I know you’re used to me rambling on about our story of paying down debt (which I will be doing again sometime soon, I promise because I have good news!).
Or you come here to snag a free sample from time to time.
Or you’re hoping to learn a time saving tip or two.
Or perhaps you want to learn how to be a bit more frugal.
Maybe you just come here because you find me freakishly odd and entertaining.
Or maybe you didn’t like me at some point in my life and you hope that I’ve ballooned up and grown a third arm (insecure much, Queen?).
Whatever your reason, I’m thankful (except maybe for that 3rd arm ballooned part).
But from time to time, my life online collides with my life outside of the world wide web.
If you follow me on Facebook, you know that my grandmother passed away last week (thanks for your kind words of condolence). She is one of the sweetest, gentlest, wisest people I know. And she has influenced both the direction and the quality of my life.
At her funeral I read a poem she had picked out for me to share. My nose ran so much that I’m pretty sure I had to do an arm wipe at one point. And I cried so hard that the words were blurry. I tried to share a few of my favorite memories but they came out a semi-organized, blubbering, muddled mess. And so, you get to read them here.
- My grandmother loved genealogy. I spent many a summer day digging through the Vigo County Public library to research my ancestors. I learned how to use microfiche and read a census. We trolled cemeteries looking for very old graves and took pictures. I went on to study history in college and do some graduate work which involved much archival research. Coincidence? I still occasionally force the King of Free into an old graveyard (and we once danced in one. True Story).
- My grandmother always had Little Debbie Oatmeal Creme Pies, Spaghettios, and Boiled Hotdogs. Mmmm. Ok sounds gross now but it was a little kid’s dream.
- For most of my life, she lived in a house next to the railroad tracks where everything rattled when the train went by. It was hauntingly mystifying.
- I know at least a little bit about The Young and the Restless, the Bold and the Beautiful, As the World Turns, and Guiding Light all because of sick days spent at Grandma’s house. Also, JR, Bobby, Pam, and Sue Ellen were my friends on late nights.
- Almost every birthday cake I ever consumed growing up was made and decorated by my grandma. She even made my wedding cake and my aunts decorated it. Best. gift. ever.
- High school afternoons when I had a game or practice, I frequently went to her house to have a snack, do my homework, and talk. I can still feel the kitchen counter under my hands. I can’t imagine that what I had to say was that interesting but she listened intently.
- In between college baccalaureate and graduation, our entire entourage went to eat at a local restaurant. While everyone else ordered sensible brunchy foods, my grandmother ordered a dessert meant for two people. It was one of the most rock star things I’ve ever seen anyone do before (and out of character for her).
- The summer before I turned 16, I took Driver’s Ed. My parents were busy remodeling the 1920s farmhouse they still live in (and it’s gorgeous) and so it was left to both of my grandmothers to teach me how to drive and “let me get my hours in” that summer. This obviously makes one a very cautious driver. However, if you’d like to drive over 45 mph, things become a bit difficult.
- Routinely, my grandmother and grandfather would drag their mattress (probably a full or a queen but it seemed enormous to me) into the living room so that I could tumble on it with my younger cousins. I can remember running full speed from the adjoining room and flipping onto it.
- I loved the stage even as a child and would regularly put on shows (especially when my cousin Taylor was visiting from out of town). Our theatrics were complete with programs, tickets, flyers, and written scripts. Grandma kept many of the above and placed them into photo albums.
- I once made Grandma a six fingered hand turkey at Thanksgiving. The picture remains in the photo album but no one will tell me where my 6th finger went.
- You should write in the margins of your Bible. Otherwise, you’ll forget what you’ve learn.
- Be careful of the words you use. And who you speak them to and why.
- Serve in your local faith community. You might get to have a copier in your house to copy the bulletin each week. And your little granddaughter will grow to love the smell of toner/mimeograph.
- Take lots of pictures of everyone you know. Organize them with dates and mementos. Look through them frequently.
- In a family where EVERYONE else drinks Coke, choose 7-Up.
- At all times, act ladylike – a word I often heard with “that’s not very” in front of it growing up.
- The correct way to make a bed.
- If you are watching tv in the evenings or late afternoons (perhaps a daytime or evening drama), find something to keep your hands busy – cross stitch, crochet, or do some other handicraft.
- Practice gratitude in a world where it’s a lost art form. Thank you notes are important. Be the one leper who returns.
- A family roadtrip begins properly at 4:30 AM before the sun (and everyone else) rises.
- Travel and see the world.
- Invest in missionaries, financially, personally, and prayerfully.
- Send birthday cards. If they are cards for children, bright shiny change is required (maybe for college students, too).
Many other memories have tumbled around my brain in the last week and ebbs and flows of emotion come and go as I wrap my head around a physical existence where she’s not present.
I am truly blessed.
And a bit of a royal mess.
But there’s beauty in the disorder
and peace in the chaos.
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