My grandma's life was such a life. My Grandma Ruth was such a person.
Memories race through my mind. First I am sitting at her kitchen bar watching her hands, swollen with arthritis, as they busily knead bread dough. There is green shag carpet on the floor and plastic on the dining room chairs behind me. Next I am following her to a salty pool at Crystal Hot Springs. She has placed my yellow water wings on my arms to keep me safe. This memory is displaced by another. I am the first to wake after one of the many grandkid sleepovers. Grandma is once again in the kitchen. The sun is shining on the lilac bushes in her backyard. I am wearing one of her softest cotton shirts instead of pajamas. It comes down to my knees. Grandma is cooking oatmeal and slicing fresh grapefruit.
With the images also come the sounds and the smells. I hear her voice as she reads me a book; as she sings me a song to make me smile. "I love you a bushel and a peck, a bushel and a peck, and a hug around the neck." She bops with the beat. The smell of fresh bread whiffs through the house, promising a taste as soon as it comes out of the oven.
Most of my memories are fun and carefree. Playing at Grandma's house was like eating ice cream for dinner. Rules were bent, but there was no real harm done. She bought us ceramics to paint, made us homemade play dough and set up a slip n' slide in the backyard.
Some of my memories are quieter. I am talking to Grandma while she cooks chicken noodle soup. She manages to listen to every word I say. How many hours did she spend listening to my stories of school days, of conflicts, of pains? She never judged. She only told me how wonderful I was, and how I was her girl--always.
"When such a friend from us departs, we hold forever in our hearts a sweet and hallowed memory, bringing us nearer, Lord, to thee."
Now that my sweet Grandma Ruth has passed, I find myself clinging to the hope of seeing her again. I feel myself more dependent on my Savior. I reflect on the day he rose, and envision the day when Grandma too will rise. I trust his power to save me from death and sin, and look forward with faith for the time I will be eternally with my family.
There is no way to express how much my grandmother is a part of me. With her blood, flowing through generations, also flows her laughter, her conviction and her unending love.
I love you Grandma!
In loving memory of Ruth Davis ManningApril 14, 1908-December 9, 2009
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4 comments:
Wow, Charlotte, you express yourself so beautifully. What a wonderful tribute to such a neat lady. Sorry to hear of your grandmother's passing. I'm glad that you were so close to her and have so many great memories with her.
I'm sorry to hear of her passing and your heartache. I also know of your knowledge and testimony that you have of the Great Eternal Plan.
What a wonderful thing that you have all these memories of her. I'm grateful that you have remembered these.
Charlotte, I'm so sorry to hear about that. That is so hard, but it truly is a comfort to know that we'll see our loved ones again. Hang in there. I'll be praying for you.
This is such a beatiful tribute to your Grandma & you are an amazing writer. I was touched at the details in your stories & was reminded of all the great memories I have of my Grandmother who has passed on. I hope that you were able to mourn & are feeling peace at the loss of such an amazing woman.
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