Its hard to believe its been three months almost to the day since my last post. If you read those its with a saddened heart that the theme for those continues tonight. Even as I type this it is hard for me to believe I am having to do it again.......
Before I even open my eyes I can hear the birds singing outside the window. The smell of breakfast permeates the air. I rub my eyes open and swing my feet down the side of the bed. It's morning! I tip-toe down the first few stairs until I reach the opening where I can peek into the kitchen from above. There at the stove a lady still dressed in her nightgown is preparing breakfast. I would watch for what felt like a few minutes but was probably mere seconds before continuing down the remaining stairs. Good morning Grandma I would say as I made my way to the table.
Grandma and Grandpa would usually take care of us when Mom was sick and had to stay at the Hospital. Mom and Dad's house sits just off Grandpa's 40 acre farm where we spent most of our childhood roaming the woods and just being kids. Thats where I learned to climb trees, build forts, take rides on the tractor with Grandpa, get stuck in the mud, and listen to Grandpa call the cows in to eat. It's where us boys would beg for three wheeler rides from Uncle Rick and where I would make any excuse to go to Grandmas just to drive the car up the gravel road. We would often ride our bikes there too just to play games with Grandma at the kitchen table. Grandma loved playing games. Golf and Domino's were my personal favorites.
Now, ask any Grandson in the family what the two rules are when you're around the farm and you will most certainly get the same answer! First, stay off the grass, and second stay off the hayfields!!! Those were Grandpas pride and joy on the farm and there was certainly a price to be paid for disrespecting either one. There may have been a third rule which was if you borrowed any tools you better not lose it and you better get it back before Grandpa realizes it was missing! That being said, if you did happen to drive a golf cart, four wheeler, or any other riding device that may or may not have left tracks in either of these two locations it was best if Grandpa found out when you were around Grandma. You see Grandma was our best defense because she could penetrate deep into Grandpas heart when she'd say now George you leave those boys alone they are just being kids. Phew, Grandma saves the day again!
Grandma had a few family traditions of which I will tell you about, but one of my favorites was that every Sunday Grandma had the entire family over for coffee after Church. She usually made coffee cake and set out crackers, cheese, and for those who didn't like cheese she would have peanut butter. After coffee Grandma also had 1 family stay for lunch! This was NOT something you wanted to miss! Each family had their favorites that Grandma made and for ours it was either ribs or Grandmas chicken. You could smell those delicious meals before you even made it in the house!
When we were younger for our birthdays Grandma would pick us up and take us out to go shopping with her. She would bring us to the store in her two door Cadillac just to pick out our own birthday present. I can still smell the scent of her big leather seats. I was also fascinated by all the buttons along the seat that made it move back and forth. This was not your average base model especially not back then! Perhaps now would also be a good time to tell a family secret. There are few things my Dad hates, one of which is shopping. Especially Christmas shopping. What he may hate even more than that is wrapping the gifts he got while Christmas shopping. He used to stash the presents at Grandma's and have her wrap them for him. Grandma was always happy to let him off the hook though. Sorry Dad your secrets out now.
It's no secret though that Grandma loved her family and her love poured out through her exceptional hospitality. There is no telling the lives Grandma touched through her meals, baking, and generous personality. Grandma suffered a stroke this week and is currently waiting for the Lord to take her Home. Nothing can prepare you for a time like this when death comes knocking at your door. When the family members who have cared for you, placed band aides on your ouchies, wiped the tears from your cheeks, and kissed away the pain are suddenly gone. Whats left is a gaping hole in your heart and the pain deep in your soul.
None of us can live here on Earth forever this we know is true. We can only place our hope in Eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior. Jesus prepares a place for us in his Fathers House where we will once again be reunited for those who believe in Him. There is no other option, there is no other way.
So for all of us who remain its not good bye but see you later.
I love you Grandma,
Nick or Pooh Bear
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| We will miss you this Halloween!!! Love Peyton and Owen! |
