Grandma

My Grandmother on my Mother's side recently passed away. A few years ago, my Mother asked her children to write a little something about Grandma for a project she was doing. I came across my contribution today:


My first memory of Grandma Webb was in ‘the cove’ (what we called the place we lived at the time because it was on a bit of land stuck up in a 'cove' of sandstone bluffs) at about the age of 5. I woke up one morning to find that both of my parents were gone. Grandma was there with a big smile on her face. She told me that I had gained a brother during the night.

Mom and Dad had gone to the hospital to have Trent. Grandma had come over in the middle of the night to baby-sit. I remember being nervous that Mom and Dad had left, but Grandma made me feel very comfortable and happy. I had no understanding of what she meant about a brother so she patiently explained that to me and how much of a happy occasion it was.

I also remember one birthday – maybe my eighth – when she got me a little yellow metal dump truck as a gift. Coincidently, I already had an identical truck and in my young ignorance told Grandma that maybe she could get me something else. Mom was appalled, but Grandma showed her usual grace and made it all okay.

Then there was the time Grandma had her eye taken out (due to a tumor). When I talked to her about it I was struck that her only thought was that she was so glad it was her and not one of her children or grandchildren. That natural selflessness has been a lesson for me my whole life.

The general memory of Grandma that I will take to the end of my life is one of perfect example of love, selflessness and inner joy. Grandma is always real, yet uncommonly kind, gentle and wise. You can always count on a genuine loving hug or an uplifting intellectual discussion.

Can’t imagine having a Grandma I could respect and love more.