My grandmother was an inspiring human who was resilient, kind, wise, loving, and hardworking.
If you knew her well, you most likely received a handwritten letter about what was happening with her life, and asking you what was going on with yours. I am happy to have kept my Grandma Ginnie letters over the years.
One of my favorite memories was when Grandma Ginnie first met my daughter Lucy as a baby. Grandma had only met my wife Vironica once before, and Vironica was still fairly shy around my family. Grandma Ginnie wanted to take Lucy on a walk in her stroller but got her name confused with my wife’s name. Unaware that Grandma Ginnie mixed up their names, Vironica nervously agreed to go. I, fully aware of the mix-up, found it very entertaining to see Grandma Ginnie’s insistence to walk Vironica, and even encouraged it, as my wife confusedly began to put on her shoes. To Vironica’s relief, grandma Ginnie packed up Lucy into the stroller and went on a walk.
Another fond memory was a time I had a meal with Grandma Ginnie sitting at window with mountain views. As a storm rolled in over the mountain, she commented on how she always loved thunder storms and segued into a beautiful, personal story from her youth. The poetic comparison between the storm and that period in her life made me feel so privileged to have this special memory with her. I will always keep that conversation close to my heart and remember her when I see a storm on the horizon.
A testament to her hardiness was the fact that she had 9 fingers. When I was a boy, I asked her how she lost her 10th. She replied, “The washboard took it from me.” Upon seeing my wide-eyed disbelief, she raised her hand, fingers outstretched, allowing me to press the knuckle where the finger once sat. Her childhood and early years on Slisher Farms made her tough, calm, and gave her the grit I’ve tried to emulate in my own life.
I’m going to miss my Grandma Ginnie. I cherish the photos I have of her chatting with my eldest child, and of her holding my second. The last time I saw her we talked about my third. I hope to keep her memory alive telling my children the many legends of Grandma Ginnie.
