In Memory (1920-2011)

My grandma was 91 years old this year. It's always been easy for me to remember how old she is because she is 20 years older than my mom, and my mom is 20 years older than me. But now I have to say "would have been" or "was", because she died today a little after 2pm.

She was an extremely strong woman and had her full mental capacity right to the end. She only had two medical conditions that I know of - a pacemaker a few years ago and the beginnings of arthritis in the recent past. Amazing, isn't it?

She loved to garden and was always helping other people. Up until recently, she would travel to see my mom and my uncle because neither of them are in good health. Right before she died she told my aunt that they are too sick to travel and she doesn't want any of the other kids to look down on them for not coming to her funeral. Up until the end, she was thinking of others and looking after them! 

I would stay with grandma and grandpa for 1-2 weeks every summer and grandma always spoiled me. I remember sharing the same bed with her (a twin bed, no less). I remember her taking me grocery shopping with her and letting me pick out TWO tubs of ice cream - which is no doubt why ice cream is still my weakness!  : )  

My grandma was part of a dying breed - a generation of real gems that were born into a world with values and principles that are extremely rare to find anymore - a strong work ethic and a strong sense of family values. Even though the resurrection is a sure hope that helps comfort us, at times like this you realize just how much death is an enemy and how hard it stings. Grandma wanted to be among those who never have to die. But I know she will be just as happy to wake up in the new world, surrounded by her family. I want to count how long it takes her to "disappear" and start working. I'll just smile and say, "That's my grandma" as I race to try to keep up with her!  : )