Sunday afternoon my grandma died. I am sad… and I am relieved.
Grandma was born June 4th, 1917 in Waverly, Minnesota. She was the oldest of four girls. When she was 16 she met the man who would become her husband of 65 years (ending when he died in 2000). Together they lived on a farm in Central Minnesota with my fraternal great-grandfather until his death at age 91 (land and house purchased by his father in 1870) and had 14 children – all live births (and all still living) – 11 boys and three 3 girls – half born at home and half at the hospital. These children went on to produce 54 grandchildren for my grandma to love on.
My grandma was the old-fashioned kind of grandma. She always wore a dress (didn’t see her in pants until my grandpa died), and a full apron. Coffee was still made on the stove top in an old coffee pot. Dinner was served at noon on the dot and supper was served at exactly the same time every evening – and not one minute later. There was always a stack of bread on the table and a stick of butter. The last time I saw then both alive I met a few of my aunts at the farmhouse, and because it was Friday we had tomato soup and cheese sandwiches (no meat on Friday – ever!)
We lived just four miles from my grandparent’s house when I was growing up – but we could still legitimately sing “Over the river and through the woods to grandmother’s house we go” because we did those things to get there. When I would attempt to run away from home I would be heading to my grandma’s house (when I was six I got over a quarter of the way there!) When I was with my grandma I felt like I was the most special person in the world. She told me I was her favorite – but I’m guessing that she told all her grandchildren that.
Grandma baked. She was known for her pies – crust made from scratch with lard (she used to tell people that she had 14 children – all raised on lard and butter and they were all alive and well – why in the world would she ever want to use margarine!) I believe her crust recipe makes 50 crusts – evidently the dough freezes well. Every year in June, for my birthday, she would make sure she made a fresh strawberry pie just for me! I have one of her recipe cards for banana bread. I think it makes 50 loaves.
My grandma quilted. She did the standard quilts for her mission group, and for all the members of the family she made tied quilts. You can see a few of these quilts and find out how to tie quilts here.
Grandma taught me how to tie quilts on a quilt frame my grandfather had made for her (I have one he made for me, too!) – and we would spend time together quilting and talking. I was interested in genealogy and family stories, and she shared with me her childhood memories and stories of her family. Or we would listen to the Edison (the Victrola-type record player).
Grandma sometimes made the Christmas gifts for the grandchildren. When I was quite young she made teddy bears for the children around at that time (with so many, I think there is a 20 year difference between the oldest and youngest grandchild). This is mine (yes I still have it). I think my brother (who is just a year younger than I) bit the nose off the first year I had it. 
When I was in college, she made dolls for some of the younger children. I asked her if she would make one for me, too… and she did 
No matter the crowd in the tiny farmhouse – especially during the holidays when the whole family would get together, you could count on two things. Grandma would have time to hug on a child, and there would be LOTS of food. Holiday meals were potluck – and grandma would cook several turkeys and make three large (and by large, I mean just barely able to fit into the oven) pans of stuffing. One thing is for sure – our family loved to eat
One of my aunts had kept me posted on her health, and I knew I would probably never see my grandmother alive again. Grandma didn’t know who I was last time I saw her, but she doesn’t know who her children were either. She had been suffering from Alzheimer’s Disease for over ten years, and had been living in a nursing home for the last six or seven. Her death was a blessing. I was told that she was surrounded by 11 of her 14 children when she died. In fact, I got a call (message left on machine) several hours in advance of her death. I returned the call just 30 minutes after she had actually died. She was 91.
My grandmother was truly an amazing woman and I will always cherish the time I got to spend with her. And, when I wrap up in the quilts she made for me, I feel her loving hugs.
A beautifully written entry. I’m sure should would be quite proud that she made such an impact on your life.
I am truely sorry for you loss. Even when loved ones are not in good health, and we know it’s only for the best for them for them to pass on, it’s still hard to lose them.
I hope you and your family can take this time to cherrish your memories and incorporate something that she did into your life- the bread, dolls, meatless Friday, anything. It’ll make her memory that much stronger.
Thank you for your comments.
The sad thing is I never learned to sew or cook – and baking 50 loaves of banana bread for this one-person household seems like a lot. And… to be perfectly honest… the ONLY type of pie I really like is strawberry – but I may have to try and make one of those this summer in her honor – complete with lard (do they still sell that?)
I have the hand-made quilt rack in my attic and haven’t taken it out since I put it there – I wasn’t really sure where I had the space. I am seriously thinking of pulling it down and making some tied quilts – even I can make those. The hand-stitching won’t be as pretty – but they will still be as warm.
I do like the idea of a meat-less Friday. THAT I can do – and it would probably be healthier for me.
Again, thank you for your kind comments.
Well, you may not know much about cooking or sewing right now, but who is to say that you wont in the future? From what I read, you’ve already begun learning some neat dishes.
I think you should make a pie in her honor this summer. Hahaha, and yes, they sell lard, but it might be hard to find. Know what I use though that might be the closest you get? Crisco. Most of it is vegetable oil (made to resemble lard and work the same way) and its readily available.
And good for the meat-less Friday. Right there you’ve done something that she did.
What a beautiful tribute to your grandmother. She may be gone but she will live forever in the memory of those 14 children and 54 grandchildren. She sounds so much like my Nana. Margaret
It’s so evident that your grandmother was such a phenomenal woman. What a blessing she was and continues to be to your life. You learned some fabulous lessons from her and no doubt her legacy lives on in the lives of your relatives as well.
First, thank you for your compliment on my poem. I have to admit that the poem posted here is a new and improved version of the one in the exhibition, so I’m glad you read it here!
I have to comment on your tribute to your grandmother. It seems that she was straight out of the “What Grandmas Are Supposed To Be Like” book. I envy you your memories. They are truly beautiful and idyllic.
My dad is older than your grandmother was! He was born on 9.11.16. As you know, I am losing my mother (born 11.9.21) to ovarian cancer. Like AIDS, cancer is an Evil disease that eats its victims up from the inside of their bodies. It is SO HARD to watch.
My heritage is so different from yours. My mother was the youngest of six children raised by my grandmother single-handedly during the depression. (My grandfather died when my mom was only six). I respect my grandmother greatly for that, but I don’t remember any grandmotherly or even any motherly hugs. Mom’s family was not a warm and friendly family, and my father’s family was even less so. I saw my father’s only brother only once, when I was an adult and took it upon myself to visit him.
In reaction, I suppose, I am full of hugs for my own grandchildren, and I raised their parents on hugs and homemade bread (and that’s what they remember most about their childhoods). I hope I am remembered in the same–though citified–way that you remember your grandmother.
You were blessed to grow up with a grandmother like that and to have such beautiful memories. I know you know that!
[...] am most fortunate that my grandmother (who is also grandmother to 53 others) loved to make quilts – and I have been a fortunate [...]
[...] am most fortunate that my grandmother (who is also grandmother to 53 others) loved to make quilts – and I have been a fortunate [...]
[...] I have my thermostat turned to 52 degrees. I bundle indoors an have two tied quilts (made for my by my grandmother) and a comforter on my bed (which to me is the most comfortable way to [...]