For Grandma

April 16, 2012


My grandmother passed away on Sunday.

Grandma had a knack for growing things. She raised a family that started with nine amazing kids and then grew to include multiple generations of creative, compassionate, and colorful individuals. But in addition to keeping our big family alive and thriving, she also nurtured her natural surroundings. Her yard was always bursting with the vibrancy of zinnias, cosmos, lillies, irises, and azaleas. Tenderly watering, weeding, harvesting, sharing, and doing it season after season. Some of my favorite moments with my grandmother were spent puttering around the yard with her. Asking her questions about different plants, gathering seeds and cuttings for my own little gardens, and picking homemade bouquets. She'd always bring bits and pieces into the house...little vases or jars with freshly cut flowers to brighten up the kitchen table or fancy up the sink. 

I got the call from my mom while checking out at the commissary. Loading milk onto the conveyor belt and trying not to cry, I started walking out of the the door until I realized the cashier was trying to tell me I had forgotten to pay. It all just felt so strange and disorienting. Driving home, I pulled over on the side of the road to pick a bouquet of flowers for her. Purple wildflowers and rice-like grasses which I put into a vase my sister made for me when she was in high school. While I was arranging them, Camille came running through the front door with her own little additions of flowering thyme and orange flowers from our own yard.

I know Grandma would have liked that.


joyce matula welch said...

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.The flowers are beautiful.

Corinne said...

I am so very, very sorry for your loss. Your post made me cry, probably partly because this month it will be three years since my own grandma passed away. I was in the frozen food aisle at the grocery store when I got the call and I had that same feeling of being completely disoriented.

I'll be thinking of you.

likeschocolate said...

So sorry your grandma passed away. I am sure she know you loved her very much. She was most likely there with you as you picked your bouquet.

se7en said...

Oh the flowers are beautiful and so fitting... I am so sorry about your grandma and how terribly sad you must all be feeling right now... sending love...

Stacy Kadesh said...

So sorry to hear about your grandmother. She sounds like a wonderful woman who you inherited many amazing qualities from.

On another note the girls got the lovely gifts! You are so thoughtful. Brooke is anxious to read the books and WE are anxious for Lauren to read and create from the baking book!

love stacy

The Jiu Jiu said...

All I can think of saying is, "I'm sorry." Reading your blog, it's easy to see that your Grandma was a pretty special lady. I'll be keeping your family in my thoughts... and I'm sure she appreciated the flowers.

Mom said...

A beautiful tribute to your Grandmother. Her passion for gardening was definitely passed on to you.

katy said...

Oh Lucia, so sorry for your loss.

Dawn Suzette said...

What a wonderful way to remember her. My thoughts are with you and the famliy.

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