Of Things and Remembering
My grandmother made this ring: 
It's big, and wacky, and I love it because she made it. She made a lot of jewelry. She made my parents' wedding rings. She made her own necklace chains. She made earrings, and pins, and pendants.
She had an artist's eye for jewelry, and other things as well. In college she was a fashion major, and once when I was younger she showed me some dresses she'd designed and sewn. They were beautiful, with intricate beading and delicate stitches. When my mom got married my grandma made her wedding dress, as well as all the bridesmaids' gowns.
My grandma's style encompassed all her life. She dressed impeccably, collected beautiful things (my favorite being the colored glass--vases, plates, rabbit figurines--she collected in her bay window), and held herself with class and grace.
Over the past few years she's changed, dementia gradually transforming her from who she was. Changing her style, stealing her memory, taking her further from us.
She's not doing very well right now, and we don't know how much longer she'll be with us. And while its the memories I will cherish the most (the weeks at Rehoboth every year, the Christmases gathered in the sun room, her telling me I was growing into a beautiful young lady), I'm also grateful for the little things we have that she made. Like the ring I'm wearing. These little pieces are just tiny examples of her talent and style. Things I hope to share with my children one day. Things they can touch and hold while they hear stories about their great-grandmother and what a cool lady she was.
I love you grandma. 
2 comments:
Very touching Lis. You expressed exactly how I feel too. Probably shouldn't have read this at work though. (Wipes tear from eye)
Lis, this was sweet and reminded me of all the wonderful things I know about your Grandmother. I miss her and all the time I spent in her house in Philadelphia visiting and walking through the house and asking her about this and that and where she found it or what it meant to her. I have marvelous memories of when your Mother and I would take a get away weekend to Philadelphia and be wined and dined by your Grandmother & Grandfather. Ahhhhh, those were the days. Those times mean so much to me. I'm glad I have the memories.
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