Why I love my Grandmother

My sweet Grandmother Hollis passed away this Thursday after a 5 week struggle to recover from open-heart surgery. My heart aches for the loss, but I'm glad to know that she is in a happier place where infections and pulse rate don't mean a thing. I really didn't think it was her time yet, but it reminds me that you never know when it's "time". I've been reflecting on the memories I have of my sweet Grandmother and wanted to share this post so that you might have a tiny glimpse into what made her so special.

Things I remember and love about my Grandmother:

1. She used to bring me little mirrors from the bank when she was a teller. They were just square and slid into a rubbery sleeve. Awesome to a little girl.

2. She could make the best soap bubbles with her hands, and would entertain me with them until I was pruney in my bath.

3. She would always let me have apple jacks or fruit loops for a bedtime snack.

4. She made the best coke-floats.

5. We always worked on puzzles at her house. A Disney World one when we were little, and 1000+ piece ones as we got older. We would spread it out on her dining table and work on it the whole visit.

6. The flowers in her yard were always so pretty.

7. She taught me how to crochet (and I kind of remember how) and would be super patient with our "lessons".

8. She has scenic wallpaper on one wall of her dining room & my cousins and I used to pretend we were painting it. I have recently been shopping around for some similar paper for my foyer.

9. She had a pear tree and would make yummy pear preserves.

10. Walking through her back yard to the post office together. That always felt so neat!

11. She loved all things pink and frilly.

12. Her can-do attitude.

13. She wanted to teach me to smock. Just a few months ago, she gave me a copy of her "Learning to Smock" booklet, along with a pleated piece of fabric to get started on.

14. Speaking of smocking and sewing, she has made no-telling-how-many dresses for me over the years, and has made my daughters some beautiful things that I will treasure forever.

15. She sent cards for every occasion & was usually the first one to arrive. And they were always very pretty (which means they usually had a touch of glitter!).

16. She used to crochet a box full of ornaments for me to share with my classmates. Wreaths around milk jug rings, ice skates using paper clips...I still have them on my tree.

17. She crocheted tiny little baskets to hold candy for wedding favors for me. And I'm sure she tied a perfect little bow on every one.

18. I have a stack of gift tags that she made by repurposing cards. Pinking shears and pretty ribbon make them all new again.

19. Little things like #18 have been a source of inspiration to me. I'm pretty sure I have her to thank for some of my creativity!

20. She loved her family and God.

I am so thankful that we were able to see Grandmother so much more over the past 3/4 years, since moving back in-state. We liked to combine our trip to the Vernon Antique Mall with a visit to Sulligent. Seeing her play with Harper was so special-and amazing that she'd just get down in the floor with her & Logan & Reid. She was more agile than me! Mom would bring her over for some shopping, and she was able to come to my baby shower for Claire. I will cherish my memories of her. A list of 20 doesn't come close to all the loving things she's left me with. Love you Grandmother.