My grandma is a HUGE part of my life. As far back as my forty-seven years of memory reaches…she’s there. Soccer games, dance recitals, holiday dinners, weddings, births. Her life is woven into the fabric of mine.
This photo was taken when I was in high school.
I’m sure the big 80s hair gave that away.
Christmas day–when my little brother got his Pound Puppy and was so excited he did a backflip over my mom’s favorite gold chair.
Grandma Cusumano–aka Granny Goose, or Cuckoo Bird as my family lovingly calls her is now 95 years old. Living in an assisted living facility, until recently, called me often. When I’d see her number come up on my phone “Granny Goose” I never hesitated to take it, no matter where I was.
I treasure each call. And, until recently, valued each hysterically funny conversation like gemstones. Grandma’s hearing is terrible. Talking to her is like enjoying a game of “Telephone” with one person.
She hasn’t been well, lately. I can’t talk about it long without crying. It’s not that she’s doing so much worse, it’s rather more of a fading away. Softly, gently, she is leaving me here. And, it hurts.
People like to ask me how hard it was to leave California. “The hardest part is leaving the people I love.” But, for those I’m close to, those who know me, I always say, “The absolute hardest thing about leaving California is leaving my Grandma.”
My aunts lovingly care for her and send me photos and daily updates. They even dial my number and allow me and Grandma to share another “I Love You”…a hug across the miles. They understand how I’m hurting. Their job is terribly hard. They are watching their mom fade away, too. I’m so grateful for them. My Grandma loves “her girls” so much.
Because I’ve felt the pain of losing someone I love I know something a lot may not know–a thousand “I Love You’s” won’t be enough.
Today I found a video from five years ago. Grandma is 90 years old here. My oldest was getting ready to leave for college so we stopped by for a visit.
Grandma is a giver. You can’t leave her without something, a cookie, candy, magazines, gas money, or her favorite pastime…re-gifting clothes.
Pay attention to the last few seconds of this video. Grandma tells Meghan she needs something for her coat pocket–classic.
Share something special about YOUR grandma in the comments below.
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