My granny passed away just a couple hours ago... She was 87 years old. My great granny... Erin's great-great granny... I have been very lucky to have become so close to my great grandparents. Having had all that time with granny actually makes losing her harder, because I've had the opportunity to spend quality time with her. I realize that I've been very blessed, and I don't take a second of my time with her for granted... I have spent hours talking with her about the past, about my family members that I never got the opportunity to meet, the Depression, wars, marriage, motherhood, cooking, food... it was like stepping into a time capsule & living through the history with her. My granny taught me about true love. She married my great grandpa Jesse when she was a teenager... he passed away unexpectedly in 1979 and she never dated another man. As she said, "He was the only man for me." It was as simple as that.
She gave birth to six children, four boys, two girls. Her oldest daughter, Joyce, died as a teenager... so, granny was quite familiar with heartache. But she didn't let her pain show; she was made of steel. She'd hold back her own tears, but not give you trouble if you let yours flow. She was the backbone of our family. Our strongest link... She told me of troubles in her lifetime with a smile on her face. "Well, I made it through it, didn't I?" Followed by a little giggle. I can hear her laugh & see her smile when I close my eyes. She was amazingly blunt; I loved that about her. I loved everything about her. "That was pretty dumb of him, now wasn't it?" (I'll let that story stay between me & granny.)
Her memory was like no other that I've ever come to know. She remembered things from her childhood, ages that I can't recall at the age of 25, let alone 87! Granny was an incredibly remarkable woman, and that is an understatement. I can't help but giggle when I think about the 45 minute conversation we once had about food. Not cooking it, but different things we both enjoy eating. Like dark chocolate, fried pork-chops, and chili. Not necessarily in that order. :)
I thank God for allowing us the time we've had with her... I'm grateful that I was able to introduce my daughter to her great-great grandmother... Granny fed Erin & burped her. "Granny, want me to burp her?" "What? No. I'll do it. I've got plenty of experience in that department." She told me with a smile on her face & a little chuckle. My goodness... I already miss her so much. I've got tons of pictures and yet, I wish I had taken more. As little as she's been the last few years, she still gave bear hugs. And held my hand so tight, every time I told her I loved her.
I could go on for hours... so I think I'll end this entry with this... I love you, granny. Thank you so much for being the sweet, strong, intelligent, wonderfully optimistic country woman I've always adored. I will miss you till we meet again. <3
