I remember…
Summers at the Conference Grounds and her firm belief that the black sand on the beach was caused by the volcanic eruption of Mt. Saint Helens. I’m still not buyin’ that. Or how the water in lake Michigan could basically cure any illness or rash, especially poison ivy.
Sunday dinners where she mostly sat quietly and observed the craziness of a table set for 14.
Having a stash of pop and munchies in our bedroom when Grandma would watch us for the weekend because “pop turns your insides all black”.
Cod Liver Oil —> *shivers*
A ride with her and Grandpa to visit my cousins in Canada. The trip should take us straight east across the state of Michigan and then on into Canada. Instead somehow we ended up so far off track that we were passing Amish buggies on the road. Now the only amish area I knew of in the area is due South down in Indiana. That’s a pretty major wrong turn. Not a particularly fun trip but one I’ll never forget.
She was beautiful with great skin and a metabolism like none other. Two traits that I hope she passed down.
A hairdresser she was not. (poor mom – that had to be rough) LOL
She was a horrible driver and when they finally took her car away she called the cops to report it stolen. That’s my grandma.
But she did have a green thumb and was a pretty good seamstress.
She volunteered endless hours, refused to turn down any charitable cause and even took people into her own home who seemed less fortunate.
And, although it seemed their entire lives that they never got along, when my grandpa was diagnosed with cancer she never left his side. He was a gem and he loved her. You could tell. I’m thinkin’ there must’ve been something pretty special about her.
Right about now she’s probably up in heaven getting one of Grandpa’s scruffy cheek kisses. Man I miss those. And she gets to see my uncle Bob. He was a gem too. And hold Jacob. How sweet that would be. Hope she’s giving ‘em all kisses for me.
I know I haven’t blogged in forever and I have so much to blog about but tonight I just wanted to get some thoughts down about my Grandma. She passed away earlier tonight after a rather short fight with cancer and a much longer struggle with alzheimers. It hadn’t really occurred to me until the other night in her room that she was my last living grandparent. I regret that I didn’t spend more time going through photos with her or learning some old fashioned sewing tips. I’m proud of my mom for taking such good care of her. I hope she’s resting peacefully tonight knowing Grandma’s finally home.
I promise to be back soon with more of an update. Right now I’m off to bed but I do have a post full of fun blog news including:
- a big blog move announcement and fun new design options
- updates on 2 projects that I mentioned WAY back in my last post a month ago. (One that’s done and turned out super fun, the other unfortunately took a rather different turn)
- A store update
- TV show thoughts…the Bachelor, Brothers & Sisters…
- and LONG overdue photos and announcements.
In the meantime, go hug your grandmas.
So sorry to hear about your Grandma, Shawn. So glad to see you blogging again :)
gina
(long-time lurker, first-time commenter!)
Shawn,
I am so sorry about your grandma. But it is so great that she lived a long life and now she is in heaven with your grandpa, and Bob and Jacob. And everyone else who passed on before her that she loved. But most of all, she is in the arms of Jesus and no longer struggling or in pain. I will be praying for you and your family today and in the days to come.
So sorry. What a wonderful tribute to her.
Well, it was beautifully written. You are truly lucky because I knew my grandparents. I feel like I missed out on so much. I’m glad, though, that my girls know all of there’s. I hope that you find peace in the days to come.
EDIT- I meant to say that I never knew my grandparents. Trying to type and dress a 3 year old for school.
Sorry to hear about your grandma. I have only ever known my mothers mother. Her dad, and both my dad’s parents died long before I was born. I will be sad when she passes, but she is 87 now and has lived a good life!
Love the new blog design too! How’s Pixel!? My Hannah still wants her!
I am so sorry to hear about your grandma. This was a beautiful tribute – she sounds like an amazing lady who had a big capacity to love and live a full life.
One of my grandma’s has now lost her memory due to alzheimers. its rough. She is there, I can see her, touch her cheek but she doesn’t remember all our good times. Grandmas, never know the power they have in our lives to shape us.
thanks for sharing.
oh shawny.
your words are so beautifully written. i can picture your grandma so vividly, just like i was there with you. (sure wish i could have been!)you already know from our chat that you brought tears to my eyes. your grandmother was so lucky to have a family that cared so much for her.
on a brighter note. your new blog is wicked-fab! you’re a genius my dear. and i am so happy to know you. and be your friend. now next time a big event like this happens. keep a girl tuned in. kay?
Shawn,
I am so sorry to hear about your Grandma.
You’ve got some great memories to treasure.
God bless you & your family.
truly sorry to hear about the loss of your grandmother – i think it is truly a wonderful thing that you put your thoughts and memories of her down
take care~
Oh Shawny……I am so sorry. What a beauuuutiful tribute,…you are sooo good with words. {{HUGS}} and prayers for you and your family.xoxo Juls
Shawn,
I was so sorry to hear about your Grandma. My mom just called me. I love your blog though, what a tribute! I know she is up in heaven with Grandma VK & Jacob.
many hugs and lots of love
I’m sorry to hear about your grandmother.
I hope you don’t think that mentioning your blog today was your feature…….no way. Not even close.
Shawn
So sorry to hear about your grandma….
Your tribute is so touching it made me cry. Lots of hugs to you.
xoxo
Diane
A LURKER!
Yeah, WP is definitly the way to go. :) How is it that you found a theme SO fast yet we cant find one for me? Do I need to become a paying customer?
FYI to the rest of the world, Shawn is the WORST internet navigator. AAAAAARRRRGGGHH! YOUR SO SLOW!!! Your computer has broadband but your hand has dial-up.
:)
{{{Shawny}}}….she did hand you down her best traits….I am SURE of it! ;)
Lighting a candle for Grandma………
And Gupster….be happy that she is slow and steady! LOL
You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers Shawn. What a wonderful tribute to your grandma!
Jayne-There’s a joke in there somewhere.
My dearest friend, I am so so very sorry for the loss of your beloved Grandma. You are in my thoughts… and my heart… always.
Thanks for the comment! I always like finding new blogs to read, and I think you’ll be a keeper!
- Grandma’s a very special people, but I often find it’s very hard to make enough time to spend with my last one. I’m glad I’m moving closer to her so I can see her more regularly!