Three Things I Learned From My Grandma

Today is my Grandmas birthday.

As some of you know, we lost my Grandma last June. Her death has been a huge loss for me personally. I miss her so much and I so badly wish I could pick up the phone and talk to her.

My grandma was involved in so much of my life and I am so fortunate to have so many amazing memories with her. As I got older I realized even more how special this woman was and all of the wisdom she had. I regret not learning that sooner; I would have asked her so many more questions about life and made it a point to never, ever forget any word she said to me.

As I reflect back on the time I had with her, there are a few things that come to mind over and over again. Today I am sharing three things I learned from my grandma.

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THREE THINGS I LEARNED FROM MY GRANDMA

1. Family is everything. My grandma lived for her family. As 1 of 11 children, my grandma knew the importance of family from such a young age. She always put her family first and she was the happiest when her family was happy. She supported her kids and grandkids in everything they did. When I was a sophomore in high school I got really sick. My mom had to work so Grandma spent the entire day at my house with me. She was sitting on the side of the bed, spoon feeding me little sips of soup and putting cold rags on my forehead to try to break my fever. It was in these moments, and so many more just like this, that her deep love for her family was so obvious. Another thing that was so special about my grandma- she taught us that family wasn’t limited to blood relatives. My best friends in high school became extra grandchildren to her. Before Abe and I were even married, he was already being called “Grandson”. So many of her friends and her kids’ friends and her grandkids friends became family to her the moment she met them.
2. Have faith. My grandma went through many hard times in her life. Including losing both of her parents before she was a teenager. Then she lost her daughter, my aunt, in a tragic car accident. She was only 34. Can you imagine losing a child?  But through every single hardship, when you think it would be impossible to go on, Grandma had her faith. She clung to her faith in those hard times. And she praised Him in the good times. When Connor had brain surgery at only 5 years old, my grandma was our biggest prayer warrior. When I would give her updates on Connor’s health she would always say “Thank The Dear Lord for such great news.” After I got married she would tell me how happy she was that I met Abe and that he brought me to church. It’s true that because of Abe I have a relationship with God. But really it was Grandma showing me from such a young age how powerful He is and what it looks like to have faith in Him always.
3. Have fun. Ask anyone in my family and they will tell you, Grandma was the life of the party! She loved to laugh and have fun. I remember hearing stories about my grandma playing cards and hanging out with her kids while Grandpa was at work. They should have been working on their Saturday morning chores but instead, Grandma was having fun with her kids. They would look at the clock and realize Grandpa was going to be home soon so they would have to quickly put the cards away and frantically clean the house before Grandpa got home. 20 years later, Grandma was doing the same thing with my brother and me! Having fun was important to Grandma. If you look back at photos of family weddings or parties, you will see Grandma with the biggest smile on her face. And she is likely on the dance floor or in the center of all of the action. If you look for a few seconds longer, you can probably hear her laughing, too.

Thank you, Grandma, for being the best example of how to live life to the fullest. You were so wise and fun and full of so much love. I love you and miss you so much it hurts.

Happy Birthday, Grandma! I can only imagine the party you are having today.

Photos: Megan Higgins Photography