As grandchildren, our view of Grandma Ginny is a little different than those of her children and friends. We knew her after many of the more difficult times in her life. She didn't "spoil" us ... I think we turned out just fine ... as she had high expectations for us (especially our behavior), but she still shined her love upon us.
For us, we remember her inviting us to help in making some of her amazing food. Our "help" often involved standing on a stool next to her as she taught us how to stir, or knead, or blend.
We remember those amazing treats: her desserts ... that wonderful fudge and marsh-mellow cake ... her dinners, and even her popcorn (I particularly remember her making kettles full of amazing popcorn), all were amazing. These amazing foods were part of her dedication to everything she put her mind to. We learned that anything worth doing was worth doing well.
She was not a fan of idleness. We would often have to remind each other "to be quiet or Grandma will find something for us to do." Still, she taught us the value of work, the importance of putting forth a good appearance, and to devoting ourselves to the tasks before us.
We remember her support in our endeavors. She with Grandpa came all the way to Michigan to see our performances, concerts, meets, and matches.
For us, Grandma and Grandpa were a nearly inseparable pair. Rarely, if ever, would we see anything but a unified front. And while this could be a problem when trying to get out of chores, it also taught us what a loving relationship, a partnership should be. Together, they provided for us an example to bring to our own relationships. For our greatest impression of Grandma is of a loving guardian, one who is looking our for us right now, showering us with love ...
A love that transcends age, and infirmity, and even death.
The following is from Cynthia, who graciously added her eulogy to my comments section:
For those who do not know, I am Cynthia. I'd like to follow my cousin and briefly mention what a couple things about being on the younger half of the grandchildren to the amazing woman we've all gathered to say good bye to.
Let's start with the never ending supply of food. I'm not talking about her goulash, the second helping of goulash, the apple pancakes or even her amazing chocolate cake covered in marshmallows. I'm talking about the orange tic tacs and m&ms! Every grandchild knew there was a stash somewhere near by.
Next there was the card game nertz and the amazing ability she had to win. I'm not sure about others but I always wanted to be on her team because that meant you had a guarantee win. And even if it wasn't because you had the most points you came away from the game feeling like a winner because you were on her team. There may have been that added bonus that if she didn't win it was only because she "knew" the opponents cheated.
Finally as a grandchild of Ginny no matter where you fell in the line up, you always knew you were loved. Just sitting with her there was a calmness. A smile on her face and a smile on your own. The only difficult time with my grandma was, and always will be, saying good bye. I would go in for a hug and receive her loving embrace. The words "I'll see you soon" would be spoken.
I love you grandma, and I'll see you soon.