I mentioned earlier that I felt bad that I didn’t stand up and say anything about my Grandma at her services. It’s true that I did not know her well, but still it’s my Grandma, right? I should have said something.
It’s been gnawing at me a little all week. I’ve been thinking about what I could have, and should have, said.
If I could go back, here’s what I’d say…
“I regret that I didn’t know my Grandma as well as I could have.
From both what you’ve all said today and from the limited time I spent with her I know she was a special woman.
I’m in awe that she dropped out of school in the 4th grade, during the Great Depression, to take care of her eight younger brothers and sisters while her parents were out working.
I think it’s wonderful that she spent countless hours with dying patients, after her 12 hour shift, simply because they were alone and scared and needed someone to hold their hand.
She spent her later years taking care of her young grandchildren, my cousins, and I can see her influence on them, as they’re growing up to be warm, well-mannered, loving young adults.
What I’m most thankful for is the values and morals and caring, sensitive heart that she passed on to my Dad, who passed them on to me, and who I’m doing my best to pass on to my son.
For all of these things I will always be grateful to you. Thank you Grandma. God Bless you.”
Tags: Daily Life, Family, Love
Related posts:
#1 by WeaselMomma on November 14th, 2008
That was very sweet. Sounds like your Grandma was a very special and tough lady who never lost kindness and compassion through the hard times.
WeaselMommas last blog post..CLICK MY ADS!!!!!!
#2 by La Petite Chic on November 14th, 2008
Dan, your grandma sounds like she was such a caring and selfless woman. Thanks goodness to have had someone like her in your life, no matter how well you knew her. Hope you’re hanging in there.
La Petite Chics last blog post..Wii and Wii Fit Giveaway!!!
#3 by R on November 14th, 2008
I think you just said it. And I’m sure she heard it. Don’t beat yourself up over something you couldn’t have been prepared for. Honor her memory and strength by passing on the values you hold dear to Babito and I’m sure she’ll call it even.
#4 by Karen on November 14th, 2008
I know exactly what you mean. I never knew my grandmother, either. She lived in Detroit, and I lived in Georgia. We went to visit one time that I can remember, when I was 7. She died when I was in my mid-30’s. I drove my mother and father to the funeral. I could not understand the funeral service, because it was in a Russian Orthodox Catholic church. I not only didn;t understand russian, I had never been in a Catholic church in my life. I was raised methodist and converted to southern baptist in my 20’s. I wish I had known her, as she immigrated from Austria as a young girl and could have told some very interesting stories. I missed all of that.
Karens last blog post..Project 365 Day 39
#5 by terri on November 15th, 2008
It’s hard to stand up and speak from the heart that way. I can understand your hesitation. But I think it’s wonderful that you put your feelings into words here. I believe your grandma knows how you feel.
terris last blog post..Life is Good – November 14, 2008