My Gram

Saying goodbye to my Gram.

~~~
How can I put on paper
The memories through the years?
So many great times spent with Gram
Make me smile through my tears.

Reflecting back over time,
My Gram could always be found~
For all the holidays and birthday parties,
And for everyday life ~ she was around.

~~~
{Gram and I at Con's Halloween party 2009}

~~~
A lifetime of hugs and caring,
Of fierce, unconditional love.
Fun, happy times together:
That’s what my memories are of.

From home-canned pickles to egg-toast,
To the saltines and a “bunk” of cheese~
A snack at Gram’s kitchen table
Was always sure to please!

The sugar cookies pressed with a glass,
The chocolate oatmeal bars,
And a Little Debbie snack here and there
Will always be memories of ours.
~~~

{Austin, Andrew, and Abz with Gram, Summer 2009}

~~~
As a kid, going to Gram’s and Gramp’s
Was like a vacation every day!
Gram spoiled her grandkids lovingly,
And our only job was to play.

Making forts down in the field,
Sledding on the hill.
Fishin’ at the fishin’ hole~
Every visit was a thrill!

~~~
{Gram and Gramps with their Grandkids 1979?}

~~~
Hiding in the lilac bush
And the Lily of the Valley out back~
Gram wasn’t so worried about us crushing her flowers,
But she was scared of a rattlesnake attack.

And as the years passed the family grew
With marriages and great-grandchildren knee-deep.
Gram’s heart just grew to love them all,
And she became known as “Grandma Peep”.

~~~
{Gram and Con October 2009}

~~~
Our family has been so blessed
To have our Gram to love us all.
We will always miss you, Gram,
And your memory we’ll always recall.
~~~

Bernice Marie Strand
November 9, 1921 ~ May 7, 2010
Beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great-grandmother

miss you, Gram!