a post for grandma

Posted on October 10th, 2016 by mountain girl  |  6 Comments »

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My grandma passed away today, at the age of 93.

I have so many good memories of her from when I was little–going to her house to spend the night, going shopping for girly toys and dolls (although I begged for fire trucks, lol), going to the ice cream store on the corner, watching old westerns in the TV room. She would cook for me even when I was older, and coaxed me to eat, eat, eat (“Can’t you eat just a little more?”)Ā  Over the years, I have asked her for so many of her recipes, but my versions never tasted as good as hers. I’m convinced she added a little magical something that never made it onto the recipe pages. When I think of her amazing meatballs, sauce, and “macs” that I grew up with, I feel like an era has ended, and it seems surreal that she is really gone.

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Here are my grandparents six years ago with Zia at their house in North Syracuse, NY. This is how I remember them both–happy, healthy, and working hard every day to keep their house, yard, and garden beautiful.

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The last time I saw Grandma was at Grandpa’s funeral in May. She had been suffering from Alzheimer’s, and I wasn’t sure if she would know me. It had been about three years since I last saw her. When I told her who I was, she was amazed. “How big you got!” she gasped. I had to laugh, but I was glad she remembered me, even if it was as a toddler.

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This is probably how she remembered me, haha. My brother Seth and I are sitting on her counter–I was three and he was four. She had perched us there for a photo, and I’m sure it was a picture of her fresh baked bread as much as it was of us. šŸ™‚

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After Grandpa’s funeral, she was wheeled into the nursing home van, munching popcorn. I went around to the side and waved to her until they shut the door. I knew it would probably be the last time I saw her.

A week ago, I was lying in bed half asleep when suddenly an angel stood by my bed, looking down at me. I saw him even though my eyes were closed. He was straight and serious and said nothing, but I knew he came to tell me he was taking Grandma home.

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She passed today at 1 pm, five months after her husband of 70 years.

Goodbye, Grandma, until I see you again. I’m so happy to have had a grandma like you! (But heaven has gained a great cook. I’ll bet they’ve never tasted anything like those meatballs.)

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6 Responses to “a post for grandma”

  1. Lauryn Parkhurst says on :

    I’m sorry for your loss Mia. I know she’s looking over you just waiting to give you a big hug again. God has her now and im sure shes cooking millions of meatballs in heaven.;)
    Lauryn

  2. mountain girl says on :

    Thanks, Lauryn! She’s stacking those meatballs up for me in my mansion (since food never rots up there, of course)! šŸ˜‰

  3. Appleshoe says on :

    I’m so sorry for your loss. What a beautiful life and way to be remembered.

  4. mountain girl says on :

    Thanks, Mercy!

  5. Mom & Dad says on :

    Hi honeee…. what beautiful pix and memories. Our good thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Luv u/mom

  6. mountain girl says on :

    Thanks, Mom. It’s hard to grasp that she’s really gone after being a part of our lives for so long (and long before I was born!) She and Grandpa definitely left us with lots of happy memories. šŸ™‚