After getting that phone call I was just heart broken. I did not know what to do. I thought about my kids and how they were going to take the news. I wanted to run to the nursing home. It took me awhile to decide what to do. Wayne said he didn't think everyone was going up there, only the kids at this time. I could not take it. I rode up there anyway,alone. When I got there the parking lot was full so I parked in the gas station lot behind the nursing home. I could not make my self go in. I just sat in the car for awhile. The hearse was parked in the back as well. It wasn't long before the rolled her out. I just sat and watched it all from a far. After getting my self together I joined my family members inside.
In the months to follow we set about cleaning out her house and separating out her things. Most of it we smoothly but it was not drama free. As I look around my house at the things that I ended up with I feel blessed. Granny was one of my best friends and biggest supporters. She loved to hear about the things that were were learning about and see projects we were working on. I love to have some of her things around me all the time. They are not worth much money wise but they mean alot to me! In our school room I have re purposed several of her items.
She had an old army cot in the barn that had belonged to her father. We fixed it up, painted it, used some fabric to make cushions for it and here it is:
We do read alouds here!
Another item that I have in our room is one of her sewing machine stands. My daddy put shelves on it for her years ago and she used it as a plant stand on her porch. Now it holds our stereo and art supplies!
Our wipe off board is made of her screen door that us kids got in trouble for slamming ALOT!! It was replaced with a storm door years ago and was just in her barn. I love this piece. When I look at it and use it with the kids I am reminded of all the times that I walked through this door at her home.
These items are priceless to me but most important are the memories in my heart and in the hearts of my kids and husband. They knew and loved their granny and for this I am thankful. I am blessed to have my home on land that she and grandaddy farmed for most of their lives.
As the anniversary of her death draws near I have a granny sized hole in my heart but hold in it the love and precious memories that she has left behind. I love and miss you Granny!
