Sunday, May 8, 2011
Heaven received a very gentle and kind Angel this past week. A grandmother who could never say no. At least that's what I have been told. Maybe it's where I get laid-back attitude with my classroom of preschoolers; 'Oh it's okay, it's not hurting anyone.' My mother told me she would come back to pick me up from spending time at Grammy and Grampy's to find me in the bathroom, both sinks filled up with water and making a wet mess. I do remember hearing my mother saying something to Grammy, which I found out from my mother later was, 'Just say 'No.' Just say no...' And I sure do remember Grammy laughing. And I bet you know the laugh I am talking about. I bet you can hear it now. I sure can.
Dove soap reminds me of her. And the original Colgate toothpaste. I distinctly remember sleeping over a few times and brushing my teeth with the toothpaste, over one of the sinks I loved to fill up and make a mess in. That toothpaste still brings me back to Grammy and Grampy's house. And the next morning, she made pancakes. Up early too, because I was up early (like most children, sleep late on school days, up before the sun on weekends).
I remember her telling me about when she was a little girl, and her dog. She would tell me about how she'd put his head on the pillow beside her and tuck him in too. I'm not surprised at all. Grammy and Grampy had two cats that she was allergic to. And that she wouldn't get rid of, because not only was she kind and gentle to people, but animals as well. I remember her coming to my house when I was younger and letting my dog, Charlie climb up in her lap. My mother would tell her not to do it, she'd itch; but of course she'd laugh and scratch and pat Charlie. And he'd soak it up, because he knew good people when he met them. And of course, she'd be itchy and red after patting and scratching him to which I believe she didn't care. Because she wasn't worried about herself, she was too kind and loving to everyone she met...
I have so many more memories of her, little things here and there. I used to go check out all the little stuffed animals she'd arrange on her bed, and usually take one to hold or even borrow until the next time I saw her. I remember driving down to Franklin with her in the Grand Am to visit Nona. I remember her ritual of getting ready in the morning which my mother and I seem to do as well. And I find myself humming to songs on the radio at home, in the car,and at work. The children in my classroom ask me, 'What are you humming, Miss Lauren.' I pause and usually answer, 'I don't know, I think I was making it up.' And it's true, while I'm working on something I hum. Grammy did that.
People tell me that I'm kind, thoughtful, selfless, and forgiving. I like to think I got that from her. It's what made me proud of my Grammy because she was all of those things- putting others before herself. She always had something kind to say. And I'm glad that's how I remember her.
I'm sad and heartbroken she's gone. But I know she's safe and being cared for like she deserves. I pray that the Angels take extra special care of her, not just because she's my Grammy, but because she's been so kind and wonderful to others. And while she's up there, I know she's humming and saying my favorite Grammy saying; "Oh Dear, pretzels and beer. If I were drunk, I wouldn't be here."
So Godspeed and I love you Grammy. Love, Lauren
