My Grandma

 My Grandma Hilda passed away on Tuesday, December 30th at 3:35 p.m. I have been dreading writing about this, almost as if it would not be real if seen in print.

Words can't even begin to describe how amazing this woman was to everyone she met, and she was and will continue to be an influence over how I would like to be as both a mom, and someday, a grandma.

She was my last, living grandparent, so I feel like I have lost a very special part of my family. No one spoils, bakes, and cooks for me, or smiles and laughs at everything I say, quite like Grandma did. When I was younger (up until I was about 19!), she would bake me her special biscuits every time I was sick because she knew how much I loved them. When I was 17 and died my hair purple, she was the only one who told me she loved it. It doesn't matter if she was lying through her teeth; the way she smiled and patted my hand felt sincere, and she always made me feel like the only one in the room, although she had the same love, affection, and kind words for every one of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

I am thankful we were able to spend one last Thanksgiving with her, but Christmas will be quite hard. We have spent every Christmas Eve since I was a child at her home, with a big dinner and presents. Of course, she always came to my parents for the annual Christmas Day brunch and more presents.

There are so many little things I will miss. I have never once seen her in a mad mood-how many people can you say that about?? She loved everyone and was always smiling and friendly. Her cooking and baking. Her notes and cards. A couple of days ago, I came across a note she wrote me a few years ago, thanking me for inviting her and Dave over for a dinner of stir-fry. She was the only person I know who would write and mail a letter for everything:) Being a GG (Great-Grandma). They all loved and adored her, and Max often walks around asking for his GG.

Once thing I was really looking forward to was discussing my upcoming trip to Israel. She went with my Grandpa for their 25th wedding anniversary, and she always said it was the best trip she had taken. She was very excited when I told her I would be going, and when I took her our trip itinerary, she had been to almost every place I will visit. She excitedly told me about some of the locations, food, people, etc., and her enthusiasm made me even more excited about going. However, until I actually visit, I won't have those same images and stories she was trying to convey, so we had a plan that I would bring home a lot of pictures, and we would sit and talk about the common sites. I am literally crying right now at the thought we will never get to have that conversation.

I love you, Grandma!