Thursday, October 30, 2008

I've been thinking about Grandparents lately. I'm one of those lucky people that had all four of my grandparents alive and well until I was 26. Then my Grandpa Grant died - September 30, 1987. That was tough because he was great!! He was neat and organized, loved cocktail peanuts, had a great flattop haircut with really soft hair and loved me so much. Then I was one of those lucky people that had 3 of my grandparents alive and well until I was 37!! Wow - that's something to brag about and be happy. Then my Grandpa Kay died - June 4, 1998. That was tough because even though I didn't see him that much - he lived in Northern Utah and we lived in Arizona - I always knew he was there if we went up to visit. Not anymore. He had a great farm, a great laugh and when he laughed really hard, his eyes twinkled and he got tears in his eyes. Change is hard. Then I was one of those lucky people that have both of their grandma's still alive and well until I was 45. Then my Grandma Eddie died.. That was really tough. She was almost like a second mom to me. My parents and I lived with her and Grandpa Grant when I was little for a while. When we moved from Utah to Arizona when I was 4, she and Grandpa moved down there 3 years later. She was ALWAYS there in my life. Cheering me on, wiping my tears, laughing with me - and at me - hanging out and just holding my hand. She always made me feel like I was her favorite. She made us all feel that way. We were all her favorites. She died October 27, 2006. I had moved to Oregon just 4 months earlier. I felt so guilty for moving away and "leaving" her. I should have stayed a little while longer. But I know now that she was happy for me - happy that we moved somewhere we wanted to be, happy that I was having adventures in my life.
So now, I'm one of those lucky people that has 1 Grandma alive and well and I'm 47 years old. She's my Grandma June. I don't get to see her nearly as much as I'd like. She's still in Utah and I'm in Oregon now. I did get to see her in August when Chad and I were there and it was fun. She's a fun Grandma - always has been. Like my Grandma Eddie, she makes you feel like you're number 1 with her - you're the most important person in her world. She has wonderful dimples (thank you Grandma), she smiles a lot and as I've gotten older, I realize that I look a lot like her. Life hasn't always been easy for my Grandma June, but she's a trouper and is always trying to think of things she can do to "help out".

So I just want to say that it's my hope and prayer that I can be the kind of Grandma to my sweet grandbabies that my grandma's (and grandpa's) have been to me. One that loves unconditionally and across the board - they're ALL my favorites. One that is there for them in fun times and when they just need a hug. One that understands and loves them even when their parents "don't" ;). And I really hope that they'll be one of those lucky people that has their grandma with them alive and well for a long long time.





3 comments:

gibkidsmom said...

What a wonderful tribute to your grandparents Darc! I have great memories of my grandparents too and your post really made me stop and think about some of those fun times! Thanks!

Jeni Lyn said...

awhh, you made me all teary...

Anonymous said...

Beautiful sentiment - well done! That's one thing I keep thinking; if we move to Utah I can see Grandma June. Love you!