Memories...

My mom informed me the other day that my grandma's old house is for sale. And, I would buy it in a heartbeat if I had the $$. We had so many amazing memories in that house. My grandma (Bertice) was one of the kindest people I have ever known. She drove the yellow Ford pick-up truck (that Jon drives now) until she passed away at the age of 88 in 1997. She welcomed anyone who came to visit with open arms and a full cookie jar. She was just a really neat person with a heart of gold. I still miss her terribly, although it's been 11 years since her passing. I can still remember they way her house smelled and the sound of her voice. The day she passed away is still fresh in my mind. It was July 18th, 1997 (at 6:42 p.m.) that we got the call... I was due to deliver Chloe any day and I had plans that evening to see a movie with my mom- to keep my mind off of the heat and my growing belly. While we were getting ready to go to the theatre my grandma's neighbor called saying her paper was still in the driveway from that morning and that she wasn't answering her phone or door. Highly unusual, but we were being cautiously optimistic, thinking she was ill or that she simply couldn't hear the phone. I offered to go check on her, but my dad said that he would go and that I could tag along. We got there and her dog Bubba was in the yard covered in pollen. You could tell that he was hot, miserable, and confused. He and my grandma were buddies. We began banging on doors and she never came. So, we broke in through her locked screen door and yelled her name all through the house, checking every room. And, that is when we found her, passed away in her bathroom. Seriously one of the saddest most surreal moments of my life. Although I know I couldn't have saved her, I still wish I had called or stopped by to see her that day. She was anxiously awaiting the birth of Chloe. She was as excited as I was that there was a little girl coming to our family. Seeing her house for sale and recognizing the rooms, although they are changed somewhat is so bizarre. Man, I miss her. And, even though it would be strange and a little bit too small for my family to live there, I would so buy that house if money were no object. Just to keep it in the family.

P.S. And, I am sure only my parents and my sisters will appreciate this, but if you are interested go see the pics of her house here.