i’m not really sure how to start this post…
…how to even attempt to sum up the life that was my grandmother’s.
she went home to be with Jesus, my grandfather, father, and mother last friday afternoon.
and i miss her.
i miss the conversations.
the small little laughs.
her embellishing stories.
the crooked smile.
the wisdom.
the genuine compassion and peace that came from just sitting with her.
her class.
and etiquette.
being soft spoken yet stern.
her beauty.
there are so many memories i have with her and my grandfather.
the many nights/weekends/weeks spent out at their property.
chasing dalmatians and staying out to watch the sun set on the water and marsh.
running down the dock full speed to jump into the river.
climbing trees and getting lost.
toasted cinnamon raisin bread with peanut butter slathered all over it for breakfast – and maybe sneaking a little cup of coffee into the river room.
nights full of stories.
and quiet.
and crickets.
and staring at the stars laying in the grass.
yard work on yard work
and dirty feet from running down the oak-lined avenue.
my grandmother calling us for dinner
and my grandfather making sure our hands were washed.
the fireplace crackling in the winter.
the absolute quiet of a house without the need for being sucked into wifi and tv.
books on books on books and sharing the fiction stories we were immersed in.
the creaking of the stares climbing up to bed.
our countless conversations of what the future holds.
the questioning of the direction i’m heading.
her re-assuring me that God has a plan.
the “hello amy, this is grandmother, i just want to tell you i love you” voicemails i still have.
the joy she had when my brother came home on break and sat with her.
the truly calming presence that she gave.
there was something different about her.
something mysterious and full of class.
stories you know she held onto and smirked to throughout random parts of the day.
the almost ringing quality of her voice that sounded like bells throughout the house.
the stern eye when you stepped a toe out of place.
the affectionate hugs and hand holds.
mary ann lived a beautiful 82 years.
she traveled with my grandfather while he was in the air force.
she had parties.
danced.
raised two awesome children.
and knew how to decorate…man she knew how to decorate.
she loved the Lord and walked quietly.
all while carrying a little mischievous smirk.
i’m still learning more about her life.
the adventures she went on, the childhood she experienced, the true awesomeness that is our lineage.
i’m blown away by the life she lived.
and the memories people hold of her, i can’t wait to keep learning.
my gosh she was incredible.
i’m so thankful for the many conversations i had with her.
and i’m so sad i will no longer have them.
it still doesn’t seem very real…but we’re processing.
and i feel that this post doesn’t even do an ounce of justice to how much i love her and respect her.
how much joy i have for her and how much sadness i have that she is no longer here.
i love you grandmother.
thank you for your wisdom.
your love.
your passion and sweet words.
for the life you lived and the lives you brought into this world.
my goodness you will be missed.