Last week my grandmother passed away. She was 97 years old.
My grandmother and I (taken in 1985 during our trip to Stanley, ID)
She influenced me greatly in her own quiet way. She seemed to always have that optimistic attitude that people often think doesn’t exist and was eager to laugh given any opportunity.
She exercised outside pretty much every day, taking long walks. She was a hard worker from day one too and was super thrifty.
(Her families first car, abt 1920)
She was constantly feeding and comforting you in some way or another and hated to let you leave her home without something in hand.
When she was ready to upgrade to a new car she gave me her old one. It was a beaut! An Oldsmobile Cutlass Cruiser station wagon with wood paneling!
I was starting my second year of college and couldn’t ask for anything better. It was known as the scud missle amongst my friends and took me on many adventures.
I’m so grateful for the influence my grandmother had on me and I’ll never forget how she patted my hand and laughed with her cute little chuckle. And the way she puckered her lips to kiss me on the cheek goodbye.
Until we meet again Grandma Nita! I Love You!
How has your grandparents influenced your life?
grandma, influence, long walks, grandparent
What a lovely tribute to your grandmother, Shawna. I have goosebumps. I too was greatly influenced by my Nana, who lived only a few streets away from me until I left home in my 20′s. Grandmothers are incredibly special, and we, who’ve been blessed to have them will into our adulthood, are privileged to have been given the gift of knowing them adult to adult as well. Mine lived until she was 86, and passed away 10 years ago. I think of her daily, and treasure my memories of her. I’m so sorry for your loss, Shawna, but thankful that you had her in your life for as long as you did. XO
You made me get all teary! What a lovely tribute to your grandma. I didn’t really know any of my grandparents, we lived to far away from them, but I am looking forward to the day I can meet them again and really get to know them.
@Jackie Thanks so much for your kids words! Grandmothers are incredibly special and I think, like you, I’ll think of mine daily!
@Linda for not knowing your grandparents very well you sure know how to be a great one! LOVE YA!
Shawna– I love these pictures! Especially the first one of the two of you. I am so glad that you knew your grandma so well and had a good relationship with her–that really is a treasure.
Sadly I did not have a close relationship with my grandparents. Happily that is not the case with my own child. My mother and daughter have a very close relationship and love each other dearly. Thank you for sharing, your grandmother sounds like a very wonderful woman.
I’m sorry to hear that Kim. I’m glad to hear you’ve made that relationship a priority for you kids though!
Sorry to hear about your grandma. I knew that pic was in Stanley before I even read where is was. Love your website-I laughed my head off seeing us in front of the scud! Love ya lady and keep em coming!