GRANDMAS HOUSE
As soon as you come out of the car you see all of her beautiful flowers growing in the garden. You walk in the door and your nose goes on an adventure to try and figure out what fresh baked goodies she has in the oven. My personal favorites were her peanut butter fudge and dump cake with pineapple and cherries. When you walk into the house Grandma was doing 1 of 4 things. Cooking/baking, off in another world reading a story, watching Law and Order or some other mystery show or writing cards of encouragement or well wishes to people.
My sister and I were at Grandmas house 3-4 times a week growing up. So many sweet memories happened in that house. Grandmas house was where we could eat white bread, soda and nutter butters. It was where I pretended that I was “A Little Princess” from the movie in her attic. Every time I went up there, I found something new, something hidden, something exciting. Grandmas house was where we watched countless numbers of movies. My grandma, sister and I all shared the love of reading. There were times when all 3 of us would rotate through one book, although Grandma always finished the fastest. I used to be so amazed at how many phone calls Grandma got. I knew she must be something really special by all the “fans” she had.
There were 2 things that were really special that Grandma and I always shared. The first one was going to St. Vincent De Paul thrift store together. My grandma would volunteer there every Friday morning. I was homeschooled until the 5th grade, so that meant I could go with Grandma! I thought it was the coolest thing ever! I would get to Grandmas house very early in the morning and she would always have a lunch ready to take for me. I don’t know why I always looked forward to that white bread and Hellman’s mayo with Grey Poupon mustard so much, but I did. When we arrived, we were with about 10 other old ladies, and we would go through all the donations and get them ready to be put out in the store. Goodness it as such an adventure!!! I LOVED being there to help Grandma and she loved showing me off to all her friends. Around noon, we would all take a lunch break together. I loved that part. Hearing all the stories, eating all the homemade goodies people would bring to share, and there were always Snapple drinks in the fridge that I never had at home. At the end of the day, Grandma and I would always go look around the store. There was never a time where I didn’t leave with a special treasure or a shirt. The best part was, it was always only about 50 cents!
The other thing that I shared with my grandma was a love for traveling. Though my Grandma did most of her traveling through her books. She ALWAYS encouraged me to do it in real life. My sister and my Grandma had many special things that they shared, but the travel talk was almost always aimed towards me. Grandma got it. She knew that I was a wanderer from the beginning and she never judged me for it like I always felt others did. Grandma was always so excited every time I would come home and show her pictures or videos from things I had done. She loved hearing every detail and living through those adventures with me. I was able to tell her about going on the World Race when I went home a couple months ago, and even though she was feeling awful and had zero energy, her eyes lit up so big. She was so excited for me.
One of the things that I will miss the most is coming back from the mission’s trip, going to Grandmas house and sharing all the pictures and stories with her. Sharing about all the good things and miracles that the Lord has done. All the new foods I got to try, cultures I was able to experience and friends I had made.
But I know when I get to Heaven that will be one of the first things she asks me about. Grandma got it. Most people don’t. I will forever be thankful.
One of my all time favorite movies is Moana. Her Grandma gets her. Although my Grandma was not nearly as eccentric, she was just as feisty and we had the same relationship.
“Go. You must, the ocean chose you. Follow the fishhook and when you find Maui, you grab him by the ear, you say “I am Moana of Motunui, you will board my boat, sail across the sea and restore the heart of Te Fiti… There is no where you could go that I won’t be with you… GO.” -Gramma Tala
So many memories happened at Grandmas house. So much love. So much pasta. So much laughter. Grandma, you were one in a million. Thank you for your time and your unconditional love. Thank you for being best friends with my sister, and thank you for understanding me in a way that most people don’t.
1302. Grandmas House. Your Legacy will live on in us all.
Love you Grandma.
