As one of the few grandkids who grew up 'in the city', my memories of Gramma don't include time on the farm as most others do. Instead, Gram and I bonded over shopping trips, doctors visits and stops at the bank which always began with Gramma's classic remark, 'buckle the baby in' when I'd latch her seat belt.
No trip was complete without a stop at the Pizza Hut lunch buffet. Admittedly, it was her and my favourite lunch spot. She always requested a take-out box for her crusts, to take back to Pepper on the farm. I'd just smile politely at the waitress, hoping she'd realize the innocence of her request. Once, when Gram was denied her box, she simply wrapped her crusts in a knapkin and shoved them into her purse. Classic Gramma, she always found a way.
As Gramma aged, I became married and started a family. Our afternoon trips together were replaced with weekly phone calls. She'd ask about my life, the kids and of course, my husband Jay. She loved Jay, loved to banter and giggle with him. Sometimes she'd flat out end our conversations just to speak with him, which always made me laugh. Our phone calls always ended with 'I love you heaps and heaps and bushels and pecks.' I admired this about her, she never hesitated to tell you she loved you.
Following the birth of my first son, Nolan, she said matter-of-factly said to me, 'If you don't be careful, it will happen again!', to which I laughed and told her I'd take that into consideration. She knew she was right, and eventually she was able to meet my daughter Brooklyn, who she always called Britney, no matter how hard she tried to remember it. She loved to snuggle my kids, tickle them and share her new stuffed animals won at Albright bingo with them. Seeing my children brought her joy, it was always written all over her face.
One Sunday afternoon, while visiting her at Albright, she asked me when the third baby was coming. I laughed, telling her there would be no more, that the world was built for a family of four and as such, my family was complete. As I responded oh so politically, she looked at me and said, 'Are you sure?'... she knew, she could see in my eyes that I wanted another. Well she was right again and was overjoyed to meet Ethan last year. And of course, she didn't hesitate to tell me she told me so!
Motherhood bonds women, even generations apart. Seeing Grams kids surround her with such love and deep compassion, filled my heart with joy this week, despite the difficult circumstances. As a mother I knew how much those bed side hand squeezes, hugs and kisses meant to her during this last week. I am proud to say that her children (my parents, aunts and uncles) are my family too. There is no doubt in my mind that Gram left this world knowing she was very deeply loved.
Yesterday her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren gathered together and spent most of the day reminiscing and laughing about their favourite memories of Gramma. The enormity of her legacy really hit me yesterday as I listened to all the excited voices.
Gramma, and Grandpa, gave us the gift of family.
A big one.
Beautiful, talented, loving and inspired.
Full of energy, passion and drive.
Where some would say Gram was stubborn, I'd suggest that her strong will and perseverance was built into many of us and is part of the reason for our personal and professional success to date. Our big, beautiful family tree grew from a place of love, laughter and hard work. And we have her and Grandpa to thank for that gift.
Gram will be missed, but I take peace in knowing she is reunited with Grandpa and Scott up in heaven - we sent her up there with a big pile of hugs for each of them.
Her spirit will live on every time we take a moment to tell each other we love them heaps and heaps. And in the end, what's more important than that?
