Every spring I plant pansies in memory of my grandma. She loved all flowers but certain ones were more special than others. Pansies being one of those. My maternal grandmother was the perfect picture of what a grandma should be.
Her life's story and challenges keep me aware that "hard times" do not have to define us nor stand in the way of living each day well.
At the age of twelve she lost her mother to suicide (most likely post-partem depression). This turn of events placed her in the role of raising an infant baby brother as well as caring for a widowed father. School went by the way and therefore she only received an eighth grade education.
This did not keep her from enjoying a good book and being exceptional when it came to math. She was smart about the necessary things that it takes to survive.
I would like to say life got easier for her but it did not...the depression hit, grandpa was out of work, the war came, she lost a child and then the baby brother she had raised also died at his own hand.
During this time she walked a mile to work and stood eight hours on an assembly line at a local pottery to put food on the table and a roof over their heads.
She was thirty when she gave birth to my mom. Because finances were tight; even though grandpa had found work, she remained employed for many more years.
By the time I came along her health had started to decline. This did not stand in her way though of growing beautiful flowers, sewing lovely clothes for me and my "Chatty Cathy" and cooking delicious dishes for whoever showed up to eat.
Grandma enjoyed life, she laughed a lot, and loved her family and friends. She was a great woman of faith and always shared her love for the Lord with others.
She was the best babysitter to my brother and I. She had a way of making everything fun and would keep us entertained for hours. As we grew up she was always a steady influence in our lives.
It has been 41 years since she went home to be with the Lord. The passing of time has not dimmed the wonderful memories of this special lady. I'm certain someday we will be enjoying a heavenly garden together. In the meantime I will keep planting pansies for her.
"She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness...Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all." Prov. 31:27 & 29 (NIV)
A wonderful tribute. Oh, to be remembered like this!
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful woman. She showed her family how to live.
ReplyDeleteYour grandma sounds like one special lady! She went through hard times and came out stronger. My grandma loved pansies too. They always remind me of her. Her life was also difficult, but she persevered to overcome some problems. I'm sure you have a lot of her strength in you too. Wishing you a great week!
ReplyDeleteWhat a fantastic tribute to your grandmother. She was one tough woman and never ever gave up. You probably learned a whole lot from her and have a lot of her strength.
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful way to pay tribute to your grandmother. I bet she is smiling down on you.
ReplyDeleteYour grandmother sounds like such a wonderful lady, and she had such a difficult life. Thank you for sharing her story with us, Debbie. It's so dear that you plant pansies in your garden to remember her and all the special times you had with her. I am wondering if you still have the clothes she made for your Chatty Cathie doll? This verse you shared at the end is one that is fitting for her. And the pansies and bunny in your garden look sweet as ever.
ReplyDeleteHave a splendid May week, Debbie.
~Sheri
Your grandma sounded like a wonderful lady, and had so many traits similar to my own grandmother. Salt of the earth people, resilient and compassionate, she taught me so many life lessons and to this very day, I miss her with a passion.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing your precious grandma.
Hugs,
Jo
Such a wonderful lady, your grandmother. Despite a difficult life. A wonderful tribute to her, your post and the pansies!
ReplyDeleteAwww, Debbie. Beautiful and lovely tribute. Grandmas are very special and you carry on for her.
ReplyDeleteThis is a wonderful tribute to your Grandma Debbie. She was from a generation who had so many strong qualities that are sadly lacking in todays world.
ReplyDeleteOh Deb, that was a lovely post. Your grandmother was an incredible woman. Wow. She had a hard life but still managed to be happy and be a memory-maker. God bless her heart up in the other realm of life. Now I'll always think of you and her when I see pansies. Susan
ReplyDeleteA very touching tribute and beautiful photos!
ReplyDeleteI loved this reflection on your grandma, Debbie. As I learn more about my ancestors, it always amazes me what they went through in their lives. Life has seldom been easy for anyone, it seems.
ReplyDeleteI was lucky enough to know my mom's mom fairly well, and she loved flowers too, especially iris. She also kept chickens, had a large vegetable garden, and she and my grandpa had a few beef cattle. Visits to them during the summer were some of the highlights of my growing up years.
Gosh! What a woman! And such a lovely way to honour her memory. Best wishes for a wonderful week.
ReplyDeleteDear Debbie,reading this beautiful tribute from your grandmother made my eyes teary 🥹
ReplyDeleteI absolutely loved how you painted the sweet picture and her gentle but wonderful soul🥰♥️
I can understand that forgetting such a loving and strong person is impossible. Despite I spent some years with grandmother I couldn’t forget her throughout my life!🥹🥰
It seems that like me you too were fortunate to have grandma who had deep faith in God 🥰🤗
I believe this has to do much with the peace of mind we have today 🙏🥹
You are so sweet to plant her favourite flowers every year 😍👍
She surly smiling at you from heaven ☺️🤗🥰♥️
Hugs and best wishes 🙏🥰