My Grenna

I lost my Grenna today. She was 91 years old and one of the classiest ladies you'd ever meet. Grenna lived an incredible life; one we all hope to have. She traveled around the world, had an amazing education and was married to the love of her life for almost 62 years. Grenna was known to everyone as the orchid lady as she had a greenhouse attached to her home that housed over 2500 different species of orchids. She even has one named after her, how's that for a legacy?

However, Grenna's proudest legacy is her family. Family was always the most important thing to her and to Poppa. Some of my favorite memories of Grenna will always be playing the penny game on the steps, her saying "Who-who?" when someone came into the house, bright pink lipstick and poofy hair. I will always think of her when I eat Lorna Doones and might have to even sip milk from a dixie cup just like she did...I don't think, however, I'll have the urge to eat green jello with olives...yuck! When I was little, I used to think that she really tried to make her hairline look like an "M" for Margaret. She also called all of us her "honey cakes." I remember feeling very special because Poppa used to say I reminded him of Grenna because, well, I'm short like her and we share our dark hair and dark eyes.

Hours after Poppa died, I had to turn in a speech for my Golden Apple presentation. I was able to honor him and pay tribute in a very special way. It took everything in power to not melt away in tears giving that speech, but it was also cathartic and helped me deal with such a huge loss. I found that writing really helps me and also hope to pay a special tribute to my amazing grandmother.

I know Poppa is waiting for Grenna with open arms and is so very happy to see her. I can just see him kissing her on the forehead. I'm sure all of their big band favorites are playing and they are already doing a very long overdue swing dance.

I love you, Grenna! I know you'll be watching over us...