Wednesday, August 29, 2007
A life lived as well as Grace’s should not be a time of sorrow. She lived for almost a century. Had 7 children, 30 something grandchildren, 10 or more great grandchildren, and I am sure a few great, great grandchildren. She lived through depression, war, and a lot of pain and joy. The most important thing for us is that she was the personification of love. She made us all feel special. Her children always argued, in a good natured way, about who was the favorite. So did us grandchildren. That’s because to her we were all individuals that she loved in a special way.
I have a lot of fond memories of grandma. But I will share two:
After my parents left Andover and she lived in the basement apartment with Colleen, I would come home on leave from the Army to visit my friends. I would, as was my custom, stroll home to sleep on her couch very late “while singing an Irish song”. Grandma had very good ears. She would hear me coming and put a pot of coffee on and we would sit around the kitchen table eating Entimons cakes and drinking coffee, while gossiping about the rest of the family. She never made mention of the fact that I was probably the worst of the family. I will always love her for her non judgmental love for me.
I also remember the first time that Jason called her “Grace” in front of me. I was offended that he would have the audacity, and asked Grandma afterwards what was up. She said that for many yeas she was “Ma, Grandma, Mrs. Cole, etc” but no one called her Grace anymore. She was glad to have Jason call her that. It made her feel special again. No one had called her that since Grandpa George died. That showed me that although we all wanted something from her, she needed something too. And that was love. But she never asked for it. She gave it, and hoped that it would be returned in a humble way.
She gave us much love. And I am sure we gave some back.
We will miss you “Grace”. May our Lord and Savior take you in his loving arms and hold you to his ardent breast. May God grant you speed on you last, and greatest journey.
With love Joey……
