Dicia Ann Holden Steele: Mother of 6, Grandmother of 22, and Great Grandmother of 7. What an amazing Legacy. I feel sorry that there were many of her grandchildren that live far away that she had few opportunities to get to know. I feel fortunate to always have been close by. I remember when I first lived on my own as a college student and had to call Grandma to ask her how to make spagetti. I know pretty pathetic but I have never claimed to be a good cook. I can still hear her giggle but then patiently explained to me the process. I also have many memories of Grandma and Mom dragging Aunt Beth, my sister and myself from store to store to store most saturdays when we were small. I am still pretty sure that both my mom and grandma looked at every single thing on every single rack in the whole store. I know that us kids were just there for the McDonalds. Although it was so painfully boring at the time it made a lot of memories that I wouldn't trade for anything today.
Every couple weeks for a few years I would go to clean my grandparents house once grandma could no longer handle it. What a great opportunity. I got to spend time with them and not to mention Grandpa paid really well. Once her disease started effecting her where she could not remember peoples names I was so proud that I saw her enough that she still remembered mine for a long time.
Alheimers has been hard for all of us that new my grandma Dicia. To watch her deteriate has been hard but I feel so fortunate that she has had her children supporting her along the way. Wiping her tears when she was so scared or reasurring her when she had that look of fear on her face. I am so thankful that Aunt Beth took her to her church for so many years so she could be a part of her own congergation. To praise God in a familiar setting I'm sure was a great comfort to her. I am also thankful that my grandpa took care of the love of his life until the very end. Although I know it was a constant challenge what a great sign of love and devotion. Thanks to my mom (Diana) also for taking care of her almost daily so grandpa could get a much deserved break. I know that all her children have busy lives but I am so thankful to all of them that helped take care of my Grandma.
There were also many cute thing that my Grandma has done since being sick that I will always cherish. Like when she would have her smile beaming as her great grandbabies played at her feet and would say "Awww look at the puppies". It still makes me giggle just thinking about it. Or the singing and dancing around that Grandma would do. It was always nice to see her in such a happy mood.
I miss her crafts, her strawberry jam, and her giggle but I am so glad that God put us together.
My Grandma was such an amazing mother and grandmother and I can not praise God enough for sending me to be a part of this family.
That's beautiful Sarah. Thank you so much for sharing.
ReplyDeleteYou brought back some sweet memories for me. My great grandmother passed away in January and she was so special to me. After her husband passed away, I started visiting her on the weekends. We read Beverly Lewis books together and talked for hours. (Amish Inspirational Fiction) She made me dinner and said, "if anyone leaves this house hungry, it's there own fault". I loved listening to her stories and just sitting in her warm comfy cozy living room. Plus she was so soft and fluffy and gave warm hugs. And she always smelled like perfumed powder.
I wish I got to keep her longer, but I know she's with Jesus. She was so faithful and grateful. She prayed for me :) We prayed together before every meal. I love love love my Great Grandma Sylvia.
Hugs to you.