CW: Death:
Ten years ago today, my grandmother passed away. I have been blessed to have two wonderful grandmothers. Growing up, I always enjoyed spending time with both of them.
One of my favorite memories is from when I was about eight years old. As someone who grew up in Massachusetts, I have been a Boston Red Sox fan as far back as I can remember. I was a member of the Kid Nation program for years. I showed my grandmother my collectible lunchbox and membership card. She joked that she would call Theo Epstein (the GM at the time) and ask him to start a grandparent’s nation.
My grandmother loved all of us dearly. She had many grandchildren. However, she made sure we all knew that we were loved. Having a grandmother like her is a blessing.
I have fond memories of having breakfast with her at IHOP. She loved the lemon crepes. Ten years later, I still think of her whenever I see an IHOP advertisement, a box of Honey Bunches Of Oats, Keebler Club Crackers, or Nestle Dibs.
When I was in third grade, I visited her during school vacation. Unfortunately, I wasn’t feeling very well. I had a bad cold and spent a lot of time blowing my nose. She wanted to come to my elementary school and give my class nose-blowing lessons.
Later in life, she developed dementia. It was heartbreaking to watch her struggle to remember things. One day, I brought my iPad with me to her nursing home. Initially, she didn’t quite understand what it was.
I downloaded versions of game shows like The Price Is Right and Family Feud. My grandmother could remember the rules of the game shows. I used her love of them to connect with her that day. Over a decade later, memories of playing The Price Is Right still bring a smile to my face.
I am lucky to have a loving family. I’ll always cherish the memories of my grandmother. The relationship I had with her was something that I’ll never forget. She is never far from my mind, and I know she is watching over us.