My Beloved Grandmother, She Lights Up the Moon

Grandma was always one who made sure we were all happy, content, well fed and comfortable, before she herself, would get comfortable. She loves her family, she takes great pride in her children, her grandchildren and her great grandchildren. Her eyes light up, and that beautiful smile forms on her mouth. She is always full of fun, laughter, hope and above all, love.

Going to grandma and grandpa's was always met with excitement. The only place in the world where we could do no wrong, and were always on our best behavior.. just try to tell our grandma differently. I was never ushered out of the kitchen, I was always allowed to help. even if I made messes. I always felt like she truly wanted me there with her. Many an hour was spent, making her famous chocolate chip and walnut cookies. The walnuts more than likely chopped by one of her grandkids in the walnut grinder. Together, we made cinnamon rolls, homemade jam and always on hand, chocolate pudding. Up in the cupboard, she would always have rainbow Neccos candies for us.

She has the patience of a saint. On rainy days she taught me how to play Crazy8's, slap jack and our personal favorite, king's corner. She would sit there with me for hours playing, and I never felt like she'd rather be anywhere but right where she was.

With grandma, you always felt loved, appreciated, and even as a young child, you felt respected. Her eyes shine brighter than any star I have ever seen. She always looks at me, with her eyes filled with pure, unconditional, nonjudgmental love. When you're in her presence, you feel like the most important person around. She loves us each, individually, the best.

I will always think of grandma as one of the most beautiful women in the world. Her heart, her soul, her face, they're beautiful. She lights up the moon.

I have always loved and admired her. The thought never once crossed my mind to disrespect her, talk back to her or raise my voice to her. Even once her hearing was getting bad, and speaking loudly helped her hear us, I still felt like I should apologize for doing it.

I sit here now, in her room, beside her bed. She's asleep and looking so fragile, though I would never think of her as a fragile woman. I will always see her as the strong, vibrant, always feisty, loving compassionate, funny, able and caring woman I grew up to know. Her eyes are gentle, and full of sparkle, I miss that right now. Though I know as soon as she wakes, all of that will still be there.

Sitting with her, while she sleeps, holding her hand, stroking her face, may not help her, but it helps me. Maybe she will feed off of my strength and feel good, even if just for a few moments.

I remember, as a child, when I was sick, she would drive all the way from Aurora to Stayton. Coming through the door equipped with her grandma magic arsenal. Homemade chicken soup, word searches, Popsicles and you guessed it, Necco's. Knowing she was there always made me feel better, it was just her touch.

I love her, probably more than she really knows. She has never made me question whether or not she was proud of who I was, who I was becoming, and who I am today.

She is the grandma, that most people only get to read about in storybooks. I am blessed that I was allowed to grow up with her as mine. I always feel blessed to belong to her. I feel I am who I am today, mostly because of who she is, and how she demonstrated what it is to be a woman of honor, value and respect. She always holds her head high. Never hesitates to look you in the eye and was never afraid to tell you her thoughts or opinions.

She is loved, by so many. I am sure if we were to gather all the people who have been touched some way by her, we wouldn't be able to find a big enough room.

She is an amazing woman. For as long as I live I will never come close to being as great as she is. For as long as I live, I will tell stories about her, to my children, grandchildren and great grandchildren, and to anyone who will listen. Then, she truly will live forever.

I hope, if I do nothing else, that I will become the kind of grandma, or great grandma that she is.

There is no one else like her, and there never will be....