My G'ma Gertrude (my Daddy's Momma) passed away early this morning. My heart is broken. Although I could probably count the times I actually got to see her, I loved her dearly. I cherish the memories of traveling to West Virginia to visit my Grandma...climbing the rock and brick steps up the side of the steep driveway to her house on the hill...the smell of food cooking in the kitchen...playing on the hill outside...going to the store across the road for candy and bottles of Nehi...listening to the stories about my family...deciding where and with whom we were all going to sleep in the big house on the hill.
Grandma was a courageous, spirited woman with a lot of love to give. She was also a stubborn woman, so don't mess with G'ma or her family. She was a determined woman who knew what she wanted and did what she wanted, so even if you were lucky enough to BE her family, you STILL don't mess with G'ma.
As I got older, the trips became less frequent and more cherished. Almost 3 years ago, the whole family (or most of us) got together to celebrate Grandma's 90th birthday. It was a bittersweet time, because I knew it could very well be the last time I would see her.
I was lucky enough to go back this last October for what would be my last visit to see my Grandma. She's no longer in the house on the hill. She's been in a nursing care facility for the last 3 to 4 years. I've seen many, many facilities like this and very few good ones, but I have to say I was happy with my Grandma's "home". Although, she was confused at times, she was alert and still eating solid food (which is a huge thing to me). She was happy for the most part, although she got PO'd a couple of times in her confusion. She was receiving excellent care, which is probably due to the fact that my cousin, Beth is in charge of her care...and just like Grandma, don't mess with Beth.
I agree with my sister, who said, "I pride myself on the fact that I generationally came from this woman and I will carry something on that only came from her."
RIP Grandma. I love you and as yours and Grandpa's stone says,
"Someday We Shall Meet And Never Part."
