This weeks 50 shades of Pink color for Gertie is "Pink Seriously" donated by Jean Strand Rollins of Blaine, Minnesota. This weeks color was chosen not because of the color but rather because of the name. While my grandma could be fairly serious, some of the greatest memories of her that I have are of funny ones where she was having a good time.
One of the stories that exemplifies my grandma's fun loving spirit was a story from my grade school years. One evening in the middle of the week, there was a knock at the door of our house. When I opened the doors, there was this really tall woman and this short guy holding signs. They wouldn't speak and they were wearing masks. It was creepy! Quickly I called my parents to the door and for some reason they let them in the door. The short masked man kept crossing their legs and pulling at their mask and the tall lady would put her hand to her masked mouth. Their signs displayed words that asked us to figure out who they were. My two younger sisters and I were worried and a bit freaked out. You should have seen our faces! My parents weren't as worried. Eventually the little man couldn't hold it any longer from their laughing so hard and had to use the bathroom. As he took off his mask we realized it wasn't a man after all but my grandma! We all started laughing. The tall woman was none other than Grandpa Chuck! They had to be in their 70's already at that time and when I think back to the happy times, I think back to that night.
Mr grandma loved to have fun. A few years ago when she had been going to an adult day program for the elderly, they had planned a Halloween party. Grandma asked me what costume I could help her dress up in. I had a nun costume I had worn a few years before and so with a few adjustments in the length of the dress my grandma was able to wear the costume to her event. She was so convincing in this costume that she ended up even winning the best costume prize that year. Even till before she died she would talk about and laugh about that costume. While Grandma could be serious, she taught be that its important to enjoy life and have a good time.
Our lives are short...even if you live to be almost 97 years old. What are you doing with your life? While I spend alot of time still sad that my grandma is gone and grieving that loss, I am trying to plan some good times and fun as well.
Thank you Grandma for the laughs and the fun memories...
Grandma as Sr. Mary Gertrude...don't you just love the sneakers?
Pink Seriously nail polish donated by Jean Strand Rollins
***Story correction: So, my mom, after reading the blog entry today, informed me that she didn't just let the masked couple in. Rather, she made them tell her who it was first. Apparently myself and my siblings were far enough away that we didn't hear them say to my mom who they were. Mom said she knew who they were before we did. Thankfully this story led to my mom reminding me of a few other memories and we had a few other laughs about Grandma memories. That, my friends and family, is what this blog is about. What helps us laugh helps us heal. I will forever miss my grandma but as I share memories it helps me remember those great times.
***Story correction: So, my mom, after reading the blog entry today, informed me that she didn't just let the masked couple in. Rather, she made them tell her who it was first. Apparently myself and my siblings were far enough away that we didn't hear them say to my mom who they were. Mom said she knew who they were before we did. Thankfully this story led to my mom reminding me of a few other memories and we had a few other laughs about Grandma memories. That, my friends and family, is what this blog is about. What helps us laugh helps us heal. I will forever miss my grandma but as I share memories it helps me remember those great times.
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