Remembering

My sweet, Italian Grandma passed away on Sunday morning.  She was 90, and I was sad for me when she finally went.  She was always my favorite Grandma, and I'm pretty sure I was her favorite too.  And if all the other grandkids felt the same way, then she did her job well. 
I remember rocking with Grandma in the rocking chair next to the stove on cold mornings.  I remember spending my first night away from home with her, and then declaring that if she didn't take me home RIGHT THEN, that I would walk!  I am just as stubborn as she was.  Was...that feels so strange to write. 

My Grandma was raised by her Italian grandparents from the age of two, when her mother was tragically killed in a house fire here in Ogden.  She had no memories of her mother.  I wonder at the reunion that must have been.  I firmly believe that when you die, your Mommy comes and gets you. 

My Grandma sang songs and hummed at the time.  She crocheted and made all kinds of fun things, which she delighted in giving away.  She was a lover of babies.  I remember the first time I brought a baby to her.  Halle was only a few weeks old, and I came to visit my mom and dad.  We took Halle to my Grandparent's house and I brought her inside in her carseat with a blanket over her.  A blanket that my grandma had crocheted around the edges of.  I set the carseat on the kitchen counter and with my grandma anxiously standing next to me I whipped off the blanket with a ceremonious "TA DA!"  There was my tiny, gorgeous baby and my grandma said "Ohhhhh.  Get her out!"  I was so proud to show Halle off, and my grandma's reaction didn't disappoint. 

My grandma always told me that she loved me.  She always hugged and kissed me.  She taught me how to play cards and to play pat a cake.  She was happy, and full of love.  I loved her very much, and I am so grateful that I had so many years with her.  I am grateful my kids had a Nana who loved them.  She was kind and generous.  I will miss her very much.