Peace Out, Grandma, Peace Out

Two of the most wonderful people in my life are my grandparents.  I know, I know, everyone loves their grandparents - homemade cookies, hugs, cards with money in them, and lots of love.  But mine are different.  They really stepped up to bat and played a big part in my life. 

Some people only see their grandparents at Christmas and family events.  When I was a kid, it was common to see my grandparents at least once a week.  That's how much they enjoyed my company.  Or something of that sort.  It had nothing to do with the fact that we lived close to each other, my mom was a single mother for the most part, and we were their only grandchildren.  Nope.  It was because they liked to have me around them.  Ok fine, and my brother and my sister and my mom too.

It is with a very heavy heart that I will share with you that this terrific duo has been reduced to an uno.  My dear grandma woke up the other week and decided she'd had her fill of this world.  A few last words to grandpa, one big breath and she made her way to the other side.  I'm hoping that on the other side she has regained her wits and her Alzhiemer's has been left on this side.  I'd like to think that she can look after us all now, from her spot in Heaven, and not have to wonder who she is peering at.

My grandma taught me a lot of good things.  Some are trivial, some are ethical, and some are just plain ol' common sense.

1.  It's ok to be snooty.  Why hide it and feel awkward?  Being snooty makes you feel good.
2.  A cup of the old Rosie Lee will fix anything (that's Cockney for tea, for those who don't know).
3.  That using terms of endearment towards the ones you love really warms their hearts.  She used to call me Pet, Lover and Sugarbush.  Sugarbush is my favourite, sometimes I call my niece Olivia that :)
4.  It's important to be presentable, as you never know who is looking.  A clean shirt, tidy hair, and a smile go a long way.
5.  If it's not gold, it's not worth it.  Enough said.
6.  If you can't say anything nice at all...tell someone else behind closed doors.  HA!!!  Grandma was famous for that one!
7.  Be sure to keep those who mean the most to you nearby, you never know when you'll need them or when they will need you.
8.  Always have cookies on hand - they go perfectly with the Rosie Lee.
9.  Spending a little more money on something for better quality just makes sense.
Last, but not least...
10. "You've got a tongue in your head, use it."  Be proud of who you are, stand up for yourself and what you believe in and don't let others take advantage of you.  If you can't speak up for yourself, you can't expect someone else too.

The best Grandparents on the planet!

Oh Grandma, you're the best Grandma I could have ever asked for.  I'm lucky to have had you in my life for 32 years.  Sure hope you're enjoying Heaven.  Remember, you can find your sisters up there and gossip all you want, but try not to trashtalk Jesus.  He's not up for that kind of stuff.