That’s What Grandma Was Made Of

As you’ll see, I’m NOT a poem writer. But last night I couldn’t sleep and these words came to me. I remember my Uncle Dave’s funeral. I was 10. I got so upset, I collapsed in the hallway. My dad picked me up and carried me. But I was 10. I don’t remember if my heart physically hurt.

I was a Grandpa’s girl from the start. He was the first one to hold me when I was born. My Grandpa Hassler’s funeral was the day I was born. So if I’m remembering the story correctly, my dad went from me being born, and straight to his father’s funeral. And now it will be 5 years ago this September since my Grandpa passed away. I’ve felt deep sadness before. But that’s the first time I can remember my heart physically hurting.

And now my Grandma. We rejoice that she’s in Heaven. She’s now reunited with Grandpa and Dave. But my heart, once again, physically hurts. As much as you see a Grandparent get older, and you know death is inevitable (although last summer Grayson declared that Grandma GG was going to live until 105!), you can never really prepare yourself for the emptiness you feel once they’re gone.

Whether your loved ones are young or old. Healthy or sick. We never know when they, or you, will be called Home. So hug those you love and cherish every memory you have with them…

Cinnamon and sugar on your toast or warm rice pudding with cream of course.

That’s what Grandma was made of.

Saturday hair appointments at Ruby’s shop, sweeping up the hair and rolling up her perm, is it backcombed enough? Will it stay until next week? I can’t wait to see!

That’s what Grandma was made of.

Sitting at the bay window, “look! a blue jay, a robin, oh there’s a cardinal! But what’s that one? Let’s pull out the bird book and take a look!”

That’s what Grandma was made of.

Picking strawberries in her garden, and pulling up weeds. Ohhhh! Lets see how big my sunflower has gotten!

That’s what Grandma was made of.

Now it’s time to pick apples from the apple tree. Let’s pick out which head scarf you want to wear, and clogs too! Now find your bucket and off we go. We’ll peel them and place them in a bucket full of water, now what should we make? Applesauce sounds like just the ticket!

That’s what Grandma was made of.

“Manda, let your brothers and Grandpa know their lunch (or midday snack) is ready. Go ring the bell.” The ring would go far, and up the hill or out of the woods…they’d come out of nowhere. It’s time to eat so there they are!

That’s what my Grandma was made of.

It’s time to take our summer trip to Nebraska. Just Grandma, Grandpa, and me. Do I get to sit up front in the middle seat? Oh I can’t wait to see!…I’m so excited! I’m still little enough to sit up front on the middle console seat, but now I have to buckle my seatbelt or I have to buy everyone an ice cream treat!

That’s what Grandma was made of.

Time to come up from playing in the glory hole, it’s time for Jeopardy. Then let’s eat quick because Wheel of Fortune is on at 6!

That’s what Grandma was made of.

It’s now my birthday! Oh I can’t wait to see, the reused card from nineteen-seventy that’s she’ll send to me! Signed by non other then Granny M.

That’s what my Grandma was made of.

Patch work quilts made of old button down shirts. And placemats made of old Christmas cards. The bread is gone but we don’t let the bag be gone, we reuse them for old scraps. Any gristle from the chicken, apple or carrot peels, or bread crumbs at the bottom of the bag, we never toss out! We put in a dish and feed to the deer that may come out!

That’s what Grandma was made of.

Are you a part of the clean plate club? You can do it! Then you can have ice cream! There’s ALWAYS room for ice cream! All it does is fill in the cracks.

That’s what Grandma was made of.

Sunday’s were made for church, and coffee hour of course…”Grandma! Grandpa has been waiting in the car for 15 minutes, let’s go! It’s time to go to the Cracker Barrel!”

That’s what Grandma was made of.

I’ve got to lay down and rest a bit, but I can’t let these bones get stiff, so I’ll lay down and do my arm exercises, and I can’t rest too long…I have to walk laps around the house just to keep this body moving along.

That’s what Grandma was made of.

She got a bit older. She slowed down just a tish. And then would tell me, “Your mom does too much. Manda, you need to slow down. I don’t know how you do it all. You need to take care of that little body God gave you.” And you remind her…the apple doesn’t fall too far from the tree. She’s done WAY more than me.

Grandma, your work here is done. You’ve put in your time. Heaven gained a spitfire today. I’m sure everyone up above clearly sees.

Wishbone wishes, Eskimo kisses and I Love You’s…That’s What My Grandma Was Made Of ♥️