My grandma’s name was Pearl. I am remembering her today as this marks the day in 2000 that she died. She was just short of her 100th birthday.
Grandma was a marvel. I loved her and she loved me. And I honestly believe it was her love for me and my knowledge of it, that gave me the safety net we all need to navigate life well. I believe I would be a lot more screwed up in this world had it not been for my Grandma.
Grandma was at my birth. She held me and rocked me and cried with joy when I came. And even though she always told me I was her favourite, she made sure all of her grandchildren knew that no matter what they did or how they did it; we would always — without question, be welcomed in her home, arms and heart.
I took her up on her offer many times.
Both of us were very lucky in our choice of Grandmothers. My dad told me that my Grandma saved my life when I nearly died of whopping cough when I was very young. And I know I was her favorite.