Things I Learned from Grandma

This blog is dedicated to my Great-grandma Lillian, who passed away last night...

Lillian Foreman Jones was a strong woman who loved God and her family. She wasn't a warm and fuzzy grandma, but she was loving and taught me and those around her so much in her 101 years. Grandma came to live with us when she was 95, just when her dimentia started to get the best of her. By this time she had outlived her parents, siblings, daughter, two grandchildren, and many others. Grandma Lillian went to church and Sunday school faithfully and was active in the United Order of Tents. Growing up with Grandma I always thought she lived such a simple, boring life that lacked excitement, but as I matured and spend the last 6 years with her I learned that there was so much more to Lillian Jones! I realize now that all I really needed to know, I learned from Grandma. These are just a few of the things that Grandma Lillian taught me:

1. How to cook ~ I spent many hot summers and long hours in Grandma's tiny kitchen watching her make homemade rolls, sugar cookies, applesauce, pound cakes...you name it. I didn't know it at the time, but she gave me the foundation to become the wonderful cook that I am (if I do say so myself). I enjoy feeding the people I love and am pretty sure that's how I hooked my husband Troy :~)

2. To be crafty ~ Grandma used to sew, crochet and paint ceramics. I'm sure she did much more, but those are the things I remember her doing growing up. I would sit with her in the dining room crocheting barbie clothes while she was turning out the hats and little booties that she loved to make and wear. As I got older I forgot who to crochet and as an adult I'd beg grandma to teach me to crochet again and she'd always reply "get a book!" So, now I knit, but I'm determined to learn how to make those hats!

3. To live life in moderation ~ I never understood why Grandma never wanted to move from the old house she was born in, drove fancier cars, or bought a larger TV. She only had 2 credit cards, always paid her bills on time and lived within her means. She drank beer everyday for as long as I could remember, but I never saw her drink more than one little glass. I learned later that this way of life was what kept Grandma from so stressed out while the rest of the world was trying to keep up with the Jones'. When I started working less to care for Grandma and made what seemed like sacrifices (at the time), I realized that I was really just cutting unnecessary things out and learning what was important.

4. To be an entrepreneur and work hard ~ Many hours of those hot summers were also spent in that little hair shop on Princess Anne Road, then in many kitchens with Grandma pressing and curling hair. She had clients coming over until she was 96 years old and tired of doing hair! Before doing hair, Grandma cooked at Norfolk Academy and worked at a cleaners. I'm sure she had many other jobs, but those are just the ones I know about. I always admired grandma's strong work ethic and have strived to always work hard and learn new skills as often as possible.

5. Always take care of family ~ When I was in elementary school, Grandma's husband had a stroke. He couldn't do much for himself and was confined to a hospital bed, but Grandma kept him at home. She'd blend his food up since he couldn't chew it and do everything for him so he didn't have to go to a home. When my mother LaVerne and grandma Harrietta were ill, Grandma slept on the couch and took care of them the same way. That's why I knew, when it came time to care for her, I'd do the same for Grandma Lillian.

It wasn't always easy, but I don't regret it for a second and am grateful that we had the chance to give Grandma the loving environment that she deserved, to live out the rest of her days in comfort. She was at home until the day she passed, only going to the hospital at the very end. She laid there peacefully as we held hands and prayed, then she drew her final breaths.

I am sad today, not for Grandma Lillian, but for those of us who feel the tremendous loss. I pray that we all can be so fortunate to live out our days peacefully, surrounded by people who love us.

~erin~