it. I had students that I taught that would come to me and say, your grandma sent me a birthday card. I never told them this, but she always asked for their addresses, so she could do just that. She loved who I loved. I will miss those cards and letters.
- She loved me best! This is a joke between all the grandchildren. There are only six of us, and I am the third oldest. I thought that she only belonged to me when I was little, and was jealous of any attention she gave the others (I actually convinced my sister that she loved only me, and she believed it)! Now, that I am older, I do not do that anymore, but I still tease them that she did love me best!
I loved her best too.
Read more TT’s here.
Grandmothers are very special people who really endear themselves to us. You seem to have plenty of good times to remember with her. Again I want to offer my heartfelt condolences.
My heart aches for you. I am not going to try and tell you it gets better. It doesn’t. I miss my grandparents every day – more than I did the day I lost them. Just treasure every memory and consider how fortunate you were – like I was. I had the most wonderful grandparents ever. I miss them more and more and just want to cry thinking about it.
Everyday they were together until my grandfather was down those last few days of his life (67 years of marriage) my grandfather would leave a fresh flower at my grandmother’s breakfast plate. No matter where they were or what season of the year.
SJR
The Pink Flamingo
SJ Reidhead said this on April 2nd, 2008 at 3:05 pm
This is a beautiful tribute to your grandmother that I can relate to. I am sorry for your loss and wish you peace. I hope Friday brings you peace and beauty. God bless.
The memories always remain. They are usually beautiful.
What a lovely collection of memories. A pleasure to read!
What a beautiful post. I am so sorry for your loss. Though in my belief system she is happy and looking down over you and is STILL proud of you. (and she’s got all the music boxes she could ever want)
Hugs.
Holly
Holly said this on April 2nd, 2008 at 4:13 pm
I am so sorry for your loss. Your Grandmother was one of those amazing people – I’m grateful that you had her in your life. And we are blessed by her memory.
may you find peace.
I’m sorry for your loss. Next week will mark 3 years since my grandma passed away. It’s never easy. I hope you can find some comfort in your memories of her.
I’m sorry for your loss. My grandmother also made me a pooh bear. I still have it.
So sorry to hear about your grandma. I’ll bet she’d be honored by your post dedicated to her!
Such a wonderful grandmother. I hope I can be as good as that when I’m a grandma. Blessings on you as you adjust to your loss.
Awww,,,,what a sweetheart. You were definitely blessed. It was a very lovely tribute to a life well lived.
Lazy Daisy said this on April 2nd, 2008 at 5:35 pm
Hugs. Such a nice Thirteener Thursday. I’ll be doing mine in a few minutes – soon as I think of one.
Oh, I’m so sorry to hear about your grandmother. Your TT is a wonderful tribute to a beautiful woman. I’m sure she would be so honored by your loving words. Again my sincere sympathies.
I am not familiar with your blog but am so moved my this post. Beautiful. You have made your grandmother proud in every way I am sure. Just wonderful. Did I mention that I loved it!!
Hi Chelle. I am so sorry for your loss. Your tribute is absolutely beautiful. If she is anything like I picture, your Grandmother most likely is flattered beyond belief by what you have written, but can’t imagine what all the fuss is about. You will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Hugs
I’m sorry for your loss.
What a beautiful tribute to a woman that was loved and cherished.
susan said this on April 2nd, 2008 at 7:27 pm
What a lovely list—and even more, how very fortunate you were to share such a bond with her. We have grandmothers like that in our family, so I know how very special they are and what wonderful memories you will carry with you.
I am so very sorry for your loss.
But know this -
more than anything else in the world, your grandma wants you to be happy and well, living your best life and becoming all of the things she knew you would be.
God bless you, child.
Grandmother Wren said this on April 2nd, 2008 at 7:53 pm
Wow she sounds so nice anyone of those thjings would make her wonderful (like never yelling) but all of them make her awesome.
what a sweetheart –
one day post a photo of pooh!
Chelle I am so sorry for your loss. You’ve been in my thoughts and prayers. Your grandma sounds like she was a wonderful woman!
I’m so sorry for your loss, but what a lovely list about your Grandma!
Treasure the memories. You were truly blessed to have her in your life. Happ T13!
She sounds like a wonderful grandmother. You were lucky to have had her while you could
I’m really sorry to hear about your grandma. My condolences to you and your family.
Strange how I am writing about a woman too…except mine is desperate. this is a pleasant read, and I thank you for it.
I only mean pleasant in that your grandma has wonderful qualities. You’re very lucky to get to know her.
Such a sweet tribute to your gma. Have a great TT! I always loved my grandmothers and know what ya mean about thinking you were the only one. I had one grandma that since I lived near her and was the oldest I was her best friend.
I’m sorry for your loss, Chelle! My grandmas both passed away in the 1990’s, and I still miss them dearly. What a sweet tribute.
What a wonderful memorial to your grandmother! Best wishes to you and your family during this time of transition.
What a sweet tribute to your Grandma! I’m so sorry for your loss.
I am so sorry for your loss and will be praying for you tomorrow. You did a wonderful job preserving her memory with this TT. (((hugs)))
A sweet tribute to a wonderful grandma.
I’m soo sorry for your loss.
Hugs
Your grandmother was a wonderful person and so very sweet to me. Some of my best memories are of our trips to visit her. I am so sorry for your loss.
Mike said this on April 6th, 2008 at 8:25 am
She sounds like a really special lady. Grandmothers are amazing, and I’m sorry that you have lost yours. I lost my last grandmother last September and it’s been a difficult loss to adjust to.
I thought of you last night – were you watching the A’s game? Against Toronto? It was a good game!
I’m so sorry to read about the passing of your grandmother. This is a beautiful tribute for her.
I lost my Nana to Alzheimer’s almost fourteen years ago to the day. Reading your list brought bountiful tears to the surface because it reminds me so much of my own Nana.
You and your family will be in my prayers. I’m glad that you can take such comfort in knowing where your grandmother is now. Healthy and perfect!
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