My aunt recently posted pictures on Facebook of my grandmother when she was young, and I can’t stop looking at them! My grandma was so special, and so beautiful. I don’t think anyone’s adequately been able to describe the effect she had on people. She was just magnetic–so much love to spare, even with seven kids. Especially with seven kids.
People tell stories of her, about how she would smile at them and they would feel so warm and loved and like everything was right. Even her in-laws easily fell for her.
My senior year of High School, I spent my winter break at her bedside. I was so fortunate to have that time! I sat next to her every day, knitting and being with her, even though she could no longer speak or eat. But even then, I would look at her and think, “wow, she is still gorgeous!”. Her nails still so perfect, her hair never turned gray. And even when she was so ill, she would muster a smile when you entered the room. I loved her so much, still do.
And the more I think about it, the more I realize the wonderful similarities she and my own mother share. They both have that magnetism. People are drawn to them and trust them easily, just a smile bringing them in. I never realized how much they looked alike until I saw those old pictures again: similar eyes, nose, face shape, or is it the mouth? Whatever it is–they’re both beautiful.
I have found it hard to relate to people who dislike their mothers, ’cause I love mine so unbelievably much! I brag all the time about my mom–in fact, just a moment ago I was telling my roommate Stacey about how great our relationship is, and how funny she is, and how much I love her. And last weekend I was telling my friends about “Maldeterre”, my mom’s example bad girl who did everything naughty. I loved that, I remember asking my mom about what Maldeterre would do in situations–she would throw sand at other children! she would not share! she had temper tantrums! etc. Example of my mom’s genius: Maldeterre means bad of the earth! While Maldeterre did all the “bad” things, I would always ask my mom what she did when she was my age, because I admired her so much, even when I was very young. I thought she must have been the opposite of Maldeterre!
But I cannot help bragging. She did everything just right for us. Sometimes we joke that because Anna and I are such “good” kids that she never got to try out her stellar parenting strategies. But it’s only because she raised us in the most amazing way possible. Simply, with so much love. She cooked a delicious (and most importantly, balanced) meal every night. She is the reason I love music so much, and is responsible for most of my musical collection (even Sufjan). She fueled my deep connection and obsession with the outdoors. And perhaps my favorite thing is how much we laugh. When I’m home, I am just laughing constantly because together, everything does it.
I suppose the only way I can truly repay her is to love her back. I am always trying to show her how much I do, but it’s impossible to give her what she gave me. Her love is spectacular.
(By the way…this was a fantastic coincidence. Only towards the end did I remember that this Sunday is Mother’s Day…!)
