Those of us closest to grandma know she is addicted. We have grown up in the shadow of this stronghold in her life. All of her children, grandchildren and now great-grandchildren are aware of the 7:00pm hour and what it does to her. We have only made the mistake once, if ever, of calling at that time.
Her obsession….’The Wheel of Fortune.’
This picture is of my husband Paul and Grandma playing a round of the game while family looked on. Grandma wanted to prove that at 87yrs old, she is still top dog. Paul went along with the fun and sat staring at her, while whispering loudly (remember she is pretty deaf), “I am getting into your head Mary!” The rest of us were rolling with laughter, when after one round, the clue was ‘Showbiz’ and the answer was supposed to be ‘Outtakes and Deleted Scenes’, my grandma blurted out, “Cattles and Deleted Smenes!” (Yes, that word was 'Smenes' pronounced 'Smeanies')
(My aunt taking pictures of Grandma with a few of her 'great-granz' as she calls them.)My brother-in-law Eric and my sister Jennifer orchestrated this family event. You see since my mom died, seven years ago, we have really not been back to celebrate holidays with our extended family. Most contact with our cousins, aunts and uncles lives has been through our Grandma, via the telephone. On the drive in yesterday morning, I realized just how emotional it is for me to come back for a holiday visit. I cried quite a bit on the way in. Wondering to myself, “What the heck is wrong with me? Where are all these tears coming from?” All the while knowing what it was. Every thought in my head was of my mom and the holiday memories I had experienced for the first 33 years of my life. They were ALL at my grandma’s house. After we all got there, my grandma said to me over and over, “This is the best day of my life. I wish it would never end.”
(This is a picture of us cousins. The cousins that weren't able to be there...well, someone thought to grab 20yr old pictures of them so they could be included in the photo too!)Going back to grandma’s yesterday was such a blessing. There was such joy. We laughed SO MUCH!!! The only sadness in the day was that my youngest sister and my mom’s youngest sister couldn’t make it with their families. I was so grateful that Eric and Jen pulled us all together. I pray our future holds many more opportunities to hang out at my addicted grandma’s house, as a family.
"Behold I am making all things new..." Rev.21:5
9 comments:
You have brought tears to my eyes with this post. I think of my Dad and how he was the true patriarch of our family---he held us together---brought us together---and now he is gone..how hard it is to go home now.....
Lill
It was a beautiful day and Grandma thoroughly enjoyed herself as well as the rest of us. It was so nice to have everyone together. We need to make this a tradition as time goes by too quickly fo us not to get together.
Love,
Aunt Judy
"someone thought to grab 20yr old pictures?" At least give credit where credit was due. At least give credit to your brilliant younger brother! It was a great time, me and Bonnie had a great time.
That is both hilarious (Grandma's addiction) and so sweet about your awesome day together. What great memories for you and your kids getting together with extended family. I wish ours could get together more often, too! Glad you all had a good turn-out.
What a great post - I liked seeing the pictures and I think your Grandma sounds like I would love her!
What a lovely post. How very special for your Grandmother. (my grnadmother loved the Wheel too!)She must have felt so blessed that day and even though the pain of losing someone can be great, managing to still love and be loved is the best decision you can make. Gob Bless. :)
Joy
Hi friend. Loved your holiday post. How great to have the family all together once again.
I wanted to tell you that we did the tablecloth with ALL sides of our family. Mine, Paul's and here in Florida. It's a hit. Thank you so much for helping us begin a new tradition.
Love you.
Joanne...
That was just awesome for you and your family! I got teary-eyed reading about it. I think I've become very sentimental and emotional as I grow older. That is a memory that you will tuck in your heart and hold so close for a very long time! It was just a beautiful day and time together.
Thanks for sharing. Sweet, sweet!
Hugs~
Fran
That sounds like so much fun!!
I love spending time with my grandma!
She says the funniest things and is so honest it cracks me up!
I love the idea of taking the picture with the photos of the missing family members!
God bless,
Kim
Post a Comment