Wow. Has it really been five years since she passed? Ugh. I can see it all happen right before my eyes like it was yesterday. The only word to describe it all was devastating. Some people never get the joy of being close with a wonderful grandparent. My Grama was the best. She never said a harsh word about anyone, she took care of my loud, boorish Grampa, and she made every one of her grandchildren feel like the most special child in the world. Ask any of us and we'll tell you that we were her favorite. Her cupboards were always full and there was always the smell of something homemade wafting from the kitchen.
Holidays at Grama and Grampa's was always a time I looked forward to. All the women in the kitchen gossiping around the table while Grama tugged at her turtleneck asking if she was the only one that was hot. I can see her standing with her fists on her hips talking, occasionally reaching down to adjust the temperature of the stove or oven. The men would be in the living room watching and talking sports. Occasionally Grampa would bellow at the television to some player who he failed to realize couldn't hear him, or it would be his loud booming voice shouting "TYKE!". That was the cue for Grama to stop what she was doing and go attend to the old grump. For those who don't know, my Grama's name was Yvonne, but as a child, her father would hold her in his hand and call her his little Tyke or Tykie. She was called Tykie from then on. Most people didn't even know her real name was Yvonne.
I used to lay on the couch with my head in her lap and she would stroke my head for what seemed like hours. It was always so comforting. I miss her. My heart breaks when I think about all the things I want to talk to her about and all the smiles she'll never share with my children. I know that I only wish she was here for purely selfish reasons, and I would never bring her back if I could because I know she is in a much better place, but I still miss her.
Grama "Tykie"
February 23, 1937 - May 10, 2003
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2 comments:
Beautifully said and I miss her too...
Hi Amber:
All of those things you said, the hands on her hips and tugging at her turtleneck - I saw her do that a few times.
The boys are so cute. We will be praying for yoru protection this year and always.
Kathy P. (for the P's in TN)
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