my grandmother

A wonderful woman passed out of this world on Saturday.

 

Giver of doo-dads. Artist & naturalist, she helped instill in me - and countless others- a passion for nature, poetry, gardening, fine music, and beautiful artwork. 

She had a gift for infusing her excitement and passions into others, and I can still hear her exclamations upon the discovery of some extraordinary little creature, or her delight over a childish attempt at painting with watercolors. So far 7 of her 19 grandchildren have pursued an education in biology, and there are several talented artists.... there's no coincidence there. 

It is hard for me to realize that I will no longer travel to the palatial homestead of G&G and share in some friendly intellectual conversation over morning tea and english muffins. Or go on coastal adventures accompanied with ginger ale and pecan sandies. I will no longer get newspaper clippings in the mail about giant squid sightings, or hear the grave command to an adoring dog, "Coffee, say Woo-Woo".

I miss my grandparents.

But they live on in the wonderful legacy they have given their many children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. I will remember Gram every time I point out a ridiculous bug to my children, permit them to smell my coffee, and gaze at her enchanting paintings that hang on our walls.