September 19, 2014
Memories of Gram
My grandmother, Norma aka Nasty Norma, was one of a kind. She was, as some say, a ball of fire. But she would give you her own shirt off her back. And I know because I received it many times. When any of her kids or grandkids needed help whether financially or other she was there. No problem. She also was the most forgiving person I’ve ever met. Things I could never forgive, she whole heartedly did. If I could be like her, I’d be lucky! She was strong, giving, caring and stubborn as a mule. I say that with the deepest love.
I from experience know that some of us have taken advantage of her kindness and giving nature. I admit it and have asked for forgiveness. I took for granted that she would always be there for me and no matter how many times I disappointed her, she was still there. I thank God for her being the way she was and still loving me no matter what.
The best memories I have of here are:
- Always spending time at her house as a small child and swimming in her pool. She at that time, always had a beer in her hand.
- I remember her crazy pug Corky and how much she loved that dog as well as her other animals. I think she loved her animals more than us!
- The Beretta, she later gave me as a graduation gift from high school and her hearing a song that well listened to on the radio and all of the sudden softly under the music hearing a little squeaky voice singing “bounce, bounce, skinny little dude”. Those were NOT the lyrics but she thought that’s what it sounded like and it’s been a memory we will never forget.
- She made most of my clothes growing up. Her being an amazing seamstress, she made be skirt outfits, shorts, bathing suits, and even my homecoming and prom dresses. She was so talented!
- She rented her rooms to her grandchildren. It was often rough living under her roof as teenagers/early twenties but she put up with us, God Bless her.
- I later lived with her before I moved to GA and we spent many nights up late talking about the things she missed and worried her. We cried and laughed and I will always keep that time with her close to my heart.
- My most recent memory is when she visited here for Thanksgiving and we were driving down the road and she saw a sign for “Horse Camp” and she randomly said “Oohhhhh they have a camp for horses!” We died laughing! It was the cutest thing.
The last few months I played phone tag with my Grandmother. The last time I heard her voice was on a voice mail. She told me congrats on my upcoming marriage and that Brant was a lucky man to have me as his Wife. Her last words were I love you and I am so sad that I didn’t get to say it back before she left this earth. I know she knows I love her but I wish I got to say good bye. I love you so much Gram. I pray you are so happy and I know you are with Haggy and your Son again laughing and feeling young. You will be missed here, but I’ll see you later. I love you to pieces.
Nicole