Grams built a house next door to my parents about ten years ago. The traffic and chaos of Southern California were starting to wear on her nerves and she wanted to be close to my dad who could take care of any medical problems that arose. She had a cute house that was nestled neatly at the edge of our cul-de-sac. Though it replaced a much loved game field, I enjoyed having her nearby.
Grams moved into a care facility two years ago. She had hired a lady to help in the evenings at her home but that lady had a heart attack and my parents were going to Denmark the next day. A quick solution for the situation, since Grams couldn't be alone, was a care facility. When my parents came home, we all realized this was the better place for Grams even though we enjoyed having her next door. Gratefully, a place was built nearby and she was a quick five minute drive from my parents' front door.
As it became more clear that Grams would never return to her house, my dad, aunt, and uncles began organizing her things. Long story short, my parents became owners of Grams' house. A few weeks ago they were approached about renting it to a new doctor coming to town and my parents agreed. Since my parents were taking off for Europe (they seem to do that often), my mom asked me to pack up Grams' things in preparation for the renters. This way the rooms and cupboards would be cleaned out when my mom returned from her trip and could quickly get it ready.
As you all know, Grams passed away before my parents returned from Europe. Packing up her house was no longer in preparation for the renters. It became a walk through Grams' life as I began organizing the trinkets and memories of the past. To be honest, I started with the easiest room: the washroom. Nothing sentimental in cleaners. But then came the harder rooms. I found little dishes that ignited remembrances of long forgotten events, music collections published in the 1930s, certificates honoring her for her service at the local prison and welcoming her as a member of the Daughters of the Utah Pioneers, pictures of all her grandchildren, pictures of Gramps, and other hand written pieces written to her and by her.
Some of the most cherished pieces actually came when I cleaned out her book collection. A testimony about the divinity of the Savior from my cousin Morgan was being used as a bookmark. Her scripture marker was in Alma 34 - a memorable chapter in our family (Gramps license plate one read Alma 34). Notes from Gramps as he read the Book of Mormon. Old books including one which was published in 1891 and had my great-great grandmother's name in it.
As I sit in her house and sort her things, I realize what an incredible life she lived. She lived through the Great Depression, World War II, the rise of Communism, the first man on the moon, the fall of Communism, the rapid rise of the internet (she even had her own email account for a while), and the development of mass communication in all its forms. I found a copy of telegram from Gramps to Grams letting her know what time he would call that week. Now I can text a friend with little hassle. Grams lived a great life with many details unknown to the world. She wasn't boastful nor sought the praise of the world. She served the Lord in many ways. In her sixties she learned Spanish and served two LDS missions: Mexico and Argentina. Her life was of quite service to others.
One of my special memories of Grams was the first time I went through the temple. That day was important in many regards, but I remembering waiting for the matron to come speak with me before the session and Grams slipped in the room and sat with me. Mom was on one side. Grams was on the other. She missed being part of many others' experiences so wanted to be right with me the whole time. How grateful I was for her gumption and determination to be there.
Grams' possessions may be packed up and stored for a period of time, her posterity may take items to remember her, and other items may be donated to those less fortunate; however, Grams will not be remembered for her things. She will live on as we recount her stories, her life, and her wisdom. Her legacy will live on in all those whose lives she touched. Already miss you Grams!
2 comments:
Thanks for sharing that!
She was not even my "Grams" but I still know what an amazing woman she was. And what a great opportunity for you to see her life as you spent time cleaning her house. I remember doing that with my mom and her sisters in my Grandpa Beck's home. Something I will never forget.
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