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November 22, 2005
there is a light that never goes out
On Sunday night, my grandmother passed away. Although it wasn't completely unexpected--at the same time, it was. Ironically, I had returned from Boise on the same day.
Although I haven't seen her often in the last few years, she was a strong force in my life as I was growing up. We used to spend every summer in Burley, ID at my grandparent's house, which I remember perfectly, like I was just there yesterday. Her friends called her Perk because she was like a percolator, always on the go, always bubbling, never stopping. It was even on her license plate.
When we would go places, everyone knew my grandmother. We couldn't get through a store in town without at least 2-3 people stopping to chat with her. She ran the cafeteria at the now defunct Heyburn, ID Simplot plant. I remember we would go pick her up from work and we would sit in the car when my mom would go in to get her. The stench from the plant was overwhelming. But she always brought home bags of french fries and chicken patties--a little kid's dream to be able to have McDonald's french fries at home.
She was always smiling. Even when I last saw her and she only sort of knew who I was, she was smiling and seemed happy.
Her light won't ever go out--it shines on, deep inside me, an indelible part of who I am and who I have become.
Posted by crystallyn at November 22, 2005 07:04 AM
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Comments
You have my sympathies, but I'm glad you have your memories!
Posted by: Ancarett at November 22, 2005 05:22 PM
Crystal
Sorry to hear about your grandmother. I've only got one grandparent left. As I see my own kids interact with our parents (and my wife and I wonder "who are these people and what have they done with our parents") you see what a bond is formed. Kids need someone who is completely, senselessly on their side sometimes. :-)
Posted by: Gary at November 22, 2005 09:00 PM
I am really close with my own grandmother - so when I hear of someone's grandmother passing away, it truly makes me sad. I know there will be a day when I have to face the same thing.
Crystal, I am very sorry for your loss. *hugs*
Posted by: Mary Ann at November 23, 2005 04:28 AM
Crystal,
I'm terribly sorry to hear about your recent loss, especially in a season that amplifies family gatherings. You'll be in our thoughts and prayers.
Posted by: Nathan at November 23, 2005 08:44 PM
She sounds like an amazing person! I'm so sorry, sweetie.
Posted by: Redpanda at November 29, 2005 01:03 PM
hey Crystal, I thought you sounded a little different on the phone the other day--guess I should have checked your blog a little sooner. I'm so sorry to hear about your grandmother, but you are truly blessed to have memories of her to keep >you< smiling. (((hugs)))
Posted by: Angela at November 29, 2005 10:38 PM
I'm so sorry for your loss.
Posted by: NIki at November 30, 2005 09:23 AM
My Dear Crystal,
Your comments about my mother and your grandmother are a blessing to me and a comfort for me to read and I know that your grandmother loved you dearly and always wanted the best for you. I too am blessed to have you for a daughter and love you more than words can express. Thank you for all you do for me and know that you are loved.
Posted by: Your Mother at November 30, 2005 11:16 PM
Thanks so much for your heartfelt thoughts. It means a lot to me.
Posted by: Crystal at December 2, 2005 06:15 PM
Crystal,
so sorry to hear about your Grandmother. I know she wasn't in good health for a while now.She's at peace. But you can keep her alive w/ those memories of her. I loved your shared memory of her.(((HUGS)))
Lizzy from Bootcamp
Posted by: Lizzy at December 2, 2005 08:10 PM
Crystal, I'm so sorry for your loss. She sounds like a wonderful woman, and I think she's blessed to be remembered so fondly.
Posted by: Sean at December 4, 2005 08:52 AM