Grandma Smith

Today, Diamond's 101 year old grandma died. Like any good grandson, many of Diamond's memories center around her cooking: her famous cinnamon rolls, the best french toast ever, and root beer floats. He also talks about how she would leave a candy bar on his pillow after a visit to town - since Diamond was the one who had to give up his bed to his grandparents.

I meet Grandma Smith when Diamond and I were dating. What always amazed me was that no matter when we stopped by, there were always grandkids, greatgrands, etc. over visiting. I do know that Grandma wasn't too sure about me at first. Apparently, she thought my shorts were too short and she was convinced that I was corrupting Diamond's little sister when I took her to a college comedy club. But I think I eventually won her over. If nothing else the creation of three curly-haired great-grandsons got me some credit.

It is really crazy to consider the changes she has seen in her life. When Grandma was born:

-The 19th amendment, granting women the right to vote would not be ratified for another eleven years.
-There had been no world wars.
-There was no rock and roll and music. (She was 49 when Elvis had his first #1)
-Think of the technology: Henry Ford had yet to popularize the automobile, most homes had yet to become "electrified", there was no penicillin, no TVs, no washing machines, no computers, or microwaves.

But now she has passed. It's a blessing really. Her husband died over twenty years ago, she lost a newborn baby almost 75 years ago, and her only daughter died last year. She is ready to be reunited. I'm truly happy for her. I know how much she missed her husband, her parents and her children.

We'll be heading to Utah soon for a funeral. But, until then, here's to you Grandma!