December 18, 1920 – August 20, 2013
I lost my grandma yesterday. She was my last living grandparent and although we all knew that it was coming, it definitely doesn’t make it any easier.
Grandma was always up for an adventure and she continued road tripping in her red minivan for as long as the rest of the family would allow! And she had the best stories. She would tell us tales from the Depression era and from her time as a WAC (Women’s Army Corps) in World War II that would intrigue us grandchildren for hours. My sister and I used to love visiting Grandma’s house in Ohio because she had the best games—and even Atari! I remember sitting in that little room upstairs for hours, playing Frogger with my sister and laughing every time we got run over by a car. We’d finally venture downstairs only to find her in the kitchen, baking dozens upon dozens of cookies. To this day, her sugar cookie recipe is the best I’ve ever had and I’m hoping I can fill the void this Christmas by sending Santa-shaped cookies to all of our family across the country.
Grandma was on a 50-state conquest that she finished a decade ago when my mom, sister and I took her up to Alaska.
She was so excited to explore Denali (by bus) and was even more ecstatic when we took her up to Barrow. She finally got to put her fingers in the Arctic Ocean, and I remember her giggling with this happy little smile on her face. She was so content to be with her daughter and grandchildren and couldn’t get over the experience. She told her friends about it for years!
I’m headed back to Alaska in three days, and it will be my first time in the state since that trip with Grandma nearly ten years ago. Instead of saying my goodbyes at her funeral on Saturday, I’m going to venture into a completely wild section of the country, knowing that Grandma would’ve wanted it that way. In fact, I’m going to pretend that she is along for the ride in her little red van, laughing and giggling as we explore the Alaskan wilderness.
Love you, Grandma.
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12 Comments
so so so many hugs and such a lovely tribute to her.
Carla
Beautiful. Like I say, celebrate life and celebrate her. Apropos.
I’m very sorry. I love that you will mark her life in Alaska–sounds like the perfect thing to do.
I’m sad to hear about your Grandma 🙁 I’m very close to both of my Grandmas and I know how hard it will be when they pass. I hope you are able to celebrate her life, beautiful lady.
Sending wishes of comfort to your family. Yes, go do it for Grandma!
So sorry for your loss, Heather. I know it’s never easy, even when it’s expected, but what a wonderful legacy she’s left behind.
I’m so sorry to hear this, girl. My heart is with you. You sound like such your grandma’s granddaughter and I know she’ll be with you on your trip to Alaska. Thinking of you and sending love.
Sorry about your grandma, I think going to Alaska is a perfect way to remember her by. Have a great trip and savor your memories!
I’m so sorry for your loss — she sounds amazing!!! Glad you have such great memories.
So sorry to hear about your Grandma. I lost my Grandma (las living grandparent) in March and even though you know it’s coming, it doesn’t make it any easier. It sounds like she had a great life and a family that cared about her a lot.
Oh Heather I am heartbroken for you! I am crying right now, probably because it hits so close to home, having recently lost my own grandmother. Your grandmother was beautiful and she sounds like quite a woman! You have so many wonderful memories with her so just focus on those and relive all the good times! It sounds strange but as sad as it was losing Gram really brought our family close as we leaned on each other for comfort so I bet you will experience that as well. It sounds like you are doing exactly what she would have wanted by exploring Alaska! I still my my Gram so much every single day but it does get better with time. Hang in there!
Soooo sorry about your grandma; my grandpa died this morning. Roughh week for us all. Where did she live in Ohio? Hope you can enjoy your trip in tribute to her.