These days I can't get my mind off my Grandma Pape. She is battling health issues right now and it worries me. Every day is precious with her. As some of you know she recently turned 100. Can you imagine? 100 years old? It just blows me away.
Grandma Pape has been a BIG part of my life. When I was little I was always at her house. We would play cards, watch the Brewers, go to mass, shop at the grocery store, and eat ice cream with fresh strawberries on top. One thing that I loved about going to Grandma's is that she always welcomed us with a warm hugs, a nibble on my ear and candy of course. I think that is where my amazing figure started. :) I remember going over to her house and her giving me the freedom to go to the St. Al's park all by myself with my Grandpa's bike. I thought I was pretty cool that I could ride that bike with no hands
Grandma taught our family about faith. She is a very proud Catholic. Sometimes I did not agree with her reasoning on religion but I now realize that she was brought up this way and there was no other way to think. To some people church is boring but I always liked it. I liked the fact that the family was all together and that when we would walk into mass Grandpa and Grandma would be sitting there with a big smile We would sit by them and I would feel so proud. I felt proud that I knew all the same prayers as my Grandma and Grandpa. I am so glad that I have faith in my life. It has got me through some pretty tough times. I just don't know how I would have got through with out prayer.
Christmas Eve was a blast. This is probably the best memory that I have at Grandma and Grandpa's. Cousins, food, laughter, parents having cocktails, playing cards, staying up until midnight and then going home waiting for Santa Claus. When I get together with my cousins these memories always seem to surface. I adored this time of my life.
Grandma Pape to me a very brave, strong, determined woman that will always have a place in my heart. I look forward to seeing her and appreciate every moment with her. I want to express how important it is to get to know your Grandparents. I miss Grandpa Pape very much and I appreciate how he came to me in my dreams for about a year after he passed. He must have known that I was not ready to let go.
I will forever be grateful for the love and support of my Grandma and Grandpa Pape. I will carry their love forever!
Lovely story Maria!
ReplyDeleteGrandparents are a blessing, while mine passed away when I was young. Bryan's grandparents more or less adopted me when I dated and married Bryan! They were always loving, warm and thoughtful and had their faith they would share with us all. They are too ailing with health issues, its amazing they've been married 70 years! We cherrish them always.