My Grandma passed away five years ago. It is difficult for me to remember her as her “normal” self. I was still pretty young when she started showing signs of Alzheimer’s. But I was thinking of her as I took Elias on a walk to the park in order to enjoy one of our last sunny, warm days. Here is what I remember:
Rubbing sunscreen on her back at the swimming pool
Holding her wrinkly hands in mine…feeling the soft, soft skin
She was a wonderful speller
She was quiet, but spoke up when it mattered
Baking cookies together at her house…her special recipe of sugar cookies
Dusting her house with a dry (or sometimes wet) kleenex…she paid me a dollar too
Her lap…… perfect for cuddling
Watching her play cars with my brother
The way she smelled
The way she said my name…like I was special
The way she drank coffee from a mug
The taste of her favorite ice cream (pralines and cream)
I could go on and on if I had time. I was thinking of these things and a few tears slipped down my face as I was holding Elias and swinging. I grieved for the loss of her long before she was gone. So her actual death was almost a relief. As the warm sun beat down on my face today, I thought of my Grandma being welcomed into God’s open arms. No longer inhibited by that horrible disease. I smile to think of her there. I will always love you, Grandma.
I’m sorry I never got to really know her.
Note to Nathan: Nathan you would have liked her a lot. She held her pinochle cards in backwards order too.
Thank you for the memories! I miss my mom so much. Love you mom.