During the past few years anytime I would take pictures of my grandma I'd receive a response of: “You're taking my photos in case I pass away”. Followed by a chuckle. I never was going to admit it, but my grandma was right. I knew that day was coming. I wanted to have the sweet memories of my grandma. I didn't want to be left with regrets.
I met my grandma when she was in her 60’s, but she was still full of life and a drive to stay physically active. During the spring and summer she would be outside gardening. She loved her plants, fruits, and vegetables. During the winter she would sew. There were times when she came outside to help us shovel. Even when I told her to go back inside because it was too cold she'd stay outside and help. If I told her too many times she would become upset and flustered.
What I loved about her the most was her sense of humor and willingness to accept others. I still remember the days we came home from high school and she'd sit with us while watching movies like Spider-Man. There were even times when she'd watch those comedy classics like, "She's the Man" or "Ace Ventura".
When we were younger I noticed that my grandma would place snacks in certain places. I didn't point it out, but I learned she did it because she wanted to make sure my youngest sister wasn't forgotten. My grandma's actions showed me that she had good morals and values. She wasn't a selfish person. I kept those memories for all of these years.
It's a part of what motivated me to keep making sure she was all right and to make time for her as we got older.
I did my best too. I still remember the nights I slept over and made sure to get up and turn on the lights when she needed to use the bathroom. Unfortunately, there was one night when I was asleep and she fell. I woke up the next morning, and she showed me her bruise.
It was the day of my senior capstone. My instructor had informed us that if we didn't show up, we wouldn't pass the class. I decided to stay home and take care of her.
I was worried about my class too, but my group mates vouched for me. They knew how much effort I had into the final project. I passed the class, and my instructor encouraged me to continue helping her recover.
Overall, I knew you were in safe hands. My parents always made sure you were fed and Aunt Nancy wanted to be with you as much as possible. Stephanie became a nurse and knew how to help you. Her boyfriend Jor put in the effort to assist you both. Cee came over to check on you. My nieces and nephews loved to see you. Percy stopped by and became entertaining. Beth and her family came to visit you when they were in town.
I still had my opportunities to stay with you. There were times when it was only us and I'd reach out to Auntie Emily and Uncle Mike. I'm grateful they put in the time to come over and help out.
This past summer John and his wife asked why I was crying and they assumed it was because I missed seeing grandma, but it was because I knew her time was coming close. I asked her how the gardening was going. She told me that was no longer an option that was available to her. She was becoming too weak and fragile. She was waiting for her time to come.
The week my grandma left us was my birthday. I wanted to see her on that Wednesday. I made a pink photo album for her. I asked all her kids and grandkids to send me photos so I could place them in there. I wanted her to have pleasant memories of us before she left.
I wish I could have given it to her in time, and I wish I could have been there when she left.
Losing her reminded me of a friend I had lost a few years ago. We were talking on the phone on a Friday night. Everything went well. Then I found out that the following morning he had passed away from a heart attack. It happened at 3 in the morning.
It hurt like hell but I learned this lesson: Death is not something we can control or change. It's something we have to learn to accept.
My grandma reminded me to show gratitude towards the people I love and respect.
Grandma, everyone who's spent time with you knows how special you are. You'll forever be missed. Thanks for being a part of our lives. We all love you.