I’ve never been one to take my family or time with them for granted, so it was real bummer when my Gma passed away a few weeks ago. Not only was she one of my best buddies, I know I inherited her brutal honesty, ornery streak and love of having my fingernails polished.
An ode to my Gma, HJ who recently passed away…
Always one to laugh at surprises…
…you took to my photobombing like it was one of your most treasured prizes.
You never let anyone forget…
…when it was time to celebrate you bigger than the national debt.
I learned from the best…
…how to celebrate my life full of zest.
Now seriously Gma, you taught me to party harder than Mae West.
A love of leopard you instilled….
…which is now being passed down to the next generation, who’s thrilled.
It’s so fun you two met at a skating rink…
…even if after 44 years you still had to steal kisses quicker than an eye blink.
Although I took after Gpa avoiding kisses, rather craving a hard drink…
…you always insisted on showing your love, making sure everyone was in sync.
Beauty sleep and a hairnet was apparently all that you needed…
…but truly it was your hair ‘dos that always succeeded.
So it was with glasses and confidence that I superseded…
…the grace and confidence that you always heeded.
I wish I would have felt more impeded.
The Iowa State Fair you never did love,
probably because you couldn’t wear foot gloves.
It will never be the same, not bringing you a corn dog…
…and discussing how I ate my way through the fair like a prize-winning hog.
Circled blacked out dates always meant you had a companion…
…you always loved attention bigger than the Grand Canyon.
Attending every homemade Christmas pageant we made…
…and most likely secretly prayed…
…that I would never end up a lonely old maid.
The first to pass of five sisters, who lived out their misters,
…you loved being pampered more than a fever blister.
Your nails were painted the day before you passed…
…and Jell-O shots without you will seem so miscast.
Regardless of view near or afar, life will never be the same…
…without you as my shining rock star.
I love you Gma.
Megan
Cowboys and Crossbones 
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Oh, so many goosebumps. What a lucky gma and a lucky Megs. xoxoxoxo
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This post touch me a lot and you made it so beautiful showing you unforgettably love and affections for her …………….rest in peace Gma !!
Appreciate your kind words! Gma is up there somewhere having a Jell-O shot!
Bless her and a big kiss to you !! 🙂
So sorry for your loss, Megan. This is a terrific ode to you Gma. What a lady, right down to the day before she passed. Wow, do I see her in you. And that’s a great compliment. RIP, Gma.
Awe, thanks a bunch Mark. My Gma was certainly a fun, spunky spirit and I’m thrilled you see me in her!
I lost my grandma last year. I know what you are feeling. You have my condolences. Sorry for your loss.
I appreciate your note. It sucks to have lost such a great buddy but I feel so fortunate to have had a grandma for so long. I’m sorry for your loss as well. XO
She looked like a fun lady to be around. I’m so sorry for your loss. I was worried when you didn’t pounce on my email or blog for awhile. I know you must miss her. I know you have fantastic memories of her and great stories.