Thursday, April 29, 2021
Grammy was very much loved by so many. I remember spending time with her when I was really young and she was always fun! She would take us out for meals and shopping & every time it was time to leave she'd say "Let's get the hell outta dodge!". Not sure my mama loved me repeating that as often as I did as a youngster. I have fond memories of her driving us places and listening to her little transistor radio while driving and thinking I was so cool because I got to hold it.
She was really funny and always had a great one liner to add to any situation or conversation. She always had a story from the past to share with you as well. She would tell you about her youth and it was mind blowing hearing how tough times were for her and everyone during the depression. She didn't paint it that way exactly. She actually spoke of those days almost fondly and while I knew the struggles were anything but pleasant she talked about them like they weren't that big of a deal. Not out of conceit but I feel it was more because she found a way to stay positive and keep moving forward in a time when many would become jaded, exhausted and tempted to just give up. Her resilience and attitude even later in life is still a source of inspiration to me.
She was kind, patient, encouraging, disarming, tough as nails and sometimes brutally honest. She was so many other things too but most of all she was my Grammy. You never had to wonder if she loved you because you could just feel how much she cared about you when you were around her. You would be hard pressed to find a more annoying little kid than me and yet she is one person I can truly say never let me feel that I was irritating her. Ever. She often told me how proud she was of me and she spoke so lovingly about other loved ones and you could tell she was proud of them as well. She REALLY loved her kids and grand kids. When she lived in Nebraska I would drive her places frequently and the conversations we shared while driving will always be special memories for me. Before she moved into her own apartment she lived with my mama (Marilyn) my siblings and I. I remember watching "The Price Is Right" all the time with her before her "Stories" came on. I can't even think about that show without thinking of Grammy instantly.
I remember watching "Gone With The Wind" with her on multiple occasions, I never made it all the way through in one sitting, of course. Frankly, I don't think Grammy gave a damn! I also remember her singing Patsy Cline... a lot. Patsy and Grammy are forever connected in my mind and heart as a result.
She had some great photo albums and framed pictures with cool vintage photos that she loved and was proud of... she would bust them out on occasion and they were cool to look at. The photos of my uncles when they were younger always made me smile and sometimes laugh. The photos of Grammy and my mama in their younger days revealed that they have always been as beautiful as their hearts were and are big. Endless sources of nurture and empathy for me and I'll carry that with me always.
Grammy is an unforgettable soul and so many things she said to me have stuck, so many fun times and shared experiences will never leave me either. She without a doubt helped shape me into who I am today and I'm grateful that I had her in my life as long as I did. I do wish I would have had more quality time with her in more recent years but she's always in the hearts of those who loved her and so I take her with me as I head out into the world each day so I'm a pretty lucky guy.
I will always miss you and love you, Grammy.
