I have heard that sentence many times in my short life. I always heard it and let it go in one ear and out the other. When you are young it's hard to think past the next hour much less look years into the future. I mean I thought my grandparents life started when I was born, who knew that they were once my age? Well they were and let me tell you, I come from some good genes! My grandmother was absolutely beautiful:
I always wonder what she was doing when this picture was taken. What was she thinking? Was she facing any trials or tribulations at this point in her life? If she was, I can guarantee you that she was counting it all joy because she lived her life for her personal savior, Jesus Christ.
Now my grandmother was a peculiar person. She was so conservative that she makes Rush Limbaugh look like a left wingnut liberal. Rumor is that she wouldn't allow her kids to have coke in a can because it looked too much like a beer can. (My mother disputes this - my aunt confirms it) She also believed in hard work. She once made me and my cousin work all week long for a "vest" in a store that costs about $5. (Many years later, I found out that it was a women's vest)
My earliest memory in life came from my grandmother came when I was around 3-4. We were at Cook's Museum and she bought me this:
I still have Snuggles. It is my most valuable possession. I have said all this to tell a simple story about her. She had the best sense of humor of anyone I have ever met. She would say things that were so witty it made you wonder where she came up with it from.
This happened maybe a month or two before she died. She was in her recliner and by this time her mind was pretty much gone. She was pretty close to passing on. A lady named Melba came everyday and cooked and cleaned and took care of my grandparents during the day. She was in the kitchen cooking when she looked over at my grandmother and noticed that she had her eyes closed and didn't see her chest moving up and down.
She called out her name several times. No answer. She slowly moved from the kitchen to the recliner and once again said my grandmothers name and got no response. She leaned down and got up close to my grandmother to try and feel if she was still breathing. Melba was sure that this was it. That my grandmother had died right then. Just as Melba got down really close, my grandmother opened her eyes and said, "BOO!"
My parents were right. My grandparents weren't around forever. All I have left from my grandmother are my memories, snuggles and an example. An example of what's important in life and just how valuable family really is. At the risk of sounding like my parents, go see your grandparents. Ask them to tell the story of how they met. Just be in their presence, it's priceless memories.
My next post will tell a story about my grandfather. In my opinion, it is the greatest end to a love story that has ever happened.
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