Wednesday, February 17, 2021
When I started to think about Grandma, also known as Great Granny Wilt, Doris, Aunt Doris, Ma, or Ruby, I thought about all the good memories that we had shared throughout my life. The sandwiches that she and Papa would prepare Corey and me for a Midnight snack, her telling me long stories about people that I really didn’t know, and if I told her that I didn’t know the people that she was talking about she would give a disgusted face and say “why you do know them” (Not wanting her to get upset I would eventually tell her I knew the people she was talking about even though I had no clue who they were), and her chasing Corey and I around the house trying to spray our cuts and brush burns with Solarcaine antiseptic spray (which by the way when applied to a cut, burned like Hell). There are so many stories
Grandma loved looking at wild birds and flowers, going to Bingo, spoiling her dogs, eating snacks (especially cheese curls and popcorn, which she called corn), drinking hot tea, watching wheel of fortune, and the news.
Grandma wasn’t the most affectionate person in the world but she would show her affection in different ways. She was worrier, she worried about everything all the time (which is a trait that was definitely passed to me). This is one way she would show how much she cared for her family. You might not have heard her say I love you much, but she would always make sure to tell you to be careful.
The last ten years of Grandma’s life weren’t the easiest on her or on her family. She went from a fully active life to being bound to a wheelchair within a day. She went through a lot of physical torment and I can’t even imagine what she went through emotionally in the last decade. We got to see as a family all of the horrors of 24 hr. home care agencies and the neglect that happens in Nursing homes. But through the whole time, Grandma kept the will to live going. She was a tough old lady and her resilience was amazing to watch. I know it was hard for her to leave us but I am glad she decided to go. I am happy that she is with the lord and not here suffering anymore. I am glad she was part of my life and won’t be forgotten.
Until we meet again Grandma, you will be missed.
With Love Always, Todd
