I am caught in a vortex of emotions.
Over the last few weeks there has been a few pivotal moments in my life that I have needed to focus on. I have been trying to juggle many things at once and it seemed like something was just going to have to “give”. It was at this point that I received a feeling of sorts. Out of nowhere, fleeting thoughts of someone dear to me appeared throughout my week. On the evening of Friday, November 2nd I had been out and upon returning home I received a message to call my father. I knew instantly in my heart what he had to tell me. My thoughts were confirmed. I was told with sadness that my grandmother had passed away. Although I was upset by the news it was not a terrible shock. My grandmother was 95 years old and had lived an amazingly full life. She was is great health with only a broken hip to slow her down a couple of years ago.
If you don’t mind, I am going to reflect briefly on my sensational grandmother and who she was in my eyes.
My Grandma was extremely pivotal in my evolution as a woman. She was always full of positivity and seemed unflappable. She had a “You have to eat a little dirt before you die!” attitude. She rolled with the ups and downs of life and adapted when she needed to. As a young girl growing up, I saw my Grandma as brave, independent and fabulous. She was a seamstress and always had stacks of “repairs” she was working on. A steady stream of customers were always dropping by to pick up their clothes that Grandma had fixed for them. Never judging that the customers pants needed letting out – again. She would just chuckle and do a quick little wave of her hand to signify that it really didn’t matter in the grand scheme of things. I loved when she did that. I have since learned that the little things we can all get so bent out of shape over are neither here nor there. Let life flow as it may. Enjoy the ride and let others live their lives in their own way. Being non-judgemental doesn’t mean not having an opinion on things, it simply means that we are all different and others are not there for us to critique.
I learned early from my Grandma that sanity comes from acting a bit nutty sometimes. Laughter is the best medicine life has to offer. She would laugh with us when we told jokes, acted crazy or dressed up in her closet full of retro clothes. I see myself very much like her in this respect. I love to play and get kooky with my kids and friends just for the heck of it. Life is too short to be serious all of the time! When the weather is grey, put on some red high heels, sling a red purse over your shoulder and paint your nails to match!
I think the hardest part of saying goodbye to my Grandmother is that in my mind and heart she seemed immortal. I know better, obviously, but she had serious staying power. It seems surreal that her time here on earth is over. Memories of her will always be easy to come by since there are so many wonderful life moments that were shared with her.She showed me through her actions how to be kind and joyful. I was truly blessed to have her as my Grandmother.
Now I just have to learn to make raisin cookies the way only she could!
“Wrinkles should merely indicate where smiles have been.” – Mark Twain
I can feel the love. What a beautiful Grandma you had! And re the raisin cookies, practice makes perfect! 😉 Thanks for sharing your special relationship with us.
Thanks Cyndi. My grandmother was a truly inspirational woman in so many ways. As per the raisin cookies – I think her cookies were the only food I enjoy(ed) with raisins in it. Probably because they were made with love. Thanks for listening.
Thank you for opening up Mels. She must have been a truly remarkable woman to have influenced such an amazing lady as yourself. Wishing I could take away your sorrow, but also glad you enjoyed her for so long.
Thank you, my dear friend, knowing you are there for me is heart-warming. You are a gift to all those that are close to you, myself included.
I’m sorry to hear about your loss. Your grandma sounds like she was a wonderful person. Anyone would be lucky to know her, and lucky you, you are related to her! 🙂
🙂
I count myself very lucky,indeed. Thanks so much for your kind words Teresa.
I’m so sorry about your grandmother…you are very blessed to have had such a special relationship.
Tammy, I appreciate your condolances.
What a wonderful from the heart post. I too see so much of your Grandmother in you. 🙂 She was an exceptional lady and I am so glad I was able to know her and I have great memories of us and her. I will always remember her easy going attitude and her laugh. Here is to her delicious meals prepared for the two of us (you remember the menu) and to red!
Here is to our Saturday lunches at Grandma’s! I am so happy that you and I have so many wonderful moments to cherish together. As we “mature”, we see the important things that Life served to us like unforgettable moments of sheer joy when we were with those that shared our free spirit. My Grandma taught us both many great lessons – like “if you can’t laugh at yourself, who can you laugh at?” Thanks T. xo
95 is nearly immortal! What a blessed long time to be on this Earth. – Kaye
We have been very fortunate to enjoy such a splendid woman for so long.