February 24, 2021…sweet Gram gained her Angel wings. It’s hard to believe it’s been five years since she left us. Life has been nonstop without her. Maybe we keep busy so we don’t notice the void she left in our hearts. My Valentine and I took her everywhere we went for over three years. It’s amazing to think of all the memories we made in the five years I was her caregiver. It was a role I will never regret.
When I sit down and think of her, it brings tears to my eyes. And even though I know she has her Angel Wings and she is in Heaven doing amazing work, it still hurts to think she isn’t here. She was 4’10” of toughness, sweetness, and the most positive energy. She would say whatever was on her mind, no matter who was around, which could be embarrassing at times! She remembered all of Grandpa’s basketball players and other students from Alliance College. They would show up at our House down the hill, standing over six feet tall with a bouquet of flowers for her. She would light up, and once they said their name, she knew right where they lived and who they were with. It was amazing to me. Whenever we were on a road trip up and down 95, she pointed out exits and would talk about who lived there and tell a story or two about them.
What I miss most about her is her energy and how she would light up a room just by walking into it. She wasn’t needy. She wasn’t condescending. She wasn’t critical. Even if she did something embarrassing, she would laugh at herself. She was easy-going. She never seemed to get caught up in the negative. She loved looking out the kitchen whether she was looking at sunny skies or white fluffy snow.
Even though she couldn’t remember what she was eating because of the dementia, she always remembered to say thank you at the end of the day. She didn’t complain when we dragged her out on the boat or out to the ski resort. She would just say you don’t want to take an old lady with you. And my Heart, of course, would answer with, “Stacy isn’t that old, we will take her.” I would roll my eyes, and she would laugh and carry on with us.
Rest in Peace, Sweet Gram. We miss you.