In Memory of....

On March 9, 2010, I lost one of the loves of my life. My Grandmother passed away. At the age of 92 she was so many things, a daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother and great grand mother. In all aspects of life she was the most caring and loving woman. She touched so many lives in so many different ways. Grandma could speak volumes with just her eyes. They said "I love you", "yes, you can have the last cookie", "I miss you". "behave" and "your my princess".  I have so many wonderful memories of my grandma. It's so hard being so far away from the ones you love but the memories you have to hold onto for a lifetime. Grandma was a strong woman and a very strong Christian. My Grandma and Grandpa have passed these values down through generations and I couldn't ask for a better family.
Not many words were spoken when i was sitting with my Grandpa after my Grandma's funeral. He just reached over and held my hand, something Grandma used to do all the time. She would reach her tiny hand over and hold mine as we walked through the shopping mall, sat in church or were just walking through the neighborhood.
besides the way Grandma used to hold my hand, what I remember most is her kisses. They were so soft and so sweet, she would kiss your hand as she held it and then give it a little pat. Alot of times she would grab my face or lean over and kiss my cheek, she didn't have to say anything, you just knew you were loved.
My grandparents have definitely taught me alot about life. It may have taken me a long time to learn these things and open my eyes but I have them with me today and try my best to make them proud. My grandparents were married in 1938, 71 years.
The hardest thing I have ever had to do was leave my Grandpa and come back to NC.
At night when it's bedtime I close my eyes in hope that Grandma's kisses will find their way back to my cheek. I think right now Grandma's arms are wrapped around Grandpa where they belong.

Below is something my Grandpa wrote for my Grandma on their 50th anniversary and updated each anniversary after. October 18, 2003

As the year number seventy
Of our marriage rolls round
I look back and wonder
What makes it so sound

For all these years
Of this fruitful life
I'll just have to give the credit
To a wonderful wife

For she signed her name
And destined her fate
Clear back in the year
of nineteen thirty eight

It took lots of love
And no feeling for fame
To marry a guy with
Twenty eight bucks to his name

We've had a rich life
With things money can't buy
Which proves you can make it
If you both want to try

The honeymoon was brief
From the shortage of cash
But there were really no plans
For the great big bash

The first few years
Were of course a bit lean
As we worked out the rough spots
And found what marriage could mean

Uncle Sam then stepped in
To keep us apart
And when i returned
T'was a completely new start

The girls have both married
And there's grandkids of each
Just to make a comparison
I'd say three plumbs and two peach

Then along came the greats
Four sweet little gals
And you bet with great grandparents
They've become best of pals

To grandma and grandpa
They're pride of our life
and a joy we can share
As a husband and wife

The love that we see
In our family abound
We know that through Christ
Can only be found

All being a part
Of God's family you see
They even have some
To give back to me

And now we thank God
For the privilege we've had
And the joy to be called
Great Grandma and Grandad

And as I', permitted
To continue this life
I'm grateful to have had
This gal for my wife

-George W. Collins

1917 - 2010

I love you Grandma!