I don't know very many people who can say that they grew up right next door to their grandmother, but I can. She was my mom's mom and gave birth to 12 children (one of whom died in infancy). She and my grandfather raised those 12 children on a farm in rural Georgia. Unfortunately, he passed away when I was two, so I never got to know him. Those women who have large families today are all about the publicity they can get. Granny didn't have a bunch of kids because she wanted to be on TV (Hell when she had her first kid, there was no such thing as TV!). She had 12 kids because when you live on a farm in rural Georgia, there's not much to do in the winter but get busy, LOL! Just kidding! Trying to raise that many kids during the first 2/3 of the 20th century wasn't easy. I know she and Grandpa made lots of sacrifices because they definitely didn't have much money. She continued to make sacrifices almost until the end of her long life. Initially, we thought that she was 91 when she passed away, but according to the Social Security office, she was actually 93. She saw and experienced many, many things, and was a part of my life for 34 years. My brothers and I used to play football and baseball in her yard with our cousins. We used to eat the teacakes that she baked (I can still remember the taste!). Before we were old enough to go to school, my younger brother and I used to go shopping with Granny and Mama. Those were such happy and carefree days that are very easy to forget about when you move away.
Although I did move away, I never forgot her and the childhood memories that she was a part of. Whenever I came home, I would always make sure that I went to her house to visit her. Over the past year, all I was able to do was sit with her. She didn't talk much. All she did was stare out the window. The last time I saw her alive was less than a year ago when I came home for my uncle's funeral. When it was time for me to leave for the airport to go back to Massachusetts, I stopped by her house to say goodbye. The last words I spoke to her were "I love you, Granny." She told me she loved me, too. I'm glad that those were the last words we said to each other. I just wish that I had known they were going to be the very last words we would say to each other. The very end of her life wasn't easy, but I hope she knows that those that truly care about her miss her very much. You'll always be in our hearts. Rest in peace, Granny.
Grrlysquirrel
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry about your Granny. To you and your family, please accept my sincere condolences. Just from what you've written I can tell she may not have been rich with money but had something even more important, a very loving family. :)I don't really know you that well but am sure she treasured you and her other grandchildren and you meant the world to her:)
I agree with you that her life must've been awfully tough raising all her children but have a feeling she never thought of it that way. Can't even imagine how difficult that must've been for her. She must've been a wonderful Mom and Grandmom.:)
My Nana lived with us til she passed away when I was 10 and I have lots of nice memories of her. You and I were very fortunate to have had such special times with them.:)
I know your heart is breaking now but please try to just remember all those special times you had with her and know she's made friends with my Nana up there. They'll both be watching over us now:)
Hugs
purplebear (Kathy)
Grrlysquirrel - my heart goes out to you and my widdle doggie arms embrace you in the love that only family can offer.
ReplyDeleteYour kind words and thoughtful prose make me feel like I know your Granny. She sounds like a gentle and kind spirit who understood that family, love and tenderness are worth all the sacrifices one has to make.
I believe I see a little bit of Granny in you! You have the same sincere sweetness and I'm glad I have met you. You will make Granny proud as you carry on her torch of compassion.
Love - Mattiedog
http://mattiedadog.blogspot.com
Oh, that's why you went to Georgia, Michelle. I'm really sorry about your Grandma. But I'm happy to know, you have so many lovely memories of her. No one can ever take them away from you and your Granny will live on in your heart. May she rest in peace!!!
ReplyDeleteWhat bewtiful memoriez you haz of your Granny, that iz wonderful, thanks you for sharing them. I iz sorry for your loss, she sounds like a very wonderful woman. ~Pandy
ReplyDeleteI'm so very sorry to hear of your granny's passig. What beautiful memories you have of her. Her story sounds exactly like M's granny - only difference is it was on a farm in Wisconsin with 12 children to work the farm. Bless her heart.
ReplyDeleteShelly, my eyes are leaking reading about your Gramma. I never met mine but she loved cats so she would've loved me. What's not to love? You'll always have your Gramma in your heart.
ReplyDeleteMichelle,
ReplyDeleteMy condolences to you and your family as you deal with your Granny's physical absence in your lives... She sounds like she had a terrific life. Interestingly, I lost my paternal grandmother when she was 93 (many years ago-my dad is 87!) so I found it fascinating to see the year correlation.
Yes, women of that generation had lots of kids and a tough life--but they were so strong. I love how you described her. Please know that she lives on not only in spirit, but in the precious memories and love you carry in your heart.
What a wonderful thing that your last words to each other confirmed the love you shared.
ReplyDeleteYou have lovely memories of your childhood spent with her and will always carry her in your heart.