Last week my dad's mom, Grandma Virginia passed away. (we stared to call her Grandma Virginia when my mom became a Grandma, that way there wasn't two Grandma Places). This photo of her hung on my parents wall my whole life. I think it is so beautiful. Grandma Virginia was 93 years old. It was a really wonderful funeral, what I'd like mine to be when I go. It was more of a celebration of a good long life.
My Dad used to always say,“I didn’t raise no shrinking violets.” Opinionated headstrong women seem to run in my family. Many “peaceful” Sunday dinners have been spent in heated debate. I dare you, throw my family any topic we’ll debate it, or at least strongly voice our opinion and them inform you, that that’s how it is. This dynamic trait of ours can be traced right back to Grandma Virginia. Grandma knew what she wanted and by darn she was going to get it. I didn’t know until I was in my twenties that Grandpa Place’s real name wasn’t Jerry, it was Arthur and that Jerry wasn’t in his given name at all. I’ve seen a Charles be called Chuck, but I’ve never seen an Arthur be called Jerry. When Grandma met Grandpa she didn’t like the name Arthur and decided to call him Jerry, the name he was known by for the rest of his life. Well if Grandma wanted it done, it was done.
Grandma was very clear on her likes and dislikes.
Dislikes: Long Distance travel. (meaning if you can’t get there in 20min by car, it’s not worth going).
She also disliked storms. Every time it stormed, you could count on a phone call from Grandma asking if it was storming where I lived. Often times we’d talk until the storm passed.
She disliked certain news anchors, and would very much voice her opinion everytime he came on television.
She also disliked current fashion trends and wanted things the way “they use to be.”
She did however have my likes:
Likes:
Sweet pickles
LOVED coca-cola classic (in a glass bottle)
She was the only person I knew who could walk into the Bountiful Taco Bell and her order will be rung up, food hot and ready and she hadn’t even said a word. She has some serious rapport with the Bountiful 5th South Taco Bell.
Game shows particularly reruns of 1970’s Game Shows
Utah Jazz, and rarely missed a televised game. They were her team.
American Idol, after I would always get the call “can you believe she wore that? Kids these days. I don’t think I can stand to watch this.” But she would always tune in next week.
However, it seems there was nothing she loved more than ankle nylons and high heels. We have pictures of her at 90 years old at Lagoon in high heels!! We have pictures of her shoveling snow in heels and even sledding, forget boots, Grandma had on high heels sledding! Which brings me to the one thing she loved even more than highheels: Grandkids. After Arthur died, her grandkids and greatgrandkids became the joy of her life.
She moved into my parents house in April of 2006, when my oldest daughter was 2 and youngest daughter had just turned one. Grandma loved watching them grow up, learning to walk, talk, and climb onto Grandma’s lap. She loved treating them to a burrito at Taco Bell. She was always willing to help with the children. One time when I was busily cooking dinner the familiar calls of “come wipe me off” came fluttering down the hall. Much to my surprise Grandma got to her feet and hollered “your mother’s busy, I’ll come take care of you.” I’m not real sure she knew what she was in for, but both gals came back smiling.
I’m so thankful that Grandma spent the last few years of her life so close to my home. It gave me the opportunity to serve her and really get to know her. It let my children know their greatgrandmother, something that I believe is a luxury and will give them a stronger sense of self.
I’m so thankful that Grandma spent the last few years of her life so close to my home. It gave me the opportunity to serve her and really get to know her. It let my children know their greatgrandmother, something that I believe is a luxury and will give them a stronger sense of self.
I remember May 27, 2007 visiting Grandma at the Care Center. She seemed to be in good spirits and wanted to get some fresh air so we wheeled her to the patio to enjoy the spring weather. My daughter Hailey found a stick that was perfect for roasting marshmallows. Grandma and I chatted while Hailey proceeded to build a camp fire and open the make-believe bag of marshmallows. Quite suddenly Hailey pointed the stick at Grandma and said this one is for you. Without missing a beat Grandma Virginia reached out and perfectly grabbed that pretend marshmallow and eat. “ummmm good.” Shrills and giggles busted out of the little girls. Grandma smiled I could tell she was well pleased with her performance.
A few moments later she said she needed to go inside because “Jerry shouldn’t miss this.” I am so glad for my knowledge of the gospel and the Plan of Salvation. I know that Grandma is with Grandpa, her love, and with her parents and more importantly with Jesus. I know that life doesn’t end with death on this earth. Earthly death is just a continuation of spirit.
I hope my funeral is as good as Grandma’s. It was spiritually feeding and fulfilling. I love you Grandma!
Aubrey is more like her mother and would rather sleep on it!
The girls loved being in the mountains
Hailey, Hilary and Jonas
It's not a great picture because my camera isn't that great, but here are some of the bald eagles in the tree.
