There are times when the memories of my grandmother come rushing through my mind. She was such a integral part of my life and helped shape who I am. It’s been over five years and I still refer to my grandparents’ home as “Grandmomma’s House”.
She wasn’t always the easiest person to be around, but after giving birth to twelve children pretty much back-to-back and having too many grandchildren to count – well, that could take a toll on a diva!
As one of the older grandchildren, I’m blessed enough to have memories of her when she was younger and more patient. Trips to the beach, walking to the Piggly Wiggly, running errands with her and my granddaddy.
As I got older and my family moved away, I remember making weekly calls to her. I looked forward to hearing her voice because it always reminded me of home and had a way of comforting me when life got hectic.
When I had my son, even though I was young and unmarried, she never was judgemental. She accepted him and loved him. I’m so thankful that he has wonderful memories of her, too.
She helped to instill a love for God and helped nurture my faith. As I was learning to read, I practiced by reading scriptures to her and my grandfather. She helped instill a love and passion for reading and appreciating the Scriptures and what they taught.
She taught me to always take care of family and that we had to stick together. Even though we get on each others nerves from time to time (some more than others!), I know who I can count on when I’m in need.
She taught me that tomorrow is not promised to anyone and to never take anyone or anything for granted.
I got my love of business and children from her. Helping to run her daycare in the summer and school vacations Yep! She was my first official boss.
She inspired me to start a stroke awareness foundation together with my best friend. My hope is that we are able to help a grandchild have just a little more time with their grandmother with prevention and awareness efforts.
I never thought I could miss someone as much as I miss her, but I find comfort in knowing we will be reunited one day. That she is now free from pain and sickness. I know her memories and legacy live on in her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Be Blessed, Divas! Reach out to someone you love today (and everyday) and make sure they know how much they mean to you.
Kenya G. Johnson (@sporadictweets) says
Beautiful post Michelle. Good grandparents can have such a big impact on our lives. I’m naming my favorites – my moms parents. I only had my grandmother for 11 years and I still miss knowing her. My grandfather I had much longer, 31 years. Love the awareness message. All children should get to know their grandparents so that they will always remember them.
Michelle says
Thanks for sharing, Kenya! I was blessed to have my great-grandmother in my life until I was 11 and I can vividly remember the times we shared together and the sense of loss I felt for years after her death. I’m so thankful each of my children have the opportunity to know at least one great-grandparent, too.
Joyce Brewer (@MommyTalkShow) says
Consider it a blessing that you had her in your life. All of my grandparents were dead by the time I was born, except my Father’s Mother. She died when I was 3. It breaks my heart that my Father died when our son was just 1.
Michelle says
I definitely do, Joyce! Thanks for the reminder of how important it is to treasure those moments.
Dawn ~ Spatulas On Parade says
I know. My grandfather passed away 21 years ago and I still miss him terribly. My Daddy passed away 5 months ago and it has been so incredibly hard.
Bless you and thank God for the memories.
Katrina says
I have soon many memories of my granny. I am so happy my daughter had a chance to know how loving she was. The memory that sticks out in my head, there are so many, is at MT grandfather’s funeral she was so ready to ho afterwards. My grandpa was a Jehovah’s witness so the service was less than traditional for a Baptist raised woman. After service I saw her walking fast towards the limo trying to avoid anyone that came near her. I went inside the limo to sit with her and she was like “Did you drive?” I laughed and told her my sister did. She was like “Well find her and let’s go!” Of course I did as I was told. When we got back to the house she me to sit next to her so people wouldn’t be able to sit next to her and talk. Every time someone looked as if they were attempting to come over she would whisper the funniest things under her breath like “please don’t come over here. I don’t even know u or don’t come over here I don’t wanna here u lyin’ today”! Lol she was always so funny but really serious at the same time!
Say Something Kita (@Kreative10) says
I miss my grandma too she had so many stories for me growing up I would sit and listen to her for hrs.
Desiree says
Aww this post totally made me tear up. I miss my grandma too. ((HUGS))