My Grandma

[sylvers]

My grandma has not been with us for many years now.  She's been gone about 27 I think, but sometimes I miss her so much!  I would like to ask her a bazillion questions and draw on her wisdom and experience if I could.  You see my grandma used to provide a type of foster care exclusively for Down Syndrome children. 

I remember only two little girls, Patsy and Tina, who lived with her when I was a little girl.  We came all the way to Washington from Ohio to visit.  (My dad was in the air-force)  These two little girls were still in her care until sometime after my grandpa died and it became too much for her.  (family pressure?)  We had moved back here by then when my dad retired from the air-force.  I don't know many of the details except that grandma insisted that they never go to a "home" but to families that would love them, and they did.

I would love to ask my mom and dad some questions about grandma and the children she cared for but my family has "issues" that make it difficult.  Although unspoken, they have had a tough time accepting the fact that their only granddaughter has DS.  They are on their own journeys and are still processing.  They do love her though.

I have seen only one of the girls (grown up now)  since, unfortunately at a family member's funeral but was mesmerized and a little frightened I am ashamed to say.   This was several years ago now and I had just begun this journey, my little angel was not very old and I was still shell-shocked from all the medical and such.  My aunt told me that she was working and doing well and was happy. 

I'm so proud of my grandma today.  In all I think she provided care to at least 6 children because at the time they would send people with DS to these "homes" and that would break her heart.  She had such a large capacity to love.  I remember she was so calm and patient and never raised her voice.  I remember  that she loved Jesus too at a time when I could have cared less.  I know she must have prayed for me. 

Anyways, who would have guessed that years after her death I would have a child with DS?  And who would have guessed that when I was nothing but a snotty teenager that I would regret not getting to know her better.  Maybe she could have prepared me in some way, or I could have seen more of what she did and drawn from her experience.

I miss my grandma, but someday I will see her again and we will have an eternity to talk.  I look forward to that.

[mom2Alex2004]

Aug. 29, 2007 at 8:38 AM God Bless you for loving your Grandma so much!

[Momtomikayla]

Sep. 4, 2007 at 1:38 PM

I miss my amazing gramma, too. Esther. I wanted to name my daughter after her but everyone hated the idea & I caved in. Gramma would understand, she didn't like her name either! I see gramma every once in awhile. She will smile at me through Mikayla's sweet face. It's not just a resemblance. It's my gramma's smile & the twinkle in her eyes. Not always there, but when it shows up, it's very precious!

Thanks for sharing your grandma with us!