Saying Goodbye

It has taken me awhile to sit and write this as I've been feeling somewhat uncertain about where to start.  But, like most writing projects, you have to start somewhere!  Two weeks ago we lost the matriarch of our family. My Grandmother, Elizabeth-Betty-Bush, passed peacefully in her sleep Thursday, July 26th.  Now I'll be honest, I don't know very much about my Grandmother except the following: She was head over heels in love with her husband who passed nine years ago, she was a mother of 8 active children, a Grandmother of 14 whose ages spanned 2-32, a GG (great-grandma) to 5, a woman who never drove but trusted you as a passenger, a teacher/caregiver to many, and lastly, a very giving person.

My fondest memories are not specifically about her in general, but the precious moments she made during the holidays and birthday parties for everyone.  The Pinatas and Pajamas at Christmas, everyone had their favorite pie at Thanksgiving, and the mountains of gifts she lavished on all of us whenever there was a birth, graduation, or birthday celebration.  Even my brother who was not technically her "blood relative,"  She always remembered him at holidays and on his birthday and for that I'm eternally grateful.  That is one thing I know most definitely about her and a trait I took from her, the acceptance of others no matter what their color or if they were "blood" or not.  If you know my family, you would laugh as we are an eclectic mix of families and race. Yet, in her own way, she loved each and everyone one of us.

During her last brief stay at home, I had the opportunity to have a solid 20 minutes with her all to myself.  Totally unheard of in my BIG family!  So, I took the opportunity to cherish the moment and asked her whatever came to mind.

Me: Grandma, how do you stay married in an age where divorce is all around you?

Grandma:  Well, I don't really care for divorce, but I do know when the going gets tough, you hold on tight to each other. Never go to bed without kissing.

Me: Is that why you and grandpa had 8? (giggling)

Grandma: No...he just loved having babies.

Me: I bet he liked making them better! (this is where she turned her beautiful bashful pink, but her eyes told of a very loving couple)  So, what advice do you have for new mothers?

Grandma: Well, I know somethings about being a mother, but so much has changed.  I guess...just love them for who they are.  They will disappoint you at times, but you just keep loving them. That's your job as a mother.

Me: (now trying to hide tears from her) Thanks Grandma.  I love you.

Grandma: I love you to! (And we ended with a tradition that makes me tear up just thinking about it. My grandmother never kissed you goodbye once, once was never enough.  At least three or four and then you could say goodbye)

And so, that is how I will say goodbye, xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx-29 kisses, 

for every year you blessed me as my Grandmother.