In Memory of Grandma

 Today would have been my Grandmother's 94th Birthday, but she passed away this fall. In her honor, I wanted to share today some of the memories I have of her and some of the lessons she taught me.

 As far back as I can remember, my Grandma is there. One of my earliest memories is of looking out of her window eating frozen peas and hot dogs. Yes, they were still frozen when we ate them - it was a treat, don't judge!

 She raised a family that stayed close in their child-rearing years. I got to grow up with all my cousins running around her house, inside and out. Grandma's house was filled with things that told stories: spoons on the wall, knick knacks from Japan, an extensive doll collection. What my cousins and I remember with a shudder was her dragon-headed foot stool. We all swore that thing was possessed, and it would reach out and bite your toes as you walked past!


 I will forever remember Grandma's kitchen. I remember coming into her house and being met with the wonderful smell of food cooking. Her meatloaf recipe will always and forever be my favorite! She always made us feel special by remembering our likes and dislikes. She always took the bananas out of my things and the mushrooms out of my brother's. Family dinners were a regular, fabulous affair. The kids would either eat at the bar in the kitchen, if there were only a few of us, or at the kids' table in the front room (how we got away with this on the white carpet I don't remember!). I never did get promoted to the adults' table! She taught me so many things about cooking and caring for a home. It's because of her that I know how to properly clear the table and load the dishwasher.


 I was blessed to live with my Grandma for a few years as a tween/teen. She took care of my brother and I during a challenging season in our lives. I assure you; I was a big part of the challenge! No, everything didn't go perfectly, but it rarely does with a 13-year-old girl. God planted a lot of seeds in my heart during this season as we went to church, I participated in youth choir at church, and we prayed at every meal. I didn't start my walk with Jesus during this season of my life, but I learned things that eventually led me to that place. I'm grateful to my grandparents for walking, imperfectly, with God in front of us.

My Grandma loved my kids. She always let us know that she loved and valued us, but one of the main ways she did this was by asking after and showing interest in my kids. She held them as babies and toddlers. She fed them. She listened to them. She made it clear that she appreciated time with us. I love the picture above as it shows Grandma playing along with the kids and my husband as they took pictures together. Zoom in to see her expression!

 

Here's the Thing: My Grandma wasn't perfect, none of us are, but she made a big impression on my life. She taught me about good food, family and fun. She let us know that she loved Jesus and loved us. I will miss her until I join her in Heaven.

BLOG UPDATE: 

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