Anna Boxer, my grandma, passed away today. She was/is the toughest lady I have ever met in my life. You may not have known from her choice of words while playing a mean game of rummy but she was/is the person who fights for the weaker kid, serves everyone before serving herself, and loves having cake EVERY night after dinner. Whenever going to Grandma's house I could count on getting Apple Jacks (even if they were bought months before and were a little stale), Coffee Cake, Joey's pizza, playing cards, and laughing... lots of laughing. Grandma had a great sense of humor- she was always teasing her kids, and giving everyone a good laugh! She was mischievous, and strong, smart, and hard working. This woman was raised in the Great Depression, went on to raise 7 kids THEN started work at a school for handicapped kids. Her last day of work was when she was 93- who does that! I'll tell ya- the kind of person who works until they are 93 is the same kind of person who comes to visit you and before you know it is raking your leaves in the fall or shoveling your snow in the winter. (Both of which have happened while she was visiting us! And don't judge us we couldn't have stopped her if we wanted to, all this was done before we even woke up!) Favorite times with Grandma include: Hearing about her latest win at the casinos in Atlantic City. Having her load your plate with food like it was the end of the world, and you couldn't leave the table till you were done. Playing rummy. Looking at all her crossword books. Talking in the kitchen. You could never catch Grandma sitting still- she was always moving a chair from this room to that room, getting your sheets ready, making your bed, getting your breakfast ready, getting a drink, looking for... something, anything! Grandma would try to give up her bed anytime we came to visit, saying that she would sleep on the floor in order to make us comfortable. But like I said earlier she was tough. Don't let all these acts of charity fool you! The first time she met Casey she threatened him- out of love of course! And I quote, "Casey it's nice to meet you but if you hurt my granddaughter I will kick your a%$." She was not someone you wanted to mess with! Even her own grown sons knew not to mess with G-ma! She always rooted for the underdog- she had the ability to see everyone as our Heavenly Father does, and she recognized there potential. She was a powerful woman with a powerful heart. I love her so much and I am so grateful for her example. I was able to learn about hard work, how to be thrifty!, how to love anyone and everyone and see the good in them, how to serve others, and most of all she taught me to always be there for your family. She was always there- she always gave you a hug and kiss with an I love you. Can't ask for more. I love you Grandma, I am going to miss you so much. Give Grandpa a hug for me and I will see you again soon. Until then... I know you will be watching over us. I feel you with me already. I love you.
6 comments:
Your grandma is awesome! I love the spunk, personality, and selflessness. Thinking of you and your family!
Sorry about your Grandma. There really isn't anything like a great example to live by but Grandma's.
Julie, your grandmother is loving your tribute to her. You know she is probably showing it to everyone in Heaven and is bragging on you and your courage and spunk just like you do hers. You will miss her and wish that Maddie had a chance to learn from her but you know that you are a special piece of her and that she loved you very much. I remember her at your wedding. She was mighty proud of old Casey, too.
My love goes out to you and your family always.
OK, now I'm crying. Thanks a lot! I sure will miss Grandma, too. I didn't get a Grandma threat when I joined the family, but I did get an Uncle Jack kiss - can Casey say that? :)
I still love the memory of when G-ma came down for one of her few visits during the blizzard of '93. Dad and I were taking it slow (TV & coffee cake) the morning after the snow when mom came in and said "Bob, you and your son better get outside and tell grandma to stop shoveling the driveway - what are the neighbors going to think!?!" We thought she was still at the table in her PJ's with a cup of coffee. It was too funny - watching Dad pry the shovel from G-ma's hand! Gotta love her! A beautiful tribute, Jules, I couldn't have said it better.
I loved this tribute to Grandma- you captured her perfectly ! We were so very lucky to have someone like Grandma in our family- she IS a great role model for all of us. But I have to tell you and I hope you don't think any less of me- but I'm not working until I'm 93!!!!
Love you Jules!
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