Memories of My Grammy

My grandmother passed away this past week. I was asked to write something about my memories of her, and I'd like to share it on here, as this blog for me has come to be a record of the major events in my life. While I love the idea of keeping a diary or journal, or scrapbooking or creating photo albums, I never quite seem to put the idea into practice. But I love scrolling back through my posts labeled "family" or "Violet" or "Lucy" and seeing years past unravel before me.

A random collection of memories of my Grammy:

Crunching gravel down the lane

Jumping in the colorful leaves

The lingering smell of Taboo

Coloring meticulously inside of the lines

Perfectly manicured fingernails

Eat your crust, it will make your cheeks rosy

Playing in the woods outside of the old house on Merrin Lane

Listening to the steady drone of the printer

Chocolate wrappers on special days

Printing banners and posters to our hearts' content

Sweets filled with cream

Spaghetti dinners with angel hair

Dancing to the lilting sounds of the Nutcracker 

Driving home on Christmas Eve with heavy eyes

Playing house on the brick patio, surrounded by yews

The creak of the porch swing

The glow of the fisherman lamp

Shelves filled with toys lining the play room

Blankets, doll clothing, and stockings crocheted with love

Tables piled high with projects

Goodie bags at Christmas

Back scratchers

Wooden deer and an orange afghan

The color purple

When I was asked to write something about my grandmother, I tried to think of one big moment, one really amazing story, but what came to me were the little things - the smells, the sights, the sounds. But really these little moments, these fleeting memories - they are the bits and pieces that make up a life. They are what we carry with us in the end. So in the words of one of my favorite writers, Roald Dahl, who is ever so much more eloquent than me, "Watch with glittering eyes the whole world around you because the greatest secrets are always hidden in the most unlikely places." We love you, Grammy, and we will carry our memories of you in our hearts, always. Love, Lauren