June 18, 2008

Memories

Granny My Grandma Lois passed away on Friday.   She and I always had a special bond and I have been in a complete state of emotional turmoil since I heard the news.



Grandma Lois was my mom's mom and always so much fun.  She loved kids of all ages and spoiled all of them.  She had a late in life baby that was just one year older than my oldest brother, and I think that kept her young at heart all her life.



We had some fun times together.   One of the most memorable experiences - and one we talked about nearly every time we were together - was when she came to visit us in Seattle and took me to see the movie Blazing Saddles.  Just Grandma and me.   My parents were horrified that she took me - age 12 - to see an R-rated movie, but we had a rip-roaring good time and laughed until we cried.



I will never forget another time she came to visit and we went to see a movie with my mom (she loved to go "to the show").  My mom asked Grandma if she wanted some candy, and Grandma replied "Does a ball bounce?"  She always had a sweet tooth (we shared a love of black licorice) and a very funny sense of humor.



Grandma, Mom and I took a trip to Reno when I was in my early 20s and that was such a fun time.   We played one particular slot machine in our hotel lobby that consistenly paid out - no big jackpots, but enough to keep us entertained.  We were always disappointed if we came downstairs and found out someone was playing our "Watermelon" machine.



Grandma loved to travel, whereas my Grandpa Claude was more of a stay-at-home guy.  She would often plan a trip and wait until just as she was leaving to tell him about it.



Mom and I were always chuckling about her penchant for malapropisms - she always came up with some very unintentional funny sayings.



She had the most beautiful porcelain skin and snow white hair.



My daughter's middle name is Lois, after my grandmother.  Last summer when we stayed with my mom, Lily was down at great-grandma's one evening and I went to pick her up, but I wasn't allowed to take her, because the "girls" were in the midst of a rousing game of Gin Rummy.   I'm glad I got a picture of it.



I miss you, Grandma.   :(



18 comments:

  1. I am so sorry for your loss Lisa. This post was a lovely tribute to your Grandma. In fact, it reminded me of my own grandma--she used to say "the show" too when she meant the movies. For my grandma's 80th birthday, she wanted to go to Las Vegas. My aunts and I all went with her and had a fabulous time. In fact, she cleaned up on the slot machines! We are lucky to be left with such good memories.

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  2. Lovely post, Lisa! I'm so sorry for your loss!
    Take care!

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  3. A very sweet tribute to your Grandmother. I'm so sorry for your loss.

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  4. What a lovely tribute to your Grandmother, she was so very loved. Ah, Gin Rummy, I play that with my grandma too. I think I'll go visit her today. ^_^

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  5. Ouch! You are so blessed to have a woman like that in your life. What a great heritage she left for you. Now you have a hole that no one else can fill. I can relate. I found out after my grandma died that my mom began to fill that spot for my girls. Enjoy the memories.

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  6. You have so wonderful memories that will bring a smile to your face as you make your way through the turmoil and sadness of your loss. Sending hugs your way *s*

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  7. Aw, Lisa. :( My heart goes out to you. I had a special bond with my G too. They are probably seeing a "show" together right now.

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  8. I am sorry for you loss but it sounds like you have some wonderful memories.

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  9. I as sorry for your loss Lisa But she is not gone,She will always remain in your heart She sounded so special.
    Extra hugs Mary.

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  10. Lisa, I am so sorry for your loss. You will tresure all of your memories in your heart.

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  11. I am sooooo sorry for the loss of your grandma. My mom's mom was very special to me too so I totally understand your sadness. To this day I think of her all the time. You'll have wonderful memories of her forever.

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  12. A loving tribute for us. Thank you for sharing her with us. It keeps her alive but I must say as you describe her personality - I couldn't help myself but think of YOU! Spicey fun, caring, real, earthy, grounded, sneaky silly and smart.
    The spirit is alive within you my friend, truly.

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  13. What wonderful memories! Thanks so much for sharing them. I am sorry for your loss, you will be in my prayers.

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  14. Sorry to hear about your grandma. Grandma's are such wonderful people! Thanks for sharing your memories and letting us walk down our own lane of memories. God bless your family at this time.
    Nancy in WI

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  15. My thoughts are with you and your family at this difficult time.

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  16. What a heartfelt and beautiful tribute to your wonderful grandma, Lisa. What great memories you have of her - she sounds like a very fun-loving lady. I am sorry she isn't physically with you now, but your memories will keep her alive in your heart forever. Thank you for sharing your love of this incredible lady with us.

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  17. Lisa,
    My sincere condolences in the loss of your grandmother. You have made many wonderful memories with her- may they bring you comfort and solace in the days ahead.
    Like you I was blessed with a wonderful relationship with my grandmother. Her name was Grace and she loved me unconditionally. She loved life and people- her kindness and caring was a great role model in my life. I miss her presence still although she has been gone for nearly 5 years. I celebrate the many gifts of love that she gave me all the years of her life and remember her always.
    Regards from a Western Canadian Quilter,
    Anna

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