As I sit here and think about the fact that you are gone it brings tears to my eyes. It’s easy to get caught up in regrets and things I should have done or could have done better. I could have called more. I could have made more of an effort to go see you. But what it comes down to is that I can’t change what was or what could have been and I am left to reflect on what is and who you are.
So, who are you? To me, you are Grandma Wright. To others you were mom, wife, friend. All these titles hold a special place in each person's heart as they have their own memories of how you changed and impacted their lives. But that’s what it comes down to. You were an amazing woman that changed lives for the better. I can’t say who you were to others, but I want to take you through who you were to me.
My early memories of you. Grandpa and Grandma Wright’s. This was a place of peace and of family. The doors were always open to me and my brothers. Honestly, your house was a house of freedom from the prison I lived in as a child. When plans were made to go to Grandpa and Grandma’s house I knew that I could live free and have fun, even if only for a week or two. I remember running free in the woods behind your house and having adventures with my brothers that remain as some of the best from my childhood.
In addition to the adventures at your home, we also had adventures at the mount rainier lot. As a child I would end up here at least a couple times a year. I had fun on walks, at the park, swimming and even the merry go round. This is where I first experienced a smore and all of its gooey goodness.
Then there were Sunday dinners. After church, whoever was in town or available was welcome. And for holiday’s, it was the same thing. There was always fun, family and food. As I said, a gathering place of peace that was open to any of us at any time.
Which brings me to my next memory. October 1992, if I remember correctly. Chris and I ran from our home in Chehalis and you and Grandpa welcomed us in. I was in 6th grade, Chris in 7th. You and Grandpa had already raised your kids and both worked full time jobs, but you opened your home to us and made it our home. There was never any judgement or issues, just Love. Even when I made the choice to return back to my mom and step dads home.
Over the years after that, you continued to welcome us any time that we were able to visit. Even after I was married, your house was always open. I remember playing games. Dominos and hand and foot are the ones I remember the most. You would get so ornery, especially when you were winning. And the look on your face as you would laugh about how you were winning. I will never forget it.
I also remember at your birthday, your 70th I believe, I got to share that we were going to make you a Great Grandma. These are the things that I remember as I think about the impact you had on my life.
All these memories I hold dear and will cherish forever. But I think that the time I will hold most dear is the time you came and stayed with us when Uncle Dave was in the hospital. It made me feel so good that you allowed me to return some of the hospitality that you showed me your whole life. Even more than that, though, this gave my kids the opportunity to get to know you a little better. Seeing you with my kids and them getting a chance to see the amazing grandmother that I have always seen was the best thing about this time. As they reminisce about you, this is the time they remember. Playing yahtzee. They say that you always won and it must have been because you were cheating, but they loved it.
So, as I wrap up my thoughts I want you to know that I Love you. In the last months of your life, our phone conversations weren’t much, but I got the opportunity to tell you this each day. You impacted me in a way that I can never truly describe. Grandma, you helped me become the man I am today. As a child, you and grandpa were an example of what life could be like and you two inspired me then and even now to live and to Love. These are the things I will always hold dear. These are the things I will think of when I remember you. Until we meet again in heaven, I Love you.
