In loving memory

A few weeks ago, I spent a day with my youngest daughter, and we drove up to my grandparents’ home in Northern Vermont. It was not a traditional visit, as my grandmother passed away just before this past Christmas, and my grandfather now resides in a nursing home. We visited the empty house this time-home to my grandparents for over 55 years, and for my mom for her entire youth-to collect Gram’s shells and bring them home.

My maternal grandmother was an amazing woman. She taught, she stenciled in the Early American style, she hand-made her clever and touching Christmas cards (around 100!) every year, she wrote three family histories, she preached as a lay minister, and spoke to groups about her multiple interests. Her shell collecting was a real passion for her, and she eagerly shared her knowledge with people of all ages.

There is an entire bedroom in her home that was dedicated to shell storage. Boxes of all sizes and varieties held sorted and labeled shells, along with her books and materials for her presentations. While most of the collection was kept upstairs, there were a few treasures that Gram kept on display. A lovely piece of coral and a Nautilus were two that Leslie remembered admiring as a little girl, and she asked to take those home, as well as a beautiful piece of driftwood that Gram had rescued from a Florida beach.

It was a good day, spent with a daughter I love, whose company I enjoy, remembering my grandmother, who was a very special person. While I am grateful that Gram has been freed of her physical suffering, I miss her lots, and I am sorry that I did not make the time in my adult life to spend more time with her. She was and is an incredible inspiration to me, and for that I am deeply thankful.

This week, we will head north again, but this time it is to say our final goodbyes. My mom wanted to be able to share something at Gram’s memorial service with the folks that will be attending, something that they could take with them in memory of her. To that end, Leslie and I designed the bookmark you see here. As Gram was an avid reader and a lover of artistic endeavors (especially those crafted by her grandchildren!), I have no doubt she would have delighted in and marveled at our creation. I smile at her memory, and know that she is smiling down from heaven in return.

Do you have someone in your life for whom you need to make time? I encourage you to contact them today.