Grandma Verda

Have you ever been around a person who just makes you want to be better?  Someone who always builds you up?  Someone who is always thinking of others?  

I have and it's wonderful.

My Grandma Verda was just that person for me, and countless others, too.

  She passed away yesterday and my mind has been going ever since; recalling memories baking at her house with cousins, playing card games around her kitchen table, looking out at graduations and recitals and always seeing her there to support me.  It's so hard to sit here and put into words the amazing woman that she was and the incredible life that she led.  My words and thoughts just don't do her justice.

Grandma Verda always made you feel like you were her favorite.  She'd always ask about school or church and could remember what I was involved in or had going on.  Even during those tough, not so pretty junior high school years, that were full of braces and pimples, I could always count on Grandma for a compliment on how beautiful I was.  That made my day, so many times.  

She was the best calendar-keeper to ever grace the earth, and remembered everyone's birthdays and anniversaries.  Thoughtful cards were always sent in the mail, and seemed to arrive right on time.  How did she do that?

Grandma was nearly a professional emailer, and was known for sending countless forwards to all of her grandchildren almost daily.  I'll miss those emails.  I'm serious.

Grandma Verda was fun and could always push aside other things to be with family. She made her home an inviting, warm place; and she could always miraculously whip up some delicious meal no matter what time of day it was.  

Grandma was always up for a game of cards, or a chance to make homemade nut rolls or cherry chocolates.    She was always sharing with neighbors or taking dinner to someone who was sick.  Her energy seemed endless.

I know she loved me, and I only hope she knows how much I love her.  My heart aches to think that she's gone for now. I can hardly imagine going to Utah and not going for a visit to Grandma's house.  

But because of her I want to resolve to be better; to be a more thoughtful friend, daughter, mother and wife.  I want to look at life, even the challenges I face, in a more positive way.  I want to be like Verda Cloe. 

I love you, Grandma.
"Always and Forever"