Mater was my grandmother, my dad's mom. She and I had a very special relationship, especially since I am the only granddaughter. She taught me to cook and sew. She paid me to pick the dandelions out of her yard. (We were also paid .01 per bone in fish - this was to ensure we would slow down and look for the bones.) I stayed with her when I had the chicken pox in second grade. I was even with her one night, sleeping, when she had to call the paramedics - she went to the hospital and I went to my other grandparents'.
These are the things I remember.
Sewing on an old, wood, Singer. Learning to cook granola. How much she cherished the created world and poetry.
These are snapshots I carry of her.
The last Christmas present I every received from her was a brown, Gund, teddy bear. I still sleep with Teddy.
She died when I was nine.
There are times where I ache to have known her as an adult. To be able to sit and have adult conversations. I only have the perspective of a little girl and the grandmother I adored.
I do still have one thing. When my dad was in middle school he made a heart pendant for her in shop. It is clear plastic with a seam of red down the middle and hangs on a red velvet ribbon. I wear it every Valentine's Day.
Lovely. The treasures we carry of the ones we miss are so important. I'm glad you captured Mater in this slice.
ReplyDeleteRuth
What a beautiful love story of your grandmother.
ReplyDeleteSo sweet, the list of things you remember. I loved my grandmothers dearly and had such good times with them. I'm glad you did too although it wasn't long. The necklace is really special.
ReplyDeleteThat is so sweet. How lovely that you remember her by wearing it every year on Valentine's Day.
ReplyDeleteI lost my grandfathers when I was 12 years old. Even as the years pass, I still have the fondest memories, but of course, they're through the eyes of a little girl.
What wonderful memories. I love the pendant as a symbol of carrying love for her with you -- and it's even neater because it's a piece of your dad as well. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful treasure to have. And to have the memories too--precious! Thanks for sharing this story--it made me think of my own grandmothers
ReplyDeleteI too was reminded of my love for my grandmothers and the many gift they gave me through their teachings. The baking lessons, crocheting, such lovely memories.
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful legacy and remembrance. I had one of my favorite aunts die when I was nine. I wonder, too, how different my life would have been if she were still around. Wonderful memories. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteYour post really speaks to me. I think about my grandmother so much. I like having little things that I know she touched, like spools of thread. I know the ache you wrote about.
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