Speaking of Grandmothers

I was reading my email this morning and came across information about a contest that was being held by CVS pharmacy about Caregivers. I thought It would be appropriate to share my story here.

My Parents were good people. Very hard working, family oriented people. They made sure we had a good life and in many ways they dragged us up through middle class by their dedication and hard work. We went to private schools and had new clothes twice a year and also went on yearly vacations. My story, however, isn't about my Parents. It is about the woman who cared for my sisters and me every summer and weekend and sick day from school; My Grandmother.

As I said, my Parents were good, but they were alcoholics. Although my Grandmother was dirt poor, had very little in the way of material things, her home was like a haven. We loved going there. My Grandmother was loving and looking back it seems she was full of laughter and in her home and in her care we felt comfort and safety and love. We would be allowed to experiment with baking and cooking which my Mother wouldn't allow because she was afraid we would burn the house down or something. My Grandmother would play baseball with us in her backyard. My Parents sent us to Private School but my Grandmother took us to church.

My Parents home had air conditioning and yet partially by choice, we would spend every summer with Grandma, who had none. Oh, I can remember many nights by the open window praying for the slightest of breezes to come through-and not ONCE did I say I wanted to go home where there was air conditioning. Not once. It never even occurred to me. As poor as my Grandmother was, I never realized it. We ate well, we played often and we were safe and loved.

This continued throughout my life and luckily, my oldest Son got to know his Great-Ma (which is what we called her) and he grew to love her just as much. She absolutely adored my Son. I can remember she would sing to him (singing is not something our family is well known for) and he would just start bawling! She would laugh and start to sing again.

As my Grandmother got older, she was afflicted with Arthritis. We were aware of it but she never really made too big of a deal about it. Looking back, I realize how much pain she was in. I can honestly say that until her last day, Grandma put us first. At one point, she had had a stroke, a leg amputated, her diabetes was out of control and she was facing another surgery. We literally had to sit down beside her before surgery and tell her it was okay if she was tired and wanted to go home to be with the Lord. We told her she had done a wonderful job with us and she need not worry about us if she wanted or needed to leave. Grandma didn't leave us just then, but it was soon after. I honestly believe she was holding on for us. Her life had been a hard one and I know that in more ways than one she went through hell. Yet, when I remember her, I remember the smiles, the laughter, and the fun. My Grandmother was one of the greatest influences of my life and I hope my own Grandchildren think of me in somewhat the same light.

Thanks for reading.

By the way, if you post your story on the link I gave you, you have a chance to win $10,000 - 25,000. Thought I'd let you know.