Peonies. Roses. Lilacs. Fishing poles. Coolers. Baby Wipes. Bug spray. Candy...lots of candy. Water jugs, coffee cans, wire hangers. Grandma was always prepared for our yearly Memorial Day trip. God, I'm going to miss her on Sunday.
Dad would pull up in the driveway, and she would have everything on the front porch, ready to be loaded. Once we had the trunk packed, she would crawl in the backseat - she always had to sit between Steph and me (she got tired of breaking up fights in years past lol) - and I would give her a good 10 seconds to get settled before my head would plop down on her shoulder. :) Within seconds, I would be sleeping like a baby. I can still feel her pat my leg and lightly move her fingers across my arm and hand...that was some of the best relaxation I will ever experience in my life. *sigh* I MISS HER.
We were in for a long day...it's always so stinkin' hot and
humid. And, you know how I am in nasty weather like that...NOT a pleasant person. :) But, it didn't matter to her...she was always so happy, so excited to be there and be decorating the graves of her loved ones.
I remember listening to her giggle the time she watched "her baby" (my dad) jump up into the pine tree hovering over Grandpa's grave and swing from the dangling limb.
Right next to Grandpa's headstone, of course, was Grandma's headstone. Hers read, "Dorothy Marie Victory, June 6, 1920 - ." I can hear her expression of disgust and see her roll her eyes every time my dad would tell her to lay down there on the ground and act like she was dead. Then she would start laughing and slap his arm. :) I just can't believe she won't be with us this year. Unfortunately, that blank space will be filled in with "March 14, 2011."
What awesome memories I have to hold so close in my heart. Even just as simple and minute as these probably seem, they are what I have held onto the past 2 1/2 months...and I will continue to cherish them for the rest of my life until I see her again.
It was always funny. Once we had hit the second cemetery and gotten back into the car, we were all ready to dig in the snack bag. Undoubtedly, after the bag had been in the baking car for the previous hour, Grandma would pull out her Milky Ways. I could tell, just from looking at it, that it was more like a chocolate paint; but that didn't stop her...she would carefully pull away the wrapper and thoroughly enjoy every bite - usually getting some on her pants or blouse and then giggling about it. And, who cared if she made a mess? Nobody. We had enough baby wipes in the trunk to bathe a family of 18.
Friends & family ~
Whatever your Memorial weekend "gig" is, whether it's barbequeing, going to the lake, visiting relatives far away, , or simply enjoying the warm weather, please take some time to remember those beautiful, important people who are no longer with us. And last, but certainly not least, remember those beautiful, important people who have laid down - or are currently laying down - their own lives so that we can be with the people we love.
I love you,
Sarah
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