You may remember me mentioning that my grandma was an artist. I certainly got the majority of my art appreciation from her. What I find marvelous about this woman was her ability to look at absolutely anything and find the beauty in it. Often when I was younger, the fabric of my dresses would catch Grandma's eye, and she would point it out to me saying, "look here how these beautiful colors swirl together." No matter how many times she saw the same dress, she would act like it was the prettiest thing she had ever seen.
(Me and Grandma)
She had such an appreciation for flowers and would stop to look at the bright colors, or to smell them. She would even stoop to pick them despite our warnings that we did not want her to fall. She just wanted a small trinket from the earth that, in my opinion, would never come close to matching her beauty.
(Grandma appreciating the outdoors)
She loved to hum and sing. I feel very lucky to have one my earliest memories be of me and Grandma sitting on the porch swing at her house rocking. She would sing and hum to me and say to me "penny for your thoughts." As she became older, she would hum all the time. She was content to sit and hum for hours. Sometimes when I watched her hum, I thought it was almost like she was remembering lots of wonderful memories of younger years...
(Grandma helping us sew- she was a wonderful seamstress.)
Grandma was proud. She had 3 children (1 son and 2 daughters), I feel like there may have been no greater joy for her than to watch her children have their own children and in turn, watch the grandchildren grow. There were countless ballet recitals that she attended, she used to drive me to ballet practice a lot. She always listened to classical music and even made a beautiful etching of my ballet shoes.
(My Mom and Grandma)
Grandma loved animals. Animals LOVED Grandma! My dog Tulah, rivaled all the other dogs in the family for the prime spot to sit: on Grandma's warm lap. Grandma always had room for every animal big, or small and always had time to pet or cuddle an animal. When Tulah was a puppy, Grandma would say over and over again, "I could just put this little doggie in my pocket."
(My brother with Tulah, Grandma with Sofie, and me)
(Grandma and the Easter Bunny -yup, that's me dressed up)
She was a true woman, no matter the occasion. She always looked beautiful and was rarely caught without lipstick. Her nails were painted a bright pink, and she would sit with a slight smile on her face and her legs crossed at the ankles.
(My Grandma, Mom and me on my Wedding Day)
One thing is for sure, Grandma will be dearly missed. It has only been a day, but it already feels like it's been too long. I am happy for my Grandma to know that she is in Heaven with my Grandpa. I am grateful for our close relationship and all of that wonderful memories I have of her. These words certainly do not do her justice, but it makes me feel better. Thanks for reading and for your prayers.
I love you, Grandma.