July 1, 2008
I have always loved the 4th of July...as long as I can remember. My grandma Ethel (my dad's mom) was born on the 4th of July. That woman was the best. She babysat me when I was a baby up through when I started going to school. I believe that is why we had this special bond that I always cherished. A bond I wish my kids could have with any of their grandparents. I miss her so much. I can't even remember the exact day she passed away, but I know it was in May of 1996. I remember her funeral was right before Memorial weekend. I also remember what a shock it was to have to say goodbye....I had just said good bye to my grandfather (my mom's dad) 3 months before. Whether my parents (meaning my real mom and my real dad) agree with me or not, I believe that I would be a different person now if I would not have had her and my aunt supporting me...I don't remember any divorce stuff...I barely remember going to school back in Brooklyn Center. I credit my parents for handling themselves with me in mind and I credit my grandma and my aunt for being there. I think if I would have remembered all that stuff...I wouldn't be as grounded as I am.
Every 4th of July, I have a secret memorial for her as I sit and think of her with every firework that goes off. That first 4th without her was the toughest ever. That year I went to St. Paul to the State Capital with my boyfriend at the time and for some reason I remember that one like it was yesterday...because it was only a couple months after I had to say goodbye to grandma.
I feel guilty because I haven't been to her grave site since the summer before I got engaged to Lincoln. The last time I went there was...4th of July weekend back in 2000 on the way home from the lake. I need to go back there.
I'm a little sad still...because I miss her, but I think of the 4th of July more as a celebration of who she was and what a great woman she was. (well, besides that it's Independence Day :)
I'm glad the 4th has a different meaning for me...because it's a meaning for only me as I sit among everyone in town watching fireworks.
(wow - kinda a corny post. :) Ah - Oh-well.)
Have a Happy 4th of July, everyone!!
Happy Birthday, Gramma Ethel!
Every 4th of July, I have a secret memorial for her as I sit and think of her with every firework that goes off. That first 4th without her was the toughest ever. That year I went to St. Paul to the State Capital with my boyfriend at the time and for some reason I remember that one like it was yesterday...because it was only a couple months after I had to say goodbye to grandma.
I feel guilty because I haven't been to her grave site since the summer before I got engaged to Lincoln. The last time I went there was...4th of July weekend back in 2000 on the way home from the lake. I need to go back there.
I'm a little sad still...because I miss her, but I think of the 4th of July more as a celebration of who she was and what a great woman she was. (well, besides that it's Independence Day :)
I'm glad the 4th has a different meaning for me...because it's a meaning for only me as I sit among everyone in town watching fireworks.
(wow - kinda a corny post. :) Ah - Oh-well.)
Have a Happy 4th of July, everyone!!
Happy Birthday, Gramma Ethel!
2 comments:
that's cute kim! Very well written too.. you make my posts sound like a fourth grader!
What a sweet picture-- she looks like she was an awesome grandma!
Post a Comment