She is 86 and lived the most wonderful life filled with joy, adventures, and laughter. She was always the life of every party. Well, she and my grandpa. No offense to my other grandparents, but they were the fun grandma and grandpa.
When I was little, we would go with grandpa in his big work truck all the way to their house and spend weekends--sometimes just us, sometimes with mom and papa, too. But on those occasions when we would go- just us, we knew it would be the most special time. Grandma would make sure there were all our favorites in the kitchen-- papaya juice, sweet cereal, M&Ms, Doritos! We'd have pizza for dinner with pepperoni & mushroom and chocolate milk to drink (a grandpa favorite!), or if it was the season we'd have strawberry shortcake for dinner (my favorite!). There was always a game to be played around the kitchen table or a pool to be swum in until it was time for a movie and popcorn before bed. She'd kiss us goodnight and say sweet dreams. Then we'd wake up and find fancy donuts for breakfast to eat while watching all the cartoons. Until we'd be swept away to go swim or to a fun activity elsewhere.
Always fun. Especially the treats since my mom was a whole 30ier before her time. For the love, I didn't connect that you could buy bread at the store until 2nd grade because it was always homemade at home!
Then in middle school, due to some wonky circumstances with Papa's job, mom, alex and I moved in for a few months while the dust settled. Grandma was part of the everyday. As I would walk to school, her pals would wave at me. Her BFF was the referee at my games. Grandma was at ALL of the games! Always. She was always our biggest fan (and we come from a family of fans!). Junior High is not the nicest part of life, so they witnessed my authentic self (read: brat!), but remained my fan everyday. Always.
As I aged, they moved full time to Florida, which provided a great getaway for me, for friends. The door was always open. We were always welcome and wanted. That never changed.
When I (finally!) brought my guy. The guy that I finally decided was worth meeting, she was beyond thrilled. She loved him before they met because I did. No questions asked. He walked right in and she kissed him and hugged him like he was her own. Even when he and gramps cheated at cards, she loved him!
While she is still with us, her days are numbered, maybe to hours. And when her light goes out, the world will know. We will cheers to her in heaven and drink a giant margarita in her honor.
I do hope I can go and hold her hand one more time before it's her time to go. Maybe look up the words to one of the silly songs she would sing to me and sing it to her
A - you're adorable
B- You're so beautiful
C- you're a cutie pie
D- You're delightful
E- You're exciteful
F-..... I don't remember, but maybe I can figure out.
Cheers to you, Grandma for always finding the fun. I will laugh with you always.
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