My Grandma R. passed away yesterday afternoon at the age of almost 92. Her health had been failing for two months, during which she wasn't very responsive, so the sad event is tempered by relief that she didn't linger in twilight for months and months. She was my last living grandparent.
Grandma R. was a great lady. She was tough as nails but had a great sense of humor. She was a farmer's wife--not an easy thing to be--but she managed all the hard work and never complained. Having lived through the Great Depression, she knew what really tough times were.
On a couple different occasions as a child, I spent part of my summer vacation with her and grandpa on their North Dakota farm. They had a little gray pony named Sparky, so these visits were pretty awesome. Grandma R. was an excellent cook, and always served up a huge farmer's "dinner" at lunchtime, consisting of wonderful stuff like fried chicken, creamed peas with real cream, lefse, and strawberry-rhubarb pie. It's a good thing I had a fast metabolism as a child.
I'm off to North Dakota on Wednesday for the funeral on Friday. North Dakota in late June is absolutely gorgeous, and I'm looking forward to seeing family members I haven't seen in years. Funerals are for the living, so they say.
5 comments:
Lovely blog. I like that you mentioned you were looking forward to seeing relatives at the funeral. That's generally how I regard funerals -- as an opportunity to spend time with loved ones (while remembering the one who passed away, of course). Sympathies and best of luck in your travels.
I'm sorry to hear about your grandmother. My grandfather is my last living grandparent and he is 94. Every time I call my parents I have to ask "How's Pop?", and one of these times the answer isn't going to be "He's doing pretty well!".
Have a good trip.
So sorry, CB. How wonderful to have had someone like her in your life - good memories will be shared among family and friends this week in North Dakota.
You and your family are in my thoughts.
I'm so sorry Courtney! Grandparents offer such good experiences growing up and memories to last forever. I hope you have a nice visit to North Dakota.
Thanks to everyone for your kind words!
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