Our family was blessed with a woman who lived her life to the fullest for 92 years. Known by everyone as Gram, my grandma was one of the most fun-loving and adventurous people you’d ever meet. I’ve been thinking about writing this post for quite a while and wish I would have done it earlier. Gramps had been waiting for his bride in heaven for 26 years and couldn’t wait another day. We were blessed to get one last Christmas with Gram before she was called off to be reunited with him on December 29th, 2014.
Although I missed the opportunity to tell her all these wonderful things I learned from her, I know I’m glad I have the opportunity to share them with all of you now. I chose five things I’ve picked up from watching Gram over the years, but these are just the tip of the iceberg of her awesomeness 🙂
Cherish Traditions
Our extended family has some very long-standing traditions that bond us together. Gram has helped form them over the years and loved that we had traditions unique to our family. She always lit up when the big family was together, and even more when we were taking part in something that had been going on for decades. I think our biggest (and weirdest) example is our Christmas Eve gathering. For 30+ years Gram, her kids, grandkids, and now great-grandkids have gathered together on Christmas Eve for sauerkraut burgers & sloppy joes. We also had an annual girls’ trip to Vegas every Mother’s Day and “pie night” the evening before Thanksgiving. These annual events have created so many fun memories and I hope everyone has (or is inspired to start) traditions unique to your family.
One of MANY trips to Vegas with Gram
Tasting the stuffing on Pie Night
Try Anything Once
Gram parasailed in Hawaii, rode a go-cart, roller-bladed, and shot a paintball gun – all AFTER the age of 75! She wasn’t a drinker, but even wanted a sip of a Lime-a-rita a couple years ago in Vegas. Life shouldn’t be about fearing new things, but embracing them!
Play to Win
Most of our family has a super-competitive gene, and I’m pretty sure it came straight from Gram. We first of all love to PLAY and Gram was always on board to participate whether it be cards, board games or our annual family “Tournament of Champions” backyard games. Anything she did, she gave it her all and wanted to win. We cracked up one time as she watched the family play a fierce game of Catch Phrase and said “It doesn’t matter who wins, everyone just has fun playing.” She said that as an observer. Had she been playing, we knew she would be going for the win every time. Even though we’re all pretty boastful winners, she did teach us some balance in that you have to PLAY before you have the opportunity to win, so the most important part is jumping in and enjoying yourself.
Gram playing hula hoop toss at her 90th birthday party/Tournament of Champions
Look Your Best
Gram was never pretentious, but it wasn’t until recently that I realized my mom’s long standing desire to be well put together anytime you are out of the house came from her mom (and was passed down to me – at least most of the time 🙂 ). It wasn’t about being cool or having the best clothes & accessories, it was about properly representing who you are on the inside. For her last trip to the hospital, she was upset she had her slippers on instead of proper shoes!
Looking her best even with my little brother on her lap!
Life Goes On After Loss
In her 92 years, Gram suffered many great loses. Siblings, a son who still had his own children at home, a grandchild, and her much-loved spouse all died too young. She mourned of course, but also endured these loses with strength and grace. I can’t imagine being married 47 years, and then having to adapt to a new normal of being without the love of your life. But Gram overcame the loss and shared another 26 years with us.
It is a comfort to me knowing how much joy she felt throughout those years. It means we can do the same thing and adapt to our life without her. It won’t be easy -there will be tears and she will never be forgotten – but watching her grace gives me hope that we can carry on.
Walking with her sweetheart in Fargo
Thank you for letting me share her legacy with all of you!
Janet says
Thank you for sharing your sweet Gram with us. You were so lucky to have a grandmother that loved life. I miss my grandmother all the time, but see the quirky things she did beginning to show in my own mother, who is 82. Enjoy them while you can, love them well and cherish the memories when they are no longer with you.
Melissa George says
Yes! We were so lucky! Isn’t it funny when you realize some of the quirks are hereditary? 🙂
Sara says
Thanks for sharing this. I am in tears as it hits so close to home. I lost my Gram on December 21st. She was 84 and we always celebrated Christmas Eve at her house. Peace be with you.
Melissa George says
Oh Sara, I’m so sorry for your loss. It reiterates even more how lucky we were to have this final Christmas Eve (even though we didn’t know it would be the last).
Erin says
Such a wonderful tribute to your Gram, Melissa. I’m sure she is looking down from Heaven with a big smile on her face. What a neat lady who lived such an inspiring life. Thanks for sharing this with us. I really enjoyed reading it 🙂
Phil says
Melissa, I had just written down your name to the following question, ” What friends or family members do you know who are grieving the death of a loved one? How specifically can you pray for them and encourage them in the coming days?” Then I looked at Facebook and saw your blog post.
I was moved by the example of your Gram. She gave me hope for my winter years. Although I am a long way from my 70’s, 80’s, or 90’s… I learned Monday afternoon that I don’t have to act too old. What an example!
Melissa George says
I’m so glad she was an inspiration to you! Thank you so much for your service and prayers!
Angela says
She was amazing! I remember pie night and some pretty intense games of pinochle when we were kids. She was the least judgmental and most genuine person I’ve ever met. I honestly never heard her say anything negative about anyone…ever. She was so blessed to have all of you and the love that is so obvious in your family! She lived a full, happy, peaceful life and left the same. She has touched more lives that she could’ve possibly known. I see that pinochle table set up with gram, gramps and Gary pounding the table 🙂
Melissa George says
Yes! We thought the same thing about all of them playing cards together!
Jennifer @ Brave New Home says
I teared up reading this. You can tell your grandmother lived a full life and you managed to capture her spirit so beautifully. Thank you for sharing your observations.
Laurel (@abubblylife) says
Such a beautiful post, I got very teary, sounds like a wonderful woman. My Grandmom passed a few years ago, she was awesome too. Grandmoms are the best!
Courtney @ Crafts by Courtney says
Wow she was a pretty amazing woman. This was a pretty sweet post, thanks for sharing his with everyone. I’m sure we could all learn a lot from Gram.
Katie @ Addicted 2 DIY says
This brought tears to my eyes. I’m sure she would have loved to read this and I’m sure you will always cherish the memories of her. I was very close with my paternal grandmother and lost her far too soon, but I always do my best to keep her memory alive as best as I can. You grandmother sounds like an incredible woman who definitely lived her life to the fullest!
beverly e says
My grandmother used to love to play “Sorry”. I can still see the mischievous twinkle in her eye that she would get as she sent your player piece back to Home and how she would pretend to be flustered when you got ahead of her. Now, I’m a Nana and I play the game with my granddaughter on the very same board! We talk as we play and it’s a wonderful opportunity to share stories of our family with the next generation and to make memories for her to share one day.
This is such a loving tribute to your Gram, and a comforting reminder that we all leave little traces of ourselves to remember and inspire. Thanks for sharing this!
Katie says
I’m all teared up reading this, Melissa. What a great post and tribute to your Gram. She sounded amazing! I just hope someday I can live to be 92 and have someone say these sweet things about me! She’s up there looking down on you, and I’m sure she’s beyond proud! It’s so hard loosing someone close to us, but it sounds like Gram had a pretty awesome life here!
Colleen says
Your Gram was a pip!! What a wonderful legacy she left in you and your family. Rejoice in the memories as you make new ones.
Best –
Colleen
Nicole @ Simply Nicole says
I absolutely loved this post. I called my grandmother Gram too {with Gram Cracker as a nickname if she was getting feisty}. We were super close, and I lived with her after college for a little while. Thanks so much for sharing your story with us and giving us a glimpse of how amazing your Gram was!