Hey Gang, Before you read what I wrote about Grandma for the wake I want to add a couple of things. I mention this first one in the closing sentence. It was only recently my family got together after a lengthy spell of not talking because of disagreements. A few weeks after this Grandma quietly went in her sleep. That is amazing we were able to bridge the gap right before Grandma's passing. It makes me feel as if Grandma waited till there was peace in the family.
The other is on Wednesday May 14 my Mom and sister helped Grandma take a bath. She was taking sponge baths because she was having trouble getting in and out of the tub. After the bath my Aunt fixed Grandma's hair and cut it, she had wanted to for quite some time. Anyways during the bath Mom said she heard God tell her she was preparing Grandma for her death. 2 days later Grandma passed on. Makes one think, doesn't it?
In memoriam of Grandma.
Grandma lived and died as we all hope to, healthy, independent, never sick till the end. She quietly died in her sleep at a healthy 97. She was a hard working Godly woman gifted in many areas. She was an avid gardner, refinished furniture, painted pottery, sewed and kept her house spotless. She was a very good cook though most of what she made was unbearably hot. Always one to rise early. She liked the finer things in life. Grandpa didn't make much money so Grandma worked to buy them. I called her house The Museum the way it was decorated, lavishly elegant. She loved dolls very much but couldn't afford them so she took up pottery and made them herself. She just didn't make them - she excelled at making them. Real works of art. Grandma was a stern but also compassionate woman. As much as I remember Grandma with a scowl on her face I also remember her concern, especially when I was very sick. One time during one of my migraines that plagued me as a child she gave me a tin of blue glass marbles that were flat on one side. Never knew what they were for but they were so pretty to look at it that it took my mind temporarily off my headache. I also remember her comfort when I got yelled at. There was other times where Grandma showed compassion and comfort that maybe others never saw or felt but I did. I got to experience the soft side of Grandma, though, she was always ready to scold me if I got to rambunctious in her house, but that was just Grandma being Grandma. Her Grandmotherly love was also shown by her going to her dresser and pulling out some little doodad or giving me pennies she saved. Later on as I grew older and started to manage my yard I would call her for advice on planting. It was from her that I got my green thumb. Every spring I would call and ask, Grandma is it time to prune the roses? She would know the exact time. She could also take just about any clipping and start a plant from it. Her yard was amazing all the different plants and trees she planted. When she would visit we would walk through the yard and check my plants to see how they were doing. My yard is a testament to her advice as I now have 30 rose bushes and a host of other plants. Grandma was also excellent at sewing. She altered many suit jackets and pants for me. She even made curtains for my van. I never remember Grandma looking tired or lacking energy. Even when she was lounging it was proper. Always sitting straight. I don't ever remember Grandma looking dirty or not well dressed, even when gardening. Her appearance reminded me of the character Lisa Douglas on the TV show Green Acres. Grandma's outlook on life and not giving in to age transfered over also. When she stayed with us a few years back she was outside with me pulling weeds and when I asked if she wanted to go somewhere she replied "you have to remember I'm starting to get old". In her 90's she was just now getting old. Thats inspiration! In the last year or so she started forgetting things like my name. BUT one thing remained constant was her questions of "You still working hard and did you get married yet"? That was Grandma being Grandma, stern, somewhat sarcastic but caring. It was only recently the family unified and put their differences aside. I believe that Grandma waited until there was peace in the family before quietly passing on in her sleep.
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