I received some sad news today. My grandma El passed away overnight. Shocking, unbelievable, surprising, still pretty surreal actually. I guess it sounds cliche' but I feel so sad thinking about all the things I wish I'd had one more chance to tell her: like how she shaped me into the woman I am, how she taught me to love baking and cooking, how I hope to someday have gorgeous white hair like she had my WHOLE entire life. She was a beautiful, stoic and strong woman who I already miss immensely. She gave the best hugs and kisses, I remember the last one in January. I will always miss the way I could tease her and make her giggle, I am envisioning it right now! Things I've learned to love and appreciate from her and will never forget are:
- hen and chick succulents-I am naturally drawn to them now
- chex mix-which no one can quite make the same as she
- a love for pretty, girly things-trying on her teeny clothes when I was like 11, doing our nails with one of a million polish colors, trading earrings on every visit, clothes shopping with her
- great dishtowels and pillow cases! Crisp, white, absorbant. She had the most gorgeous linen closet and trunk. Looked through it again in January when I was there
- that I can make a mean gravy-it's my job each thanksgiving since she taught me how when I was probably about 8yrs old
- kitchen shakers-for salt and pepper, for cinnamon sugar, which she always had available for us everytime we would visit as kids
- beautiful, intricate quilts-the fact that her hands touched every inch of the one she gave me on my wedding day
- undivided love, admiration and pride in our family
2 comments:
Erin, I am so very sad for your loss. Grandmothers are uniquely special to us "girls" and I have tears in my eyes reading your memories, so much the same as mine. Your grandmother I am sure is very proud of you and the special memories you have are priceless gifts to hold in your heart and pass on to your little girl. My heart and prayers are with you and your family. KIM
Erin, I loved reading through all of your blog posts. Your writing style is very creative, and it seeps right into your heart when reading through the stories about Eleanor. You can see the positive impact she has had in each of her own kid's lifes which shaped who are they are today, and even in each of her grandchildren's families.
If you are itching for a trip out West, you are always welcome out here to Seattle ;)
Love, Alicia
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