One of my very favorite people in the entire universe was my grandma. I didn’t and don’t consider myself her “caregiver” at any time of her life but I did help her a lot. She was a huge and I do mean HUGE part of my life from the day I was born until the day she took her last breath. I spent every opportunity with her for as long as I can remember. It would take a novel to capture every memory I have. Those memories are all I have now. She was fun; even up til a few months before her death. We talked and laughed a lot. She loved me unconditionally. I was her first grandchild………………and her favorite (wink)! Actually, I don’t think it was a big secret! Honestly though, she never treated any of her 12 grandchildren differently but I was different because out of the 12, I was the one who spent the most time with her, hands down but in all fairness, 6 of them moved to Denver, CO when the oldest of the 6 was 12 years old.
Mamaw was known for her mouth watering biscuits. I would literally grab one off the pan as she was taking them out of the oven and scarf it down with no butter or anything. They were nothing short of amazing! She taught me how to make them but they were never as good. Papaw and Mamaw farmed most of their lives and she would always take meals out to the fields, if the men couldn’t stop long enough to come in but if they could, there was always 4-5 extras at the dinner table. She loved to cook. She’s fed hundreds of farm hands, missionaries and church family through out her life.
Every Thursday for as long as I can remember, Mamaw had her hair done, gone to the grocery store and gone out for lunch. I think I started going to the beauty shop with her when I was a toddler and continued to do so for most of my life. Later on in years, after my mom retired, she joined in and also whatever family or friends wanted to come for lunch. We normally had 6-7 every Thursday but sometimes several more. Mamaw loved her family and friends and loved to go out to eat…………a bad habit she passed on to me and my mother. 🙂
We planned all appointments around meal time so we’d “have to” go eat (as do my mom and I to this very day). We always took the scenic route and she would tell me everything she knew about the country side, who lived where back in the day, who they married, where they moved and every other tid bit she could remember. This picture was her last car ride, from the looks of her, she was terrified! I promise I was not taking corners on two wheels. LOL
One awesome memory was taking her to her 75th high school class reunion. Yes, you read it correctly…..75!!! Amo High School Class of 1938. There was only one other living class mate at that time. They were so cute. Obviously, they couldn’t hold a class reunion for 2 people so they actually called it an Amo Alumni Reunion so it was for anyone who graduated from that school. She had a ball talking to everyone and the two oldest were the high light of the reunion and they ate up all the attention. Obviously, they had many stories to tell and memories to share.
Mamaw was the most Godly woman I’ve ever known. She loved her Church and her Church family. She had countless missionaries stay in her home and loved them all. Papaw and Mamaw helped with every aspect of maintenance and additions to the Church, helped build the activity building and rebuilt the parsonage. She loved her Pastors, especially the current Pastor who’s been there for 40+ years. The church gave her a reserved spot and no one had better take that spot and to make sure, they erected a sign. She was so loved by all who knew her.
Never, not one time, did I ever think that one day I wouldn’t have her. Oddly, that was a thought that never crossed my mind. She’s been gone almost 4 1/2 years and it’s still just as raw today as it was that dreadful night. I remember every single second of my last night with her. Some times I can talk about her without the tears but sometimes it’s impossible to control. I miss her every second of every day of my life but I know that every day is just one day closer to seeing her again.
Last kiss
Until we meet again