grandma

Grandma is giving away her possessions. I really don't like to think about it, but it appears that she is ready to depart this life. Although she's had a great life, I'll miss her dreadfully.

We share many interests, Grandma and I. We both love to read. One of the things she gave me last time we met was a bag full of books from Janette Oke. The books are wonderful illustrations of what true love really is. Put down all those romance novels--pick up Janette Oke. Love is not some romantic Hollywood sex scene; it is sacrifice and service and joy.

We both love pretty things. She passed on part of her tea cup collection. Since she knows how much I love to drink cocoa in the winter, her gift was especially meaningful. Platters and cut glass serving bowls are a lovely addition to my entertaining collection. The most special thing of all is a little glass toothpick holder that belonged to her mother, Kathryn Louis Stafford Sutton.

We both love to Mexican food and cheese. A few weeks ago, when I visited, we had a 1/2 hour conversations about the qualities of different cheese. She moved to Phoenix at the age of 12 and had never eaten anything but mid-west meat and potatoes. That all changed in this melting pot of international cuisine: Chinese, Italian, and Mexican became new favorites. "I like pizza well enough," she said. "But why waste your time, when you can eat Mexican."

I'm so glad to have these keepsakes. However, I'll cherish the memories even more. I spent hours by her side as a young girl learning to sew, learning to love, and learning how to serve.