Granny

My granny is one person I admire greatly. She raised six children and worked. She makes the most beautiful quilts. She has made quilts for each of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. The quilts for her grands and great-grands were given at or before their births. No matter what I’ve done (and I’ve done a lot), I’ve always felt Granny was in my corner-behind me unconditionally. When I was little, she watched me while Mom worked. I was stubborn to say the least. Then, a few years ago, she and I clashed while I was visiting her. As usual, my stubbornness escalated things to the point that I said a lot of things I’m embarrassed about and really did not mean, but still, after all that, She loves me and stands behind me.

This summer, I got to spend time one on one with her. We haven’t done that since I was small. It was an experience I wouldn’t trade for anything. I really enjoyed visiting with her and being able to help her. When I worked for El Centro College in disabilities services, I was trained with the idea of maximum independence. That’s the idea that caretakers should allow the person that they help to do as much as they feel they can. Following that truly was the hardest part of my job. During my short stint at the hospital as a volunteer and during my semester at Headstart, the training called for the same idea to be put into practice. All of that was put into use while I was visiting Granny, but she made it easier for me than anyone I’ve ever helped.

I would not trade the time I had with Granny for anything. It taught me about myself and let me get to know Granny better.

My favorite memory of her is this:
When I was young, about 7 or 8, I learned how to piece a minature postage stamp quilt top. It was just about barbie size and I made it sitting at my Granny's feet at the cleaners where she worked, with her helping me each step of the way. I still have it, setting in my sewing box. It's nice to see it when I start to sew & think of her.
June 17, 2003
I write this addition on the day Granny let go and joined her Jesus. She left this world for the next at about 6:30 this morning. I can't do this. I'll finish typing this up later.

The Below pics are of Granny & Granddaddy

At first,the reason I liked Ed was that he made Granny happy. With him, she was happier than I have ever seen her. As I got to know him, I liked him even more. He's a good man. Delightfull, really. For years now, he has made Granny happy.