"Grandparents Day"

"Grandparents Day" seems like a silly holiday created by the greeting card companies.  Of course everyone reveres their grandparents!  Who else loves you unconditionally while breaking all your parents'  rules???

My Grandmother was a wonderful role model, mentor, advocate and friend.  She taught me so much without ever lecturing me.

I remember standing on a little bench and ironing handkerchiefs.  I was SO excited when I graduated to pillow cases.  To this day, the smell of steam coming out of my iron brings my grandmother to me.

I remember frying meatballs for the first time in her well-seasoned cast iron frying pan.  "Don't touch them until they have browned!"  Today, I use a similar frying pan and her technique has NEVER failed.

I remember her telling me to "change the air" in the baby's nursery.  All year long, she would have me  close the nursery door and open all the windows in there to remove the bad air and let in the fresh air.  I still do that in our bedroom!

My grandma told me that babies need to cry now and then.   It helps their lungs grow.  She proclaimed that hiccups helped their "insides to get bigger" - and (my personal favorite) when babies smile while they are sleeping, it's because an angel is talking to them.

My grandmother made every visit to her like a holiday.  She went to several different stores to get the groceries.  She cooked all our favorite dishes and sent us home with plenty leftovers.  There was always a special treat in her candy dish - and she emptied that dish into a little bag to send home with us, as well.  

I am so blessed to be able to close my eyes and picture my grandmother's hands.  I can still 'smell' her perfume.  I am named after my Grandmother ....... we called her Grandma Angela.

I have asked that Jamie call me, "Grandma".... it will be a wonderful tribute to my grandmother.