Reflections on Grandma Minnesota - which was how our children delineated between Rindy's Mom Bettie and my mom June.. I asked the kids to share their thoughts and determined that posting them might allow them, the memories to live longer. (if you want to edit let me know)
Mackey
Mackey
One of my favorite memories of grandma is from when I was little like maybe ages 6-10. For some reason I'd be at grandma's for an extended period of time in the evening. No memory of anyone else being there so I guess you guys abandoned me for long periods of time as a child or something. Anyways, at these long nights grandma taught me how to play solitaire. First we started with just normal solitaire but each time this happened she changed what version of solitaire we'd play to make it a little harder. In retrospect, considering she's a gamer she was probably cheating and changing the rules but my mind didn't really gather that and it was still fun.
Most nights we watched the news but sometimes we'd watch Disney channel if I could build up the courage to ask to change the channel to 44. But since we mostly watched the news we saw a lot of weird stuff. I remember one night when something came on and the reporter mentioned the word "nude". I had to ask grandma what it meant and she explained it to me. And for some reason that's the night of solitaire I remember the most and it's not like I frequently forget the definition of nude so I don't know what my subconscious is trying to tell me but whatever.
Mostly though we talked about whatever tragedies my young soul was going through at the time. Probably wasn't that deep, but she listened to me nonetheless. Sometimes I'd ask her about her life and she'd tell me stories. My favorite story she'd tell was about the time she burned her hands cooking with her sister. I remember seeing the marks on her hands that were still there years later and staring in wonder. Anyways, it's still one of my favorite stories.
Parker
For me it is just how much I connect with grandma when it comes to our humor and how we see the world. My favorite memories are the classic car rides to lunch or dinner where we would just laugh with each other and I turned her "ghetto" once. My most favorite memory was how she embraces my personality. Greatest example is her and I dancing in the kitchen. She is always checking to make sure that everyone had what they needed. Even when we moved she would bring home leftovers for me. Whenever we were there she would always offer food or anything. She is the perfect example of service, charity, and of course the extreme competitive gene that we all have. I LOVE GMA!!!
Brigham
I've thought about spending summer days in the pool, stopping by their home all the time during high school - card games, orange slices, and ginger ale - calling grandma every day while walking home from college, quick rushed trips from Chicago up to WI up to MN and back every time I was in the Midwest for longer than a week. I thought of how no matter which of the three houses of theirs I visited, they were always home to me. I always felt comfortable to take off shoes, give a hug, open the fridge, and flop on the couch. She has been one of my best friends. Always asking about my dating life, yet in a way that never ever made me uncomfortable. Just felt loved, thought of, and dreamed over. Today I wondered about how after she dies, how she will see Grandpa, Jodean, her parents, siblings, and friends and be so happy. Then, after while they'll give her an update on all of her children and grandchildren. When she gets to me, I pictured her going, "He's working for who?! doing what?! where?!" And then being told who my wife would be, approving of her, and then rolling up her sleeves and saying, "allright, you three grandparents have had your time to hook him up, now let's all four do this together, it's about time!"
Blair
Favorite memories....I'm just gonna start writing and see where it goes
1. Most of my memories of grandma are from ages 12-18 when we (usually Dad and I) would stop by G&G's house after some activity (mutual, basketball, etc...). I don't have a great story, but I remember always feeling welcomed and at home.
2. X-mas was always a special time of year in Plymouth. Seeing grandma on Christmas day and swinging by her house was always a treat. I can still think of all the decorations and trains. I think she always loved xmas more than any other holiday.
3. I'm very glad June met June. I can still remember her disbelief that we actually named our daughter June and she thought that was silly. Kinda the same reaction with Dean's name. I think and I hope she enjoyed having someone named in her honor.
4. We spend so much time at Grandma's pool. Although, I don't think I ever saw her swim once...literally. She was always outside on the patio watching, talking, maybe even having a snack ready.
5. I remember going to brunch in Chicago with Grandma on Sunday. I loved that brunch. I loved being there with the family. And I love the example that set for family first.
Those are the top 5 that come to mind.
