Daily Archives: October 20, 2017

Wednesday morning, I received sad news two-fold. First, I learned that Janet, one of my first cousins, whose health had been declining for several months, had passed away.  Although we knew it was inevitable, we weren’t expecting it so quickly.

She lived nearby, and I always enjoyed our visits. I will remember her for her beautiful counted cross stitch work, which she had framed and displayed throughout her home, her corn pudding and the loving marriage she and her husband shared for 61 years.

Less than an hour after learning of Janet’s death, I had a call from Marshall.  He and I text each other often, but phone calls between us are somewhat rare, so my “mom radar” activated, and I knew it was something important.  He was calling to tell me that his grandmother had died.

I’d like to share a little about her with you.

“Granny” was born in the mountains of southwest Virginia in 1920. She and her husband were parents to four sons. Sometime in the mid 1950’s, her husband’s job brought them across the state to southeast Virginia.

I met her more than 45 years ago when I began dating her son, who would later become my husband and Marshall’s father. She made me feel welcome from our first meeting.

Granny was a kind woman with a strong faith. Many times, especially on holidays, she’d send a plate of food to an elderly neighbor who lived alone. If a stray kitty came to her door, it was homeless no more.

We lived about an hour away, so weekly visits on Sunday were the norm.

For Christmas, 1982, I gave Granny a doll that I had made. She loved dolls, and I think she approved of this one.

Even after my marriage to her son ended, she and I corresponded by mail. In one of her notes, she wrote that I would always be part of the family. She often asked Marshall to tell me to come see her.

So, two years ago, he went with me to visit her to celebrate her 95th birthday. I still recall her exact words when she opened the door: “My lands. I didn’t think you’d come”.

But her smile was quite a bit broader when she hugged Marshall.

And now, to end this somber post with a laugh…..a photo taken in 1972 of Granny and me. I don’t know that Marshall has ever seen this picture.  (And let me just say that there were (very) short shorts under that “dress” I was wearing.)

Granny was a very special woman. I can’t say that I’ve ever known anyone with such a sweet, Christian spirit, forgiving nature and generous heart.

I’m glad she was part of my life, and my heart aches for her family as they face life without her.

~These Days Of Mine~