These days I have been struggling to find inspiration to write about anything on my blog. I can’t quite explain why – maybe its a combination of feeling stuck, being sick and having other priorities. It’s been about a year since my grandma passed away, and it was her birthday last month. As I was digging through my old documents getting ready for my first week of grad school, I found a piece that I wrote for my grandmothers funeral last year. It felt fitting to share this as a tribute to her in this time of busy-ness and stress because I am reminded of her advice to take care of myself and to remember what is important and it makes me miss her so much. I will forever be proud to carry some of her blood with me and I can only hope that I become half the woman she was.
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Grandma Mork
Some of my most fond memories as a kid are with my grandma and grandpa Mork. The four hour drive from Cambridge to Worthington seemed to take forever at ten years old, especially when you knew who was waiting to greet you on the other end – usually with some sort of homemade baked good and a warm and sweet smelling hug.
Grandma was always one looking out for us. One Christmas, I remember it was very cold and we were playing outside. When I came in my cheeks had that reddish white splotchy pre frostbite look to them and grandma was beside herself to get me some hot cocoa and tell me to be careful in the cold. Maybe I was kind of being scolded for not paying attention, but I remember that moment because I think I understood that she would always be watching out for me.
Other favorite memories with grandma and grandpa Mork include: my cousin, Kathleen and I’s trip to La Jolla with them. At that point in our lives we were set on being dolphin trainers together so it was the dream trip for us. We came home happy and with dreams of starring in our own dolphin show. I got on the plane with a stuffed manatee (don’t ask), and Kath with a stuffed dolphin.
Exploring Ireland with grandma and grandpa with John and Carolyn – I knew it was a special trip, but I will treasure those times of being able to show them my stomping grounds and seeing some family history. Watching grandma Mork listen to the organ play in the big Cathedral in Cork will be seared into my mind forever. She was on cloud nine.
Having them in the next town over during college was such a comfort. They always wanted to have my friends over for dinner or take me out to lunch. I also had the privilege of living with grandma and grandpa at their Blackheath house for about a month during college. The pace at their house was just right for me and it was a special time of talking about life, sharing meals together and just being.
Trips to Arizona were such a highlight of the year. To get out of the car and smell the orange blossoms and fresh cut grass and be welcomed with homemade applesauce, hugs and a listening ear was such a breath of fresh air. Bringing my friend Taylor to visit was one of the best times with them and I will never forget the hospitality and grace that grandma and grandpa exuded to a perfect stranger. Grandma is ever the warmest and most humble host.
Grandma Mork cared and she showed it with a quiet, but strong and humble spirit. Always asking about me, making sure others needs were met before hers. She was always the first one to send letters and cards to camp (sorry mom), even in the last month, and always consistent in replying to emails.
As an adult, I can only be grateful for all the time spent with her. The things she has embodied with her life and taught to each person that encountered her are too many to name. Forever humble, kind, easy to listen, full of grace and strength – I will miss her.
Love you Grandma.