Grandma would have been 95 yesterday.
When I saw my cellphone ring at 9 pm on Sunday January 6th from my parents, I knew that it wouldn't be good news. A call at that time of day usually indicates some unpleasant news. This time was no exception as my mother tearfully broke the news that my grandmother had passed away. She had just turned 94 in December and had been living in a nursing home for the last two years.
Funny thing is that no matter how old someone is or knowing that time may be fleeting that death still hits us hard. You are never fully prepared no matter how "prepared" you think you might be. Even though she was 94, I thought I would still have time to see her in the nursing home. I had not in the two years prior, but I was going to make a point to visit, so I told myself. This is not a story of regrets, these things happen and nothing can be changed. Plus, I know I will see her again one day. That is my hope and trust.
The first thing I remember about my grandma is that she always had these almond flavored cookies in the shape of windmills in her white ceramic cookie jar. It was always a treat to have some of those cookies. Just a few weeks ago, I found some at the local dollar store and just had to get them. Grandma always doted on her grandchildren - she was always happy to see us and I felt she was the first adult to really listen to us no matter how silly our stories as kids was. No matter what I wanted to talk about she would listen with pleasure. She made me feel that what I was sharing was the most important thing in the world and she was giving me her full attention.
Her family had come from Germany back in the early 1930's I believe. Thus, she was able to teach me an entirely different language. As a small child, I was only interested in the "bad" words. She taught me a few of them with the understanding that I never used them in front of my parents (who wouldn't understand them, but why take the chance). And, not to admit where I learned them from. She always seemed to be happy talking about Germany and its language.
She was a huge bingo fan. She would call us any time whenever she won, no matter what the amount was. Her excitement was tangible and wanted to share in her joy. She would call me every now and then for me to give her "lucky" numbers to play. If she won, you got the credit for picking the right numbers for her.
One thing was that she kept you to your word, no matter when you gave it. If you promised her something at the age of 10, she would remind you of that promise. I know because I promised her two things that she would later call me on.
The first thing I promised her was that I would take her to bingo when I turned eighteen. Guess what happened when I turned eighteen? She called me on it and so we went. The first game we played, I won $25. After that happened, a large group of senior citizens then stared at me with bad intentions. The unspoken message was that things could turn bad for me if I won again. Yes, I was faster, more agile, and stronger than any of them. But as with any good zombie film, it isn't about strength & speed - its that eventually their numbers would catch up to me.
The second promise I made was when I told her that when I got married, I would escort her to her seat even if she was in a wheelchair. I kind of kept the promise. I sent my nephew to take care of that deed. Grandma asked "Where's Chris? He promised." My mom responded with "Chris just might be a little busy". A couple months shy of 90, Susan and I were blessed by her presence there.
The first time she met Susan, Grandma grabbed me and told me that Susan was the right one. Also, to never let her go. Grandma was a prophet and knew best.
Grandma also liked to crochet. She made lots of blankets, hats, and scarves over the years. She was very quick and always did an excellent job. Susan and I own a pink and black blanket she made and it will sit on our bed for many years to come. She made lots of stuff for church raffles and bazaars.
She was raised Catholic and raised her children to be involved with the church. She was involved in pancake breakfasts, fund-raisers, and other events. She was a believer, she never preached, she just loved others and treated them well.
At her funeral, the priest remarked that people enjoyed being in her presence and enjoyed talking with her. It helped me to remember that. All my memories of her were pleasant and fun. I don't remember a bad time that was spent with her. I know she wasn't perfect, but I cant truly remember a bad time. She never made you feel unimportant. This was her calling. She wasn't a preacher. She wasn't a world famous writer. She impacted those around her, her family and friends. As are we. We are called to impact the lives of those around us. Each and every moment is an opportunity to reach out, no matter our sphere of influence. My grandmother touched the lives of everyone she came in contact with. Whether it was a smile, a laugh, a listening ear, or sharing something joyous in her life.
The last time I ever saw her was Christmas 2010. Susan and I were just about to leave when my grandma got up to hug me. She grabbed me tight and said "I've always loved you and Susan and I always will." I got the premonition that this was goodbye forever and held her tight. I remarked to Susan that I didn't think I would ever see her again after that night, but hoped that it wouldn't be so. That's what Grandma's words told me. I look back at that moment and realize that there is no better way of saying goodbye than she said that night. And it wasn't a somber goodbye as she said it - she said it with her typical smile and joy on her face. That's what I remember. Its also what I expect to see when I see her again. Just another thing to look forward to when I one day get to heaven. Maybe we'll play a little bingo or some cards like we used to when I was little?
When I saw my cellphone ring at 9 pm on Sunday January 6th from my parents, I knew that it wouldn't be good news. A call at that time of day usually indicates some unpleasant news. This time was no exception as my mother tearfully broke the news that my grandmother had passed away. She had just turned 94 in December and had been living in a nursing home for the last two years.
Funny thing is that no matter how old someone is or knowing that time may be fleeting that death still hits us hard. You are never fully prepared no matter how "prepared" you think you might be. Even though she was 94, I thought I would still have time to see her in the nursing home. I had not in the two years prior, but I was going to make a point to visit, so I told myself. This is not a story of regrets, these things happen and nothing can be changed. Plus, I know I will see her again one day. That is my hope and trust.
The first thing I remember about my grandma is that she always had these almond flavored cookies in the shape of windmills in her white ceramic cookie jar. It was always a treat to have some of those cookies. Just a few weeks ago, I found some at the local dollar store and just had to get them. Grandma always doted on her grandchildren - she was always happy to see us and I felt she was the first adult to really listen to us no matter how silly our stories as kids was. No matter what I wanted to talk about she would listen with pleasure. She made me feel that what I was sharing was the most important thing in the world and she was giving me her full attention.
Her family had come from Germany back in the early 1930's I believe. Thus, she was able to teach me an entirely different language. As a small child, I was only interested in the "bad" words. She taught me a few of them with the understanding that I never used them in front of my parents (who wouldn't understand them, but why take the chance). And, not to admit where I learned them from. She always seemed to be happy talking about Germany and its language.
She was a huge bingo fan. She would call us any time whenever she won, no matter what the amount was. Her excitement was tangible and wanted to share in her joy. She would call me every now and then for me to give her "lucky" numbers to play. If she won, you got the credit for picking the right numbers for her.
One thing was that she kept you to your word, no matter when you gave it. If you promised her something at the age of 10, she would remind you of that promise. I know because I promised her two things that she would later call me on.
The first thing I promised her was that I would take her to bingo when I turned eighteen. Guess what happened when I turned eighteen? She called me on it and so we went. The first game we played, I won $25. After that happened, a large group of senior citizens then stared at me with bad intentions. The unspoken message was that things could turn bad for me if I won again. Yes, I was faster, more agile, and stronger than any of them. But as with any good zombie film, it isn't about strength & speed - its that eventually their numbers would catch up to me.
The second promise I made was when I told her that when I got married, I would escort her to her seat even if she was in a wheelchair. I kind of kept the promise. I sent my nephew to take care of that deed. Grandma asked "Where's Chris? He promised." My mom responded with "Chris just might be a little busy". A couple months shy of 90, Susan and I were blessed by her presence there.
The first time she met Susan, Grandma grabbed me and told me that Susan was the right one. Also, to never let her go. Grandma was a prophet and knew best.
Grandma also liked to crochet. She made lots of blankets, hats, and scarves over the years. She was very quick and always did an excellent job. Susan and I own a pink and black blanket she made and it will sit on our bed for many years to come. She made lots of stuff for church raffles and bazaars.
She was raised Catholic and raised her children to be involved with the church. She was involved in pancake breakfasts, fund-raisers, and other events. She was a believer, she never preached, she just loved others and treated them well.
At her funeral, the priest remarked that people enjoyed being in her presence and enjoyed talking with her. It helped me to remember that. All my memories of her were pleasant and fun. I don't remember a bad time that was spent with her. I know she wasn't perfect, but I cant truly remember a bad time. She never made you feel unimportant. This was her calling. She wasn't a preacher. She wasn't a world famous writer. She impacted those around her, her family and friends. As are we. We are called to impact the lives of those around us. Each and every moment is an opportunity to reach out, no matter our sphere of influence. My grandmother touched the lives of everyone she came in contact with. Whether it was a smile, a laugh, a listening ear, or sharing something joyous in her life.
The last time I ever saw her was Christmas 2010. Susan and I were just about to leave when my grandma got up to hug me. She grabbed me tight and said "I've always loved you and Susan and I always will." I got the premonition that this was goodbye forever and held her tight. I remarked to Susan that I didn't think I would ever see her again after that night, but hoped that it wouldn't be so. That's what Grandma's words told me. I look back at that moment and realize that there is no better way of saying goodbye than she said that night. And it wasn't a somber goodbye as she said it - she said it with her typical smile and joy on her face. That's what I remember. Its also what I expect to see when I see her again. Just another thing to look forward to when I one day get to heaven. Maybe we'll play a little bingo or some cards like we used to when I was little?
Comments
Post a Comment