Grammy. A very special person. :)

 I lost two grandmothers in less than 6 months. Both deaths hurt my heart and both I just didn’t expect to happen so fast.

Family picture! But we missed Eric there!

My “Grammy” passed away last Wednesday. She had been suffering from a lung disease that hardens the lungs and makes it hard to breath. She also had heart problems. She had been on oxygen for quite some time as well. It was hard seeing her become more ill. Her hair turned a little more gray, she become extremely skinny (97 lbs) and she had swollen; purple feet if she stood up for too long. She ate much, much less and couldn’t go out as often as she would like. She had to hire a house keeper to help her at home, and eventually she ended up in a care center and on hospice.

She was my invincible grandma. She was the one who taught us songs in the car, took us to the beach and would lay out with us for hours to try to get a nice tan. She swam with us, played games with us and shopped with us. She was a natural hostess. She had parties quite often in her home. She had cocktail hour almost every day, whether it was just herself or with friends. They would all dress up and come over for drinks and then to socialize over dinner. She was the life of the party. She took us to her Episcopal church and taught us that “God is everywhere” and opened our minds and hearts to other types of religions and people and to respect them. She taught us that family means family. Whether they are our actual brothers and sisters, or our 4^th and 5^th cousins. We got to know a lot of family every time we visited from all over the place!

She had so many dear friends, that she taught her kids as well as us grandkids to call everyone Aunt and Uncle, though they were not of actual blood relation. We had such fun with all of our friends and family with her there. 

Every time we went to visit, she made sure we ate a Philly cheese steak and went shopping. She would leave us little welcome gifts on our pillows when we arrived to her home and would be so excited to see what she got us. Every year she sent is Whitman’s Chocolate samplers with our gifts, and we loved eating them while opening presents. She sent out cards for almost every holiday and would send them quite often to my cousins on my mom’s side as well.

She was strong minded and knew how to hold her own. She was educated, well opinionated and knew how to speak her mind. Debating was a talent and tradition was a passion. She stressed the importance of working hard, being independent and living life well.  She enjoyed the finer things in life. She loved her martini’s, and had a plethora of magnets, pillows, drink coasters, plaques or napkins that had a picture of a martini or some funny saying along with it. She was firm with grammar and manners and we learned to be well behaved.

I got to see her every summer as a child. When I got to college, that became really hard since we all had different school schedules and work. But we still went back about every year or two years and enjoyed the time we shared. 

Erwin and I were blessed to go back to Philly and be with her one last time before she passed away. She went downhill so quickly after that, and we feel blessed we got to see her still in her prime.

Dad conducting the service.

We took a quick weekend trip to Philly for the funeral. Erwin was so supportive and came to be with my and my family. The service was Saturday morning, at the grave site. Her casket was lovely and had some beautiful flowers surrounding her. 

My dad, her only son, conducted the service. He quoted a lot out of an Episcopal bible and book and we recited some scriptures and the Lord’s Prayer. He talked about the type of woman she was and a bit about her wonderful life. It was nice to hear and it was wonderful to be there in honor of her and her life.

We saw lots of family we hadn’t in years! It was wonderful! Erwin got to meet lots more friends, Aunts and Uncles and get to know more people better. He was a gem, and everyone loved him. My brother and sister were there along with my cute little niece. It was nice to all be together, since that is rare. After the funeral, we went to Phil’s Tavern for their famous ribs. Grammy took us there every year and taught us how to suck our fingers after eating to lick all the yummy sauce. (The only time she let us do that!) There, everyone had their cocktails and martini’s in her honor and we ate ribs just for her. It was lovely.

Afterwards, Erwin and I and my brother went shopping at a nearby mall and then met up with family later at Grammy’s house for dinner and to relax. Erwin was so cute. He recognized so many places and things around the town and even knew how to navigate the neighborhood. He even drove around downtown Philly. Go Erwin! :)

We stayed in a nice hotel both nights and on Sunday, we went back to Grammy’s house and had a big breakfast and enjoyed the morning time together and the sun. We finished packing and had a driver come pick us up and take us to the airport. We were so sad to go. Such a short trip and we did not want to come back to Utah.

The weather was amazing. There was no humidity and the leaves were just starting to change color. It was in the 80’s and the warmth felt so good. We enjoyed our walks, good food and time with family.

I miss my Grandma. She provided many wonderful memories and times I can never forget. I will miss having a reason to go back to Philly or to New Jersey to the shore. I miss her spunk, her laugh and her wit. She was kind, loving and strong. She loved us no matter what. I hope to somehow find ways to still go back to Philly and keep the traditions alive and the east coast pride strong in my heart.

I am pretty sure my family is going to do her temple work for her. I know she is in a better place and happy to be with loved ones. I am grateful for the Plan of Salvation that will allow me to see her again. I am thankful for those who leave impressions on our hearts. I love you Grammy!

Family and friends at the grave site.

This was the biggest grave shrine that we saw in the cemetery!

Row after row of personal crypts! We found it fascinating.

Erwin is making Emmy a Philly fan. :)

At Grammy's, hanging out.

Emmy has gotten so big! And so adorable!

Robert holding Emmy