Grandma was the most beautiful singer. She was in a singing group with her sisters called the "Melody girls". They sang on the radio in little Wyoming. But my favorite thing about her singing, was that she could yodel like a champ. And it was wonderfully fun to listen to. I had never heard anyone else yodel like my grandma bee, and her songs were always fun and brought a smile to your face, and leaving us begging her to do one more number.
My cousin Heidi and I spent a summer together cleaning out her house, and we would listen to tapes that would instruct us how to yodel. I wanted to do it just like she did. I should think about starting up those practices again... :)
She was an amazing cook. She had cupcakes and cakes decorated for every holiday and season. They were always SO creative, colorful and of course, tasty. She would bake homemade bread often and I can still smell her kitchen with the air filled with delicious scents of homemade goodies. If I ever mentioned I was hungry, she would always whip something out for me to eat, and it always stuffed my tummy. As I got older, she was so proud of me and my cooking creations, if they were not very good at all.
She was an incredible seamstress. She made plenty of dresses and outfits in her lifetime and baby blankets for each grandchild. Whenever I needed something hemmed or fixes, added on or taken off, she would sit in front of her machine and make all her hard work look effortless. I was in awe of such talent, and of such willingness to serve others with this gift.
She was full of charity. She gave baskets of goodies to the less fortunate. Whether it be friends or acquaintances, she always was willing to think of others and to give. She spent many years taking care of her in-laws, her own parents, and raising children all at the same time in her home. She spent many days loving and serving others and being a Christ-like example.
She was kind. Whenever we grand kids would bring over a friend, boyfriend/girlfriend to meet her, she would always put her hand on their neck, bring them in for a hug, and often a kiss on the cheek. She made you feel welcome and loved right away, and her warm smile would make everyone want to stay and be with her and watch her.
She loved my grandpa. When I was a young teenager, my family moved in with my grandparents while we looked for a place to live. I got to see my grandma serve her husband with love. She made him many meals, helped him with his medicine, encouraged his piano practicing and would engage in conversation together. I will never forget when my grandma and grandpa were passing each other in the house. She would coming out of the kitchen and he was going in. Something was said and they both had huge smiles come across their faces. Then they embraced in a big hug, where they continued to smile. It was so genuine. So loving. So sincere.
My grandma had the most beautiful hair. It was silver white, and it was perfect. She believed in makeup, and would still add some blush to her cheeks, lipstick and get her hair done once a month. She looked so pure. She glowed. People around her always noticed how she aged so well and looked so fresh and beautiful. I want to look as perfect as she did, when I get older.
She loved her family. I always felt loved by my grandma. She had lots of grandchildren, and I never once felt lost among them with her. She would hug me, call me by name, ask me for updates on my life and always remember cards on birthdays. Quite often I would just get a card from her for no real reason at all, but to tell me what was going on in her life and remind me she loved me. I loved the way she loved me.
I miss her smile and her laugh. I miss her rosy cheeks and beautiful hair. I miss her yummy homemade food. I miss her red van that I got to ride around in. I miss all the toys that we played with as kids when we would go to her house. I miss her singing. I miss the cereal boxes she gave to all the kids on Christmas. I miss the way she looked in pink and yellow. I miss her watching the cooking channel and Matlock. I miss her hugs.
I miss the way she would tell me she loved me....
I have been weepy lately when I think of her. She was my greatest example. She was my friend. She was my Grandma Bee...I love her with all of my heart and will miss her forever.
So Happy Birthday Grandma Bee. You are missed and deeply loved by me. But I know you are happy. You are with Grandpa. You have a body that doesn't hurt or ache any more. You are with other loved family members. You are near Christ. I am so grateful for this knowledge. I am so grateful for who you were and still are today. You make me want to be a better person. I want to be remembered with love the way you are. You influenced SO many people and the affects are still shown from it. Thank you for your love. Thank you for being my sweet Grandma Bee, who loved me.
I love you forever and ever.
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