In Memory...

This is my Mom's Mom. My Mom is a lot like her - in all the good ways (of course, I never really knew the BAD ways, so maybe that's not fair...) but... This past week has brought several "shoulda-coulda-woulda" thoughts when it comes to my Grandma. If I had known that her time on earth was as limited (although 85 is really NOT limited in the short term.) I "woulda" done a lot more. I "shoulda" sent a card or called or visited when I had the chance. I "coulda" been a better grand-daughter and sent her this picture (for example). And all of those regrets that I have about my relationship (or lack thereof) I "woulda" done differently if I had only known.

On November 7, 2009, my Grandma Ardella Jensen "Graduated". She'd been sick for a long time, so her passing is a blessing for her. It may be a little hard for me for a little bit - harder, I'm sure, for my Mom (whom I love dearly and hope that she knows that). HOWEVER... I've had several good memories that I'd like to share about Grandma Jensen.

First: She grew up during Depression times, so she saved EVERYTHING. And I do mean everything. My brother has stories about ice-cream that she'd had since Dirt was young. I have learned from her to save important things and let the rest go.

Second: As a child, we ALWAYS opened the present from Grandma Jensen on Christmas Eve. You never knew what you were going to get, but you always knew that she was trying to get something for everyone on her very limited funds. For example: Harlequin Romance Novels for the girls; Barbie Dolls for two sisters who were well PAST Barbie Doll age; Cutting Boards from the Dollar Store (tag still attached) and which I still use; and one of my personal favorites - a Tootsie Pop for a Great-Granddaughter who was not quite two months old. She may have been a little stretched for money and not really known what to get us, but we always had a blast opening the presents and knowing that she loved us.

Two Dollars. Every year for my birthday until there got to be too many of us and she couldn't afford it any more. I still have a two dollar bill that she gave me.

Thanksgiving at Grandma and Grandpa Jensen's house where we put puzzles together with Aunt Carol and loved the visit - I remember the drive with all of us children stuffed into the back (and anywhere we'd fit) of the car and listened to Radio Stories (some of which scared the tar out of me...)

Orange Doilies that Grandma crocheted. And a shawl that Savannah now wears. And all the love that she showered on us. Grandma was always excited to see us when we came to visit - even when I came as an adult.

So. While I miss the opportunties that I DIDN'T take and could have, I dearly loved my Grandma, although I didn't realize how much until she was gone.

I'm grateful to have known her. I'm thankful for the time on this earth that she had. She was a faithful temple goer while she could go, and I will be forever thankful for her example of righteousness.

Grandma... I know that you're no longer in pain. I know that you're in a better place and hopefully know how much we love and appreciate all that you did for our family. After all, without you, we wouldn't have the Mom that we have. May our memories of you be good and our sorrow short.