Yesterday I had to take the back off of our rolltop desk, a piece of furniture that once belonged to Rob's grandparents. Our little, um, cutie had shoved the TV remote into an opening at the top of the rolltop. After taking a hammer and screwdriver and prying open the back of the desk, I found all kinds of goodies he's lost back in there over the last several months. There were two remotes, a toy flute, a variety of DVDs, and various trinkets and toys. It seems a lot more cute and funny today than it did yesterday!
The most fun things I found tucked in there, though, were a couple of receipts and a banking slip from Rob's grandfather. They showed that one day in 1989, he bought a dust mop, socks, a sweater, and a Julio Eglesias CD. Having his written signature in our hands made him feel a little closer, since he's no longer with us in this world. He was a wonderful grandpa--he loved his family with his whole heart.
Ever since then I've had grandparents on my mind, and my grandmother Martha in particular. One of my greatest regrets is that she and Rob never met--she passed away while we were falling in love and he wasn't able to travel to meet her before she was gone. She would have loved his kind, quiet spirit and sense of humor. He would have enjoyed her spunk and intelligence. It makes me smile to think about what great friends they'll be in heaven someday.
Grandma wasn't a snuggle-you-on-her-lap with hugs and kisses type of grandmother. But she would do cartwheels with me in the front yard. She would hand me scissors and a basket and send me out to create bouquets from her beautiful garden. She would spend days each summer patiently teaching me how to sew. She bought the metronome I used throughout years of piano lessons--it still sits on top of my piano today. She made homemade lollipops with me, no matter the sticky mess it left behind. She took me to the corn festival in southern Illinois, with the best fried chicken and fire-roasted corn I've ever had. She let me chase her Siamese cats until they escaped to hide under the bed. She was fun.
Today I'm wearing the gold butterfly earrings she bought for me about 30 years ago. On my table is a sweet-smelling pink hyacinth. I buy one each spring because they remind me of the rows of hyacinths blooming in her rock garden. And I breathe in the fragrance and let myself feel how much I miss her.
About Me
- Joanna
- My husband Rob and I get to share a crazy life with a son in college, three daughters, our newly-adopted preschooler, our neurotic dog Sasha, wild puppy Toby, and Alice the bunny. We spend our time writing books, homeschooling, foster parenting, and growing in our faith in Christ. Music, chocolate, and friends make the days even brighter. I am blessed beyond reason!
Another great read for me. I someday hope that I will leave great memories for my grandchildren. If nothing else they will know that I loved them with all my heart and prayed for all of them daily as did their grandpa before he passed away. I can still see him sitting in his big chair with his head bowed, eyes closed and praying every morning for every grandchild by name. Grandma Teigen
ReplyDeleteI know they will! And the fruit of your prayers is showing in their lives even now. You are a gift to each of us and we love you!
DeleteOh I miss my grandmother too!!! This makes me a little teary just thinking about what a special person she was to me.
ReplyDeleteOh how thrilled I will be if I see her in Heaven! I hope, I hope, and I hope some more.
This is beautiful, Joanna.
ReplyDeleteMy grandmother lives where I work now, and I am so glad she's there. So many fond memories - playing dress-up with her aprons, the toy dog she had with a bell in its ear, playing Eeny Iney Over with her, open-face cheese sandwiches at her house, the green bottle of water in her refrigerator. And making my very first pie - under her tutelage.
She is a wonderful woman and I am blessed to still have her near, at 96 years old!
Thanks for inspiring the memories. :)