In Loving Memory
Every twist of the long road through the mountains was memorized. I couldn’t wait until I spotted the West Jordan exit. We turned off the busy freeway and scooted our way to Grandpa and Grandma’s little house nestled under the Wasatch Mountains. Grandma’s excitement matched my own. She was so happy when we finally arrived.
My favorite part of visiting Grandma was her pantry. The closet in her kitchen was always stuffed with cookies and Lucky Charms. I’m sure vegetables, spices, and pasta were there, too, but I only remember the goodies stored for us. Grandma’s pantry is now empty, but she left my heart full. I’ll never forget her patting my hand saying, “You come back soon, okay?” And her kiss on my check, “I love you.”
This time I won’t be going to the mountains to visit and eat cookies. Grandma won’t be waiting in anticipation. As my little Sunshine said, “She moved to a new house.” I’ll remember that as I say good-bye.
If Grandma has a pantry in her new home, it is full of treats for her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She’ll be waiting for us with a smile on her face and a twinkle in her eye.
Beautiful and sweet and sad. I am sorry for your loss.
My grandmother passed away five years ago, and I still think of her — and her pantry! — daily. I will keep your grandmother in my prayers.
Heather,
Thank you.
Christina,
Thank you for sharing your memory, too. Does every Grandma have cookies?
Renae, you’ve got me teary-eyed. I was just looking at a picture of my beautiful grandmother this morning. I miss her more than anyone I’ve ever lost. I lived with her for several years and still remember her solution to every problem: have a warm glass of milk and go to bed. As she grew older, every one of us grandkids (12 of us) was Annabelle because she couldn’t remember names anymore. She was tough, sensible, and loving.
You should visit my friend Tipper in Appalachia – she has a link in her sidebar called “Grannyisms” where she’s collecting memories of folks’ grandmothers. It’s so precious. She’s at Blind Pig and the Acorn. Love the bluegrass over there – she has an amazingly talented family.
Blessings, and thanks for sharing your memory of your sweet Grandma!
I’m so sorry about your grandma. Mine’s been gone nearly 25 years and I miss her more than ever. I like to think of her having coffee and Swedish coffeecake with Jesus :)
They say that we end up with the face we deserve, showing the results of how we lived our lives. That photo of your grandma makes it obvious that she was a sweet, loving person who lived a wonderful life.
Oh Renae. I’m so sorry for your loss. It’s bittersweet, isn’t it! What a fabulous picture you have to bring smiles to your face (along with your grand memories!)
Blessings to you and your family.
Barbara,
Oh, I hope Jesus serves coffee cake. ;) Thank you for your kind words.
Melissa,
Yes, it is. Grandma lived a long life surrounded by her family. It’s just what she wanted.
oh, I love that. A pantry full of treats for her grandchildren. My grandma has a cookie jar.
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Renae, I’m teary eyed and am remembering my Nanny who went Home 26 years ago. I still miss her and long to be in her presence. : ) Thank you for sharing your sweet memories.
So sorry for your loss Renae. I too miss my grandparents so very much. I am so glad that you have the assurance of where she will spend eternity. I look forward to meeting your dear grandma in her new house! ( :
Praying for you and your family,
Mandi
Thank you all so much. I appreciate your comforting words and remembrances.
Renae,
My mom’s parents went home last year, about 9 weeks apart from each other. We buried Grandpa the day before their 66th anniversary. He went to be with Grandma and his dear Lord. My remaining grandparent is falling fast into Alzheimer’s. She doesn’t realize that my new baby is her 8th great-grandbaby. It is so sad to see grandparents leave us. But I know where mine are. Their heritage they gave me is rich in Christ and the blessings from it will continue in my children and their children and their children’s children.
I am sure you understand such a blessing! May your family be filled with peace and delightful memories!
ps for my Grandma, it was Fruit Loops :)