Grandma had the fastest sewing machine in the west. Now I have it, and oh, how grateful I am! Grandma could sew anything: wool coats, suits, prom dresses, t-shirts, blankets, patched knees, pajamas, Christmas stockings, shorts, etc. Her products were perfect and amazing. Almost like buying them at the store...only better...no flaws, ever. Here are some shirts she sewed for us for our family picture...pretty cute, huh? You'll notice that those are full-blown collars, the boys open to the left and the girls to the right...because that is how you do it, all of the lines match up perfectly, and there are snaps. She's good.
It's interesting, when you're faced with the death of a very prominent loved one, the things that you worry about and wonder about. When I knew that Grandma's time on earth would be cut shorter than I had planned, I worried about who would do my sewing and mending. I guess that deep in the back of my mind, I knew I would have to step up. See, Grandma not only sewed for me, she also taught me a few things along the way. I can sew because she let me sew (I only broke a few needles on that old Singer) and she was always there to lend a hand. Although I would much prefer to have her here to do my sewing for me, that was not to be. I am, however, grateful for the tools she left me: a fabulous machine, a closet full of supplies, lessons, and experiences never to be forgotten. So, now I wonder...do they sew in Heaven? It was an earthly talent that Grandma developed well and that she loved...I just wonder if she still gets to sew?
Yesterday I decided it was time to get the patches on the scout uniforms. I've only been a leader for four months and Jeron had his first den meeting last night. I have dreaded putting the patches on. I couldn't help but think what an easy task it would be for Grandma. So many times like this, I long for her to be here and say, "Bring them over. I'll take care of it." But, again, she did not leave me helpless. I have the machine and I have the experience, so I set to work. Can I just say...easy, peasy!? I know the machine made a huge difference, but I also like to think I got a bit of her talent, too! Just LOOK at those patches! Thanks, Grandma, for the machine, but mostly for the talent you passed on.
Grandma wanted to live long enough so that her grandkids would remember her. I write Memory Monday to help the grandkids remember and know Grandma. Davis is the youngest grandchild that Grandma knew on this earth. I have often, sadly, said that his memories of Grandma will be few. Maybe, hopefully, I am wrong. Davis went to the bookshelf last night to get a book for a story. He proudly brought me one of Grandma's Numa yearbooks and said, pointing to a picture on the front, "Gammah, Gammah, Gammah!" I looked at the picture, and sure enough, it was Grandma! We have never looked at that book. I don't know that he's ever seen that particular picture of Grandma. We looked at the yearbook and Davis found Grandma on every page where there was a picture of her. My friend Mindy says that Grandma probably hangs out with Davis more than with the rest of us, and he probably sees her better than we do. I like that idea and I believe it. She is making sure that Davis remembers her. I, too, will make sure that Davis and the rest of the grandkids remember her.
