Gramma L*

...technically it's Gramma R* (she remarried), but it started out as Gramma L* and I think - for me - it will always be that way.

My dear, maternal grandmother passed away early this morning. We all knew it was coming soon, and we were excited for her reunion with all her loved ones who left this earth before her. Mostly her husband, Elroy, who passed on in 1978, her 11 year old sister who died when Virginia was only 10 and her son Stephen, who only lived until he was 16 months old.

I've spoken of Virg before; like here and here. Above is her engagement picture. There were some unique traits about Gramma (I'm from Utah and we don't pronounce non-essential consonants) that are worth mentioning.

• Your lawn should be mowed in a diagonal pattern.
• She was obsessed with the OJ trial and still believes that the verdict was right.
• People should try their hardest to fall in love with someone who is rich.
• And getting said person to fall in love with you is based 98% on how you present yourself: grooming, style, etc.
• Only use ice cold water on your flower beds.
• The gospel is important.
  
• Teal green and turquoise (and all shades in between) was most certainly her favorite color.
  
• The best way to wash windows is with a raw potato and crumpled newspaper.
• Fashion and interior design is an essential part of life.
• A glass of orange juice and an oatmeal raisin cookie will make anyone feel welcome.
• Plant a garden.
• She'd always say, "Let me look at ya," and then she'd make you slowly spin in front of her. Even if you were 27 years old.
  
• Polish your silver regularly. Why in the world have silver if it's not polished?
  
• It is okay to decorate you house for Christmas in October (and having multiple trees with different themes and color combinations is crucial)
  
• Do you family history (her personal history has been published in a hard bound book and is 900 pages long - it too is turquoise).
• Eating dandelion greens is [somehow] good for you.
• and so many more things...
  

She took me to New York City when I was 15 years old. It was so exciting. We were there during Christmas and New Years and we did all the touristy things; we saw a Broadway show, Radio City Music Hall, Time Square, Rockefeller Plaza and we were kicked out of a St. John store for taking pictures of their decoration ideas - you know, the usual stuff everyone does in New York.

I wish we could have gone to lunch one more time. Or better yet, I would love to hear her laugh again. She had this high-pitched chuckle and if you were the one to make her laugh, her nose would crinkle up and she'd wave her hand at you as if to shew you away.

She had beautiful hands.

She had exquisite taste.

She couldn't hold a grudge against anyone for anything.

She gave me my mama.

I love you, Gramma and I'll do my best to make you proud.
Give Grampa a hug from me. We never had the chance.