Posted by Tiffany in Family, Feature | 9 Comments
Grandma: Loved, Hero, Friend
It’s amazing once you have a chance to really get to know those we loved that we always thought we really knew. My Grandma is not just my Grandma, of course there’s that special place in my heart that nobody else gets because of the fact – but I consider her my friend. All throughout growing up she was there, also at the 5:00 a.m or 5:30 a.m. fishing trips – right alongside Grandad pretending not to know he was giving me the candybar for breakfast. Reeling up the fish (maybe or maybe not outfishing Grandad – can’t say since he’s not here to defend himself 
). There at the sleepovers, there at the parades, the picnics, the church services. She was there at my wedding. She was there holding a six day old Prayse. My roommate all of those stays Grandad had at the Nebraska Heart Institute.
I think I took her for granted the past 29 years though. It was always “Grandma and Grandad”. I KNEW all of the special things about her of course. Her amazing personality, her amazing ability to love (and not just family – everyone). But they were a pair and I’m realizing now that I did not always separate the two and give my Grandma the credit due.
As a family we are venturing into this new reality (still new, doesn’t matter that March 11th was months ago) and one blessing that I know I am getting out of it is a growing relationship with my Grandma. She is hurting and I would give anything to take it away – but the calls, the time spent, the energy and prayers to take care of her (yes, yes, I know I’m probably kidding myself – but let me at least THINK I’m doing some part in taking care of her – even if it’s praying for peace and joy to return). The energy I am BLESSED to be able to put into building up a friendship with an amazing amazing woman – that is a gift. One I am grateful for.
I’d do anything possible to get my Grandad back, but we will have another family reunion. Someday. Until that day – I am enjoying getting to re-know an absolutely wonderful Saint. One who even while hurting focuses on others, loves on the unlovable (which includes me at times I’m sure) and who watches over her family.
Grandma,
Please know that you are being watched over as well. You are loved. So so loved. Not just by those of us here, but by Grandad too. Yours is a love that and earthly death can’t stop. He sometimes is in my dreams and I can see he still loves you just as much – even more because he knows the glory and the prize that awaits you.
Thank you for everything you continue to teach me. I love you.
Tiff
She is amazing! Thanks for the beautiful post.
Tiffany,
I miss my grandmother more than I could ever express. She was an amazing woman. Even after losing her so early after a battle with breast cancer, the loss of her in my life is very fresh. I wonder what she would think of decisions I make and dreams I pursue. She loved, never judged and wasn’t perfect either. I couldn’t bare to be with her at the end. She was always a beautiful, vibrant woman. A world traveler and collector of beautiful, local treasures. Every one had a story and I was always anxious to hear her tell it over again as if for the first time. I regret not being with her then. Thank you for this beautiful post. Maybe they’ll meet and talk about us. Wouldn’t that be something.
xx,
Cristina
Cristina she sounds absolutely amazing. The questions you ask yourself are the same I ask every day – “What would Grandad think?” Sometimes I’ll even ask my Grandma. She is so awesome.
Losing someone so great hurts like crazy, but we are so blessed aren’t we? We all have regrets, I have mine too – but I think in the end, as long as they know we loved them to the ends of the earth and back (and I know they did), it’s all that matters.
Would love for them to meet – it would definitely be something
I’m not Aunt Denise but your grandmother. I’m setting here crying. Thank you so much for the beautiful words. You said alot for me to fulfill. I so enjoyed the days we had together last week now this week is dragging, wonder if I’ll ever get use to it? If it weren’t for my family what would I have to live for? Love all of you so much.
We love you so much Grandma. There is nothing for you to fulfill. Just keep being you. We love you. Can’t wait to hang out again!
Ok! So, I’m sitting here in tears… My last post talked about this post (not the beer post!!! Oops!) and the courage to read it. I knew that I’d be here in tears… which I suppose is truly an amazing thing. I don’t know any friends who really can call their Grandma one of their closest friends (which you are grandma!). We also did attribute you and Grandad as a pair–what an amazing example the two of you were/are. Each time I would talk to Grandad or brag about him, etc. you were always there and I knew without saying that you were the backbone of the relationship. You were the woman that made him the man he was. We love you Grandma. Thanks for being the amazing wife, mom, and grandma in the world. I love you!
Plus, what a beautiful pic of the two of you. Love you both more than ever, and i love the new look tif!
Donna knew my good news at church today as she had read your note.
That can’t be me your talking about? I don’t recall all the things you said about me but couldn’t ask for a nicer tribute. I have the rest of my days full if I live up to all the nice things you said about me.
Family is still so important, and I have some wonderful grandaughters who call me often and break up a lonesome day, I love you all so much. Grandma
You are amazing. I am blessed to be one small part of your legacy. I believe it will take the streets of heaven lined up with people telling you “thank you” for you to truly understand the impact you have Grandma. But since I’m not letting that happen for a long time
I’ll just fill in the gaps and continue to tell you. I love you.