Today, September 8, is my grandmother’s birthday. She is in heaven now. I lost her 2 years ago, and cannot fill her void. I adored my grandmother, and thank God for her wonderful 100 years life.
She was the wise one in the family and the voice of logic and reason. She survived the depression, outlived 3 husbands, was the oldest of 7 children, and was disease free.
She was feisty, strong, and funny.
My grandmother was famous for her friendly chuckle and she always warmed a room when she entered.
People often ask me, if you had one wish in life, what would it be. That is simple. I want one more day with my grandma.
At her graveside ceremony, we returned her to her childhood home…Arkansas. My mother was able to find a local, Arkansas Methodist preacher to help us lay Grandma Polly’s body to rest, and send her soul to heaven. He asked us if we had anything to say during a small family gathering. I literally couldn’t breathe and for the first time in my life, I was speechless. I sat quietly, staring in the distance, and just cried, and cried, and cried. Everybody in my family knew my silence was total GRIEF.
Well, today is her birthday, and I’d like to share what I didn’t have the strength to say at her sweet and humble ceremony in Cabbot, Arkansas.
I learned everything WITH my grandmother. Polly taught me how to fish, garden, flirt, and burp.
The things I learned from my grandmother are a part of my thoughts daily. The things my grandmother said pass through my lips unconsciously.
My family relishes our little pearls of wisdom and wit from Grandma Polly.
Below are some of my favorite Polly quotes with which I grew up.
“Tomorrow’s another day”
“Grease your face every night with Lady Ester cold cream, and only rub up!”
“Wear a good support bra from Sears to hold up your bosom”
“Never depend on a man”
“To find the best blackberries, you’ll have to get a few ticks”
“If your going to smoke, smoke a grapevine”
“Marry a man who will teach your children to respect you”
“How to flirt? drop a handful of coins in front of a handsome man and see if he offers to pick them up”
“Use real butter”
“Cook with a cast iron skillet”
“Drink REAL Dr. Pepper, no diet drinks”
“Stay OUT of the sun!”
“She has a NON PLUS personality”
“Mix your chocolate bar with your popcorn at the movies”
“Worrying won’t do you any good but make you sick”
“Stress will kill you”
“A good beer and a burp are good for you every now and then”
If you ever have the wonderful chance to be called “Grandma” I celebrate you and challenge you to be like my Grandma Polly…a grandparent that defines the lives of your grandchildren by living and loving life WITH them.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY GRANDMA, I LOVE YOU AND I MISS YOU!
Kelli Finglass 