Remembering my Grandma

Last week the world lost a good woman. My grandmother, Elizabeth Jean, after living a long and vibrant life passed away in her sleep. Upon hearing of her passing so many memories flooded my mind. As the only grandchildren on my mother's side, we were given the rare opportunity to be spoiled, visited, and loved like crazy. My grandparents made the effort to be present for almost every milestone in my life and when they could not be they would phone to see how it was or went. We always knew we were top priority in their lives. As I grew older and got married I was delighted when my grandparents came to love my husband so dearly too. 

When I was young we would visit my Grandparents for the month of August. No month out of the year was greater anticipated nor held near and dearer to our hearts. Our Summer mainly consisted of swimming in their pool and going school shopping. My siblings, Mom and I would drag my Grandmother all over Southern California in search of the perfect shoes or pair of jeans. She never complained about the time it took to outfit four children and often would purchase items for us. My Grandmother was always free with both her time and money. Whenever we saw her she would slip us some money and tell us to buy something fun for ourselves. 

My Grandmother taught me a great many things, but most important principle she taught me was age is just a number. I distinctly remember how she told me she did not feel old until the day she reached the age of eighty. She did not appreciate being called old or elderly and I could always tell her heart was younger than her body. In her nineties, as she started to slow down, she would express frustration in not being able to do the same things she once did. You could tell she still wanted to walk, run and play despite her age. 

My grandmother was a stubborn and strong willed woman much like myself. When I was young and would talk back or disobey she had little tolerance for this. She had expectations and wanted me to behave. My Grandmother was a fighter. She battled breast cancer twice and both times came out triumphant. 

My grandmother was not prideful or boastful. The only thing I ever heard her brag about was her grandchildren. My grandmother loved life, her family and God. Her greatest wish was for others to be happy. 

In our last conversation I had the opportunity to share with my Grandmother the news that we were having another boy. No one was more delighted to hear we were having another boy than my Grandmother. "Another boy, I am so happy for you!" were some of the last words I heard her utter. I am grateful to have shared my joys and sorrows with my Grandmother over the past thirty years. She loved me and I take comfort in knowing she will continue to watch over and want the best for me and my family from heaven. 

Here are some other posts about my grandmother: wreath making with my Grandma, my most prized possession from my Grandmother and remembering My Grandpa.