Monday, February 11, 2013

Things I Learned from GG.

Today is the second anniversary of losing my grandmother, affectionately dubbed GG by her great grandchildren.  Her loss was sudden, even though she was 93 years old.  She is still in my thoughts constantly, especially the memories that make me smile.  There are things I learned from GG which will never be forgotten, which I will have to share with Biggest and Littlest.   gg2Who couldn’t benefit from a little GG wisdom?

  • Speak your mind.  I don’t think there is a family member who will say GG didn’t have a mind of her own and wasn’t afraid to share it.  While there were a few times I wished she had a filter, at least GG was not afraid to make her story known. 
  • Carry a handkerchief. You never know when you will need one. I have a stack of GG’s old hankies hidden away for Biggest and Littlest to carry on their wedding days (or any other important day in which they will need a hanky).
  • Sometimes it is OK to be stubborn.  I think GG was independent as long as she was because of her stubbornness.  She was working, driving herself around, and living alone well into her mid 80’s.  It kept her sharp and I think it made her feel alive.  Find what makes you feel alive and hang on to it.  Be stubborn.
  • Have a signature drink. My sister, my cousin and I try to meet for a drink twice a year to celebrate the beginning and end of GG’s life.  Of course, we choose her signature drink.  GG was always known for her love of rum and cokes (no lime, because that would be a Cuba Libre).   If GG and Carrie Bradshaw (Sex and the City) could have a signature drink, why shouldn’t everyone else?  My only debate is does red wine count as a signature drink or is it too broad.
  • Cheat at cards.  GG was a master card player.  Of course, she cheated like the devil when it came to cribbage and other card games.   Now, I am not encouraging cheating, because that would be wrong. I am encouraging being cunning.  GG chose to use her cunning for wrongdoing (yes, I think cheating your grandkids out of quarters is slightly wrong), but at least she possessed the guile and the gumption to try, even up to the end of her days.

gg1

In loving memory of Lorraine “GG” Williams

August 16, 1917 – February 11, 2011

2 comments:

  1. That is so sweet. Your GG reminds me of my Granny who I also miss very much. Among the myriad of life lessons and skills she taught me, Granny taught me how to play Rook (card game) and poker, and for my 21st birthday took me to the "boats" to go gambling (in Biloxi). I miss her everyday. Thanks for sharing your GG with us. :)

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  2. It is so funny how grandmother's provide so many life lessons that we do not embrace until later in life. My grandmother too is stubborn, speaks her mind, and cheats at cards. She doesn't drink and believes that you should always have a stick of gum and roll of lifesavers (over the handkerchief in your GG's case). Thank you for sharing!

    -jessica

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