Tuesday, September 18, 2012
Dear, Sweet, Tough and Tender GG:
My dearest Grandmother, what can I say?
My memories are so many…. We have been sooo blessed to share so much over the years that we had together. I am sharing this letter with you and with others who care to read it because I know I am not the only one with wonderful memories to share.
So, here I go:
I remember being very young when you and Grandpa used to take us for a bit in the summer to give Mom and Dad a break. We always had soooo much fun! There were outings to Kasshabog Lake, which we called Kassha - booga - bog! We silly kids had to get the "booger" thing in somehow. lol.
Of course in those days we did not call you GG. You were Nannie to us then and Grandpa Sam, as he was later known, was simply Grandpa.
I recall there was a summer market, I'm not exactly sure where it was, but it was a bit of a drive.
Back in those days loading everyone into the car for an outing for ice cream or a day excursion was a huge treat and a sort of mini-vacation. On this occasion, we were headed to the market because the plums were in season. Kim, Karyn and I were loaded into the back of the car chanting… "We're going to get some bums; we're going to get some bums!" This went on for a bit and we three giggled and giggled until the deep baritone voice of Grandpa told us to stop. "Here now you girls, stop that!" Back in the day good girls didn't use such language!! Well being good girls, of course we stopped. I do, however, recall that I caught Grandpa's face in the rearview mirror and there was a light-hearted sparkle of amusement in his eyes.
There were a couple of instances of summer visits with you and Grandpa that I recall vividly… both of course because things went a bit off course. ;).
I will share one story now:
You and Grandpa were living at Kelly Road. I was always right pleased that you built your brand new dream home on Kelly Road. I truly wish the municipality could have got the spelling right. lol. The view was spectacular up on the hill and the walk down the hill to the water was a great hike. We enjoyed that hike many times…. In those days it was safe for young girls to go hiking without parental supervision!!!
Anyway, I believe it was one of our first visits to the new house. We were really excited to be there. You had no grass on the front yard and had just seeded it. It was a really hot day and we begged you to put the sprinkler on. You finally conceded and we were allowed to have the sprinkler on, but, there was a stern warning that we needed to be mindful of the new grass.
Ummmm… well…. we silly girls got under the sprinkler… forgot the stern warning… and ran and jumped and frolicked under the sprinkler cooling off and revelling in the freedom…. until…. you looked out the window. YIKES!!! I saw that look!!!! lol. Next thing I knew you were calling us in and you looked exceptionally unhappy (royally pissed is more like it!!!). lol.
We three were covered in mud up to our hips and the new grass was trampled beyond recognition. As I recall Nannie, you were a bit upset with us for a stretch of time and none too gentle as you bathed our legs and feet before allowing us to enter your new home.
Of course it didn't help that on the same visit we found your fresh window sills on the back of the house overlooking the hill under the upper balcony. I'm not sure whether Kim or Karyn partook, but I was really pleased to carve my initials in the freshly painted wood. Ooops…. yep another infraction!!! lol.
Perhaps not our best visit ever…..
I also remember flying our first kites up on the hill. Laying on my back in the long grass… it was some weird kind of wild grass because there was an aroma that I still associate with it… hmmm…. I think it is called stink weed but I will have to research that one.
My strong, stern, beautiful, kind, loving GG, there are sooo many stories to share. These are but a few of my extraordinarily special recollections.
As I got older (and you did too), our relationship bloomed and became an amazing friendship. You supported me through some very difficult times when my kids were young and my marriage was not what I had hoped for. It was through your guidance and strength that I made it to where I am today.
I also recognized some time ago that the stern, strong woman on the outside had a heart like a marshmallow on the inside. Somehow, no matter what challenges you faced and conquered, you could still "feel" everything. Amazing to me!! I meet so many who shut down after suffering hurts and losses…
I have already missed you in recent years as your disease ravaged your mind, but we continued to hold hands as we faced some tough challenges together in the best way we could.
You are in my heart and in my soul my dearest Nannie.
I will always cherish and carry you with me no matter where my life leads.
All My Love Always Sweetheart,
Kellie
