Wednesday, June 08, 2011

Betty Jean

My grandma would have been 81 today.  It's hard to believe she was taken from us over 15 years ago.  To say she was an amazing woman would not only be cliche but wouldn't do her justice.

As a sophomore in high school at the time of her death, I had only begun to know the woman she was.   

At barely five foot and a hundred pounds, my grandma was a spit-fire.  She was at every softball game, music recital, first day of school, picnic...there wasn't anything she'd miss.  Even as her body was deteriorating, she'd fight through the pain to spend one more minute with her grandchildren.

My fondest memories always revolve around summertime.  From extended weekends at the country house without my parents to painting toe nails on the back patio, my grandma loved being outside almost as much as she loved her grandchildren.

She'd spend her days with a beer in her hand, ribs on the grill and a baseball game on the radio.  She was a cool grandma.

It wasn't hard to convince her that we needed to have a sleepover at her house.  I think she found our creative ways of asking quite entertaining.  My grandpa would always go to be early.  Then we'd hang out watching cable television, eating Spanish peanuts and drinking Pepsi. 

She was diagnosed with stomach cancer when I was in grade school.  Being so young, I didn't understand the severity of the word cancer.  This was grandma.  Nothing was going to break her.

In the end, the cancer won.  But she put up a good fight.

She wasn't at my wedding.  She couldn't be there when my children were born.  She didn't hold my hand through the major trials of my life.

But somehow, I know she is here.  Guiding me through life.  Smiling down on me from heaven. 

Happy Birthday, Grandma.  I love you!

9 comments:

Tara R. said...Best Blogger Tips[Reply to comment]Best Blogger Templates

Your grandmother sounds like a wonderful woman, and friend. I'm very sorry for your loss.

Halie said...Best Blogger Tips[Reply to comment]Best Blogger Templates

First I'd like to say thank you for dropping by my post.

I can relate to this story, I lost my grandma when I was 7 and it was something that I never understood that time.

Cheers to your grandma and all those good memories that you have of her. I wouldn't say I'm sorry for your loss, but I would love to say I'm happy for you because you have your grandma alive in your heart, your memories and in your life.

Miss Em said...Best Blogger Tips[Reply to comment]Best Blogger Templates

Wow! *In tears* My Grandma is my favorite person in the world, I understand how important she is too you! Here's to your Grandma, she sounds amazing! x

(P.S. Thanks for you comment)

Shell said...Best Blogger Tips[Reply to comment]Best Blogger Templates

I'm so sorry for your loss- she sounds like an amazing woman!

Kimberly said...Best Blogger Tips[Reply to comment]Best Blogger Templates

I'm so sorry for your loss. Your grandmother sounds like an amazing woman. I lost my grandparents several years ago and they weren't able to physically be here with me through life's milestones. But like you said, I know they're still with me, guiding me.

Came by from PYHO!

Heidi said...Best Blogger Tips[Reply to comment]Best Blogger Templates

She sounds like an amazing woman.

LA Botchar said...Best Blogger Tips[Reply to comment]Best Blogger Templates

I miss my grandma so much. she was the glue that held our big extended family together. She was so many things, a blog comment couldn't possibly describe her adequately....she has passed a strong legacy on to me, and I hope I can live up to it!

Unknown said...Best Blogger Tips[Reply to comment]Best Blogger Templates

This brings a mix of emotions. I'm sad your grandma missed all of those milestones here on earth, but I'm sure she got to see them. My grandma is 86 and running low. I know it's only a matter of time before she leaves us. I hate that.

Your grandma sounds like an amazing woman!

Cyndy Bush said...Best Blogger Tips[Reply to comment]Best Blogger Templates

What a wonderful tribute post. You were blessed to have her even for that short time.