My grandmother was welcomed home, in heaven, yesterday by her parents, siblings, and spouse. She was 89 years old.
We knew this time was fast approaching, as she had been in and out of the hospital for the last couple of months. I'm so grateful my boys were over their illnesses in time for us to enjoy one last visit with her, and my dad, last Monday. She was low on energy but did not lack in her love, wittiness, or compliments for The Lime and Doodlebug. Gosh, she loved them and showing them off at her facility. The old ladies there literally ate the boys up.
When we got there, she was in the middle of eating lunch with a friend, Gail. My dad, The Lime, Doodlebug, and I enjoyed our visit with them and especially enjoyed the strawberry ice cream Grandma ordered for The Lime. He didn't want it, and I know how much she hated wasting things, so I ate it for him (and to please her). I know she liked doing special things like that for people.
After lunch, my aunt and uncle joined us and we went up to Grandma's room where my dad and his siblings handled some business and I kept my boys busy. Grandma was worn out from the little activity she had already done that day but mustered enough energy to return a phone call to a friend that had left her numerous messages. I'm glad she was able to speak with her one last time.
Before we left, my dad videotaped us for a couple of minutes. As I sat next to Grandma on the couch, I put my hand on her knee and she patted it in response. I think I've mentioned in previous posts that she was never much of a lovey dovey while we were growing up. But once we started having kids, it's as if they brought out a new side of her; a side we had never seen before but one that all of us loved. She doted on my boys, calling The Lime her "hunk" and sharing the story of Doodlebug wanting to play with the older kids, with whoever she could. The Lime is the same age I was when my grandpa (her husband) passed away, and while I don't remember much of him, I hope The Lime and Grandma have spent enough time together that he remembers how amazing she was and how much she loved him.
I was laying in my bed last night, attempting to fall asleep but too overcome with thoughts and emotions, I was trying to rack my brain of every memory I have of Grandma. I want to record all that I can so my posterity will get a glimpse of the outstanding lady she was.
First off, I don't think I thanked her enough for her generosity. I have a daily reminder of her on my left ring finger that I am so grateful for. I love sharing its story with people when they compliment me on my wedding ring. It's beautiful, yes, but the story behind it means much more to me than its value.
Grandma passed away at 3:20 in the afternoon and I got a text message from my mom shortly after that, breaking the news. I had said a prayer earlier in the afternoon, that all would turn out the way it was meant to. At 2:58, I had two distinct rushes come over my body that something was going to happen but all would be well. It's hard to be sad when you know someone has a cheering section for them on the other side. My great grandfather passed away a month before my grandma turned 16, all of her siblings had passed away years ago (including a brother who passed away as a child) and she's been without my grandfather for exactly 26 years. She was the last one to arrive at the party and now there's a lot of celebrating going on.
I also happened to be cleaning my bathrooms when she passed, which I find coincidental. If you looked up "hard worker" in the dictionary, there would be a picture of my Grandma underneath it. Prior to her stroke a few years ago, she was still out in her yard all the time, maintaining her rental properties, she helped my family build the addition on our home, she ran a jewelry store with my grandfather, she grew up working on her family's ranch. I asked her, back in November, what special things her mom would do for them on their birthdays. She said nothing. They were always busy working and trying to make ends meet that there wasn't any time, nor funds, for special things. But Grandma never complained about that. She was a go-getter and knew that if you wanted something, you had to work for it.
The only time I've seen Grandma wear a dress was when I saw her wedding pictures. She always wore floral blouses and either black or navy slacks, with her black sandals (that were misplaced during her last hospital visit). She did, though, always have her hair done, nails manicured, and lipstick on. When we said goodbye to her last Monday, The Lime didn't want to kiss her goodbye but I made him (so glad I did!!!) and she made a comment of not leaving her mark on his cheek. I didn't mind her mark on my cheeks.
Grandma was honest and had no problem telling you what was on her mind. Like when LaVor and I went to visit her, while we were dating, and she told me not to be ashamed of my small chest. To make me feel better about myself, she let me know that her brothers used to tease her and say she had mosquito bites for boobs (because they were so small). She was known for telling people to lose weight, or to get braces, or to not do their bangs because they look too harsh (that would be me). It was never said maliciously but rather with someone's happiness and well-being in mind.
She came up with some creative quotes that we use often. "There's more room out than there is in." "Poco loco en la cabeza." "Ach du lieber!" "Prrrr koooo!"
She was big on vitamins and home remedies. She used to travel A LOT (pre-stroke) and would always send us a quick post card in the mail, telling us where she was, what she had seen, and where she was headed next. She and my dad would usually call each other on Sunday nights and no matter how old he was, she always called him Ronnie. She has pictures all over her house which might be why I wanted pictures all over our house. She also held onto plastic grocery bags, just in case, which I also do. Her refrigerator was always stocked with sodas and mini cans of apple, grape, and pineapple juice. It was a treat to then take the cans outside and crush them with her can crusher and throw them in the recycling. I think she tried feeding me KFC coleslaw and V8 once, both of which I refuse to consume. She was so good with her finances and made smart choices. She recommended to every person she met that they get a job with the state. She was so funny and always had a good time. One of the nurses at the hospital commented on how funny she was and how much fun, we as a family, must have together. She took great care of her cars; they were always spotless inside and out. She loved cats and adopted a stray that still hangs around her place even though she's not there. Speaking of cats, she had cat eye glasses for as long as I can remember. She called her walker her "Cadillac" and was very protective of it. If you were rough housing, she was adamant you be gentle, especially if children were involved.
These last (almost) 2 years that we've been able to live closer to Grandma have been a blessing for our family. The memories we've made are now treasures that we will hold with us forever.
Until we meet again, Grandma.
