My last-living grandparent passed away today. Marion Wilson, my dad’s mom. She lived to be 89-years-old and had what I imagine to be a nice, long, quiet life. She was a perennial housewife, raised four children and for all I know, didn’t have any formal employment ever in her life. The time I spent with her mainly consisted of us watching soap-operas and lightly chatting about school, family and the nice girls I should be meeting. We also occasionally went to movie matinees and lunch at Captain D’s. I remember her reading a lot, mostly Danielle Steele romance type novels if my memory serves me right. When I was a kid, I spent many hours at her place, snitching licorice candies and playing with my favorite toy at her house – a Lite-Brite.
I, unfortunately, haven’t seen much of my grandmother in the past 8 years since I moved from Florida. From what I know, she’s gone steadily downhill for most of that time. The last time I saw her in October 2006, it was difficult to carry on a conversation, but it had been nice to just sit there and be with her and remember the conversations we used to have. I kick myself now for not visiting when I was in Florida when I returned home from traveling. I could make excuses for why I didn’t, but I won’t as it doesn’t matter now. It seems sometimes we don’t make enough time to visit relatives, especially older ones. Hopefully those out there that have elderly loved ones, you’ve kept up with them better than I have and can take the time to see them when you can.
I will be flying to Florida in the next day or so and will stay for a week, most likely returning to Seattle on the 9th.