Remembering Grandma

You know that feeling you get when the phone rings late at night after you're already asleep in bed? That 'oh no, it must be bad' thought. Your fears become justified when you answer and hear, "I got some sad news" on the other end. This fear became reality on Sunday night. "Grandma has left", is what followed. My first thought was, "Where did she go?" I was still waking up. But then I realized it meant she had passed away. It was a peaceful goodbye, the way we all want it to be. In her sleep. One minute shes here, and the next shes not. It can happen so fast, even when you know its coming.
But this isn't a sad goodbye. Yes we will miss her...but we are assured she is in a much happier place now. The place she has been waiting to be for about 10 years since the love of her life left her here. She was never the same after Grandpa went. She'd cry every time you'd mention his name. They had the kind of relationship any married couple would want. I will always remember that kiss they would share after every prayer, like it was the amen. As a kid it would gross you out...seeing your grandparents kiss like that. But after you mature, you realize what a sweet gesture of love they shared with one another. And I assume it gave them a good excuse to remember to pray! I can only imagine the happy reunion they are having together right now.

Young Grandma and Grandpa

Other than her great relationship with Grandpa, a few things about her stand out in my mind. Here are the top ten:

1. Rummy. She loved to play. It was the game of choice whenever my niece (only 3 years younger than me) and I would visit. Most memorable while sitting at the small table in their comfortable motor home.


2. Avon, Avon, and more Avon. She was the Avon queen! She had a whole room dedicated to it in her house, full of boxes, smelling like perfume. Awards decorating the walls. We would go on deliveries with her. We would get some Avon branded gift for birthdays, and holidays. And you must never go outside without first putting on your 'Avon Skin-so-Soft' bug repellent plus sunscreen! I will always associate that smell with Grandma.


3. John Wayne Movies. I think a John Wayne film was always put on whenever we would sleep over.


4. Canned grape juice. Oh the homemade goodness!


5. Perfect Hair, and clothes. Dont mess with Grandma's Saturday Morning hair appointment! Just the thing to go with her suit jackets or sweaters ornate with sequins or flowers. Just thing you would expect a successful Avon woman and Grandmother to wear.


6. "Did you wash your hands?!" Especially after petting ol' Scooter; the dog!


7. The pink bathtub. Of course equipped with the latest Avon soaps.


8. Her wink.


9. That Joke. The one that she loved to tell, with the punch line of "...if you hear something or smell something, its me!" (Had to do with a watch and some perfume.)


10. Good eats. Do you expect any less when you go to Grandmas house? There were always cookies to be had, and great breakfast cereal!

Thanks for the memories Grandma! We will miss you!

My niece (left), Grandma, and me (right)