Grandmommy

Dearest Grandmommy,

You have been a rock in my life. Unchanging and ever present to love and comfort and play. It is with great pride that I call myself one of yours. I couldn't begin to say what you mean to me there wouldn't be enough words to do that. I don't remember a time when you weren't available to be whatever I needed. There was a time that I popped in while you were getting your hair done, Friday morning, I knew as soon as I walked up I hadn't been thinking. But if I remember correctly, you bought me Taco Bell that day when I came back.

Even when you were working I remember sitting at the pick-nik table with scrap slip and cookie cutters making Christmas ornaments that still hang on my tree. You would threaten a knot on our heads for various reasons but I don't know of one of us that ever got one. What a treat it was when we got to glaze in more than one color. What a tragedy when one broke, which often was the case. We would walk over with hundreds of little tiny pieces in our hands and what seemed like an impossible task; only to return to see our treasure beautifully reconstructed so well you could hardly see the lines. I still have pieces that didn't quite get all the chips retrieved from the crash site but whole they are with evidence of your patience and understanding.

I remember the joy that came after the house burned because we got to spend the whole week at Grandmommy's house. "This is gonna be just like vacation" I thought as I compared it to going to Austin. We spent the week stealing Grandaddy's chair, playing ride the horse-y, and woops-she-got-away while you sat and crocheted or quilted. It met every expectation I had. I learned to crochet at your house. If I remember correctly I crocheted one piece that started out a purse, then a hat, no maybe some house shoes and ended up a doll blanket. Now I use that skill in ministry, and quilt oddly spaced stitches on a project that I probably won't finish in this century.

Every year I think back on how precious those memories are as I dress the bed in Grandmommy's beautiful Christmas quilt. Christmas at Grandmommy's always meant waiting on cameras, followed by literally swimming through wrapping paper. I hated to watch it being picked up. I think of you every season as I change out the throws you've given that lay on the back of the rocker that was yours as well. I remember cutting flowers in your back yard to give to teachers at Bowie. We would get up early and pick the prettiest ones, and you would cut them all, leaving your bushes and beds bare, as we marched to school so proud with your glory. We would come over Saturday's and mow the lawn. Wow, you got a deal! Even in the 80's. But we got Ice Cream, (and pink cookies) so I guess that evened us out a bit. Your house was the place to stop after shopping on that side of town to get a coke and a rest (and pink cookies). I remember when I began to drive, I was able to stop by on my own. I would plan my route in order to take a "facilities" break at Grandmommy's.

While I was sick you washed my hair for the last time. It was in the kitchen sink, that weekend it was put in a braid for the last time. Your house was the quarantine from the flu, I missed "the fam" but what peaceful fun it was, especially to have someone in the house with me all the time. You will certainly remember Houston during radiation; I am still amazed that I didn't give Grandaddy another heart attack when I drove your car. When it was almost over, you came and cleaned my room. It had gotten so out of hand during radiation and hospital stays, I didn't know where to start. You came in and worked diligently and quietly until it was finished, far after I pooped out. That was so precious to me. You were the one when you offered help I knew it was real and sincere, so I was never afraid to take it.

I remember bringing Tim home and explaining Sunday lunch at Grandmommy's. He had no idea. I asked him what he remembered and he told of the first time he went to lunch. How everyone was finished as he reached for seconds, and then thirds, and I said to him "there's dessert." I still remember the look on his face as his eyes got wide and he looked up with his mouth half full, questioning "Dessert?!" I feel certain you remember the same face when you allowed him guardianship over Buddy's camera. With it he has taken countless pictures that will soon stock his blooming photography business. He also remembers how much you took care of him while we lived in Abilene. You were the calm in a storm at that time, especially for Tim.

Your house has always been that; a calm in the storm. It seems that no matter what problems, struggles, or stress I may come to you with, it all just seems to melt away whenever I walk the stepping stones to the door. I know where ever I may be that you are always available with a recipe, a hint from Helloise, or yet another aloe vera plant. One of these days I will keep one of those alive. For us, time stops for a while at Grandmommy's, and all that presses in on us is blocked by the rock of your timeless love and understanding.

This is but a scrap of what you have been in my life. You and Grandaddy have taught me much, I couldn't begin write the legacy you continue to leave in me; it exists in ideals, morals, and graciousness. God has blessed my life with you. I can only hope that my life and my home will someday be for someone, what yours has been for me.

With all my love,
Emily