“A grandmother’s love is forever and always.“ This quote (author unknown) rings true in my heart when I think of our dear grandma sweeten. As a little girl I remember many sunny days spent tumbling off her brick porch. All star wrestling matches on the lawn with my sisters, brother, and cousins.
I fondly recall so much love and joy when spending time at grandmas house. As well as a lot of scorching days spend in the sun helping weed flower and garden beds. Grandma would often come to the rescue with refreshing cold beverages. Or we would spend an evening together while she taught me how to make my favorite soup from her recipe book; potato leek.
“a garden of love grows in a grandmother’s heart” -unknown
I’m so grateful for the time I got to spend with her, learning from her. She was so wise and full of inspiration. I have leaned on her often these past years, and she would listen to me and sometimes help me come up with a solution to a problem or see a situation from a new perspective. She made space in her office room for me to use her sewing machine for my business projects and she liked to sit with me while I sewed and ask me questions and just talk. Sometimes about certain topics, other times more casual or with a genuine interest in what I was working on. She always encouraged me to use my creativity and her interest in my projects gave me confidence.
“grandmothers always have time to talk and make you feel special.” -Catherine Pulsifer
“a grandma is warm hugs and sweet memories.” -Barbara Cage
“a grandmother is a safe haven.” -Suzette Haden Elgin
“grandparents are like stars; you don’t always see them, but you know they’re always there” -unknown
“grandma’s hold our hands for just a short while, but our hearts forever.” -unknown
Grandma often enjoyed walks with us to the park. When I went back to work last winter, grandma spent a lot of time with my children, her great-grandsons and assisted my father in their care, reading them books and going with them on many walks. Though my youngest Hallas, does not say much yet, he communicates in other ways. He is not a particularly cuddly boy, but when grandma was sitting in her chair visiting with him, he would climb on her lap and relax into her arms. My older son Raegar, is much more expressive, he enjoyed making special chocolate-carob milk shakes and sharing them with grandma. He would often go into grandmas room and request her assistance in calling his mom and grandma was always happy to oblige him. She would speak to me often about how much she loved having them near. On many occasions she described to me in great detail how impressed she was with Raegar’s imagination and creativity. She gave me so much encouragement and reassurance that I was doing a “good job” and I am grateful to her for that. Motherhood has and can be challenging at times. She knew that better than anyone. Her frequent vote of confidence really helped to alleviate my self doubts. I know my sons adore her as much as I do. We are so blessed to have a grandmother who was so compassionate, warm and inviting, intelligent, talented and beautiful.
Til’ we meet again, We love you Grandma.
“When I was a little boy, I talked with Grandma Sweeten everyday. She was my favorite.” -Raegar (age 5)
Beautiful, April. I thought I was done having tears come. But, you got me, again. However, I think that these are more joyful ones, and less sorrowful. You are doing a great job. I am proud of you in so many ways.