GRANDMA

Some of my earliest memories of Grandma are trying to simply keep up with her as we hoofed it through the streets of Toronto.
A woman on a mission.
What would it be today? To find a deal at the local Thrift store? To get some fresh produce at the market? Or to get to the ferry in time to make it to Centre Island ?
Without knowing it she taught me life lessons that shaped who I am today.
She taught me the value of a dollar and how to find a good deal without skimping on quality. She was a woman with style.
She taught me to keep putting one foot in front of the other even when you think you don’t have another step in you.
Grandma made a point of making special memories with each of her grandchildren . You knew how much she cherished each one by the display of photographs tucked into each corner of her tiny apartment. I could close my eyes now and see the picture of sweet little clasped hand Erin, and the photo of Aunt Marilyn with a new born Ryan that graced her dresser. We all had a special place, as did her Great Grandchildren that followed.
She taught me the importance of family.
And while on the topic of her dresser, we all ran for that bottom drawer filled with toys and books didn’t we? That is if we could make it past Pumpkin her cat, who didn’t share Grandma’s affection for us.
A woman giving up a drawer for anyone else speaks volumes!
Something that I didn’t fully appreciate until I was much older.
She taught me sacrifice.
It was the early 80’s and the Cabbage Patch craze was in full swing. People actually held up transport trucks carrying the dolls to get their hands on one of these coveted babes. Cyndy and I were desperate for a doll that Christmas, but we lived in a tiny town of 5,000 where there were no department stores. Not to mention the price of one was hefty that year.
It looked hopeless.
As usual on Boxing day we went to see Grandma and Grandpa to exchange gifts.
As you have probably already guessed there was a doll for each of us that had been hunted down and chosen with care. Apparently, she fought the line ups for hours to create that special moment for us.
She taught me patience and dedication.
A Woman who crafted the art of great cooking, there was always a heavenly aroma coming from the kitchen that spoke comfort.
I wish I could say she taught me the art of cuisine!!!
Whenever mom and dad went away she would come and spend the week taking care of Cyndy and I. It was at that time I learned the importance of scrubbing behind your ears until they are red raw, and rearranging kitchen cabinets. ;)
She taught me cleanliness and organization.
I am so thankful that my son Kai, was able to form a special bond with his G.G. and that a few weeks ago Grandma was able to visit us at our home and meet Miss Cliodhna.
It was a beautiful day.
We sat out on the deck, sipping lemon water while she took it all in
. She was full of compliments on my decorating, my cleanliness, my skirt ( a Winners bargin), my children, and of me.
How fitting that those very things all stem from lessons I had learned from her. And how proud I am to know she could see each one in me.
She taught me encouragement.

So today, may I encourage you to reflect on the lessons she taught you,
for her legacy is each of us.
Thank you God for those precious lasts.
That last day,
That last lesson,
and that last hug.