- She was a touch of old lance with a liberal splash of
fire and brimstone, kind, generous and loving - she was my grandmother.
-
- Grammy, as we affectionately knew her, was from a farming
community on Prince Edward Island and was one of 7 sisters who all eventually
became teachers. Her stout build harbored uncommon kindness and a chipper
personality. Despite fighting a lifetime battle with asthma, you could
always count on Grammy to make homemade bread when she would happen to
visit - thus was the case when last I saw her in 1972.
-
- After her visit with us she planned to travel by bus
to New York City, as she said, "To see the sights." It seemed
Grammy had discovered the utility of senior bus tours which afforded her
economical travel all over the US - something she would not have considered
otherwise.
-
- Before Grammy concluded her visit, she insisted on taking
a picture of the family. As we assembled on the driveway in front of our
house, I took notice of Grammy cupping an old box camera in her hands (Kodak
Brownie, circa 1920). It, as I would later come to understand, had been
her tireless companion on many adventures.
-
- We posed while Grammy focused the ancient relic of a
camera. I made a comment, "That sure is a fine camera, Grammy!"
My giggle was met by an immediate elbow to the ribs sharply granted by
my sister. As Grammy stared downward acquiring just the right shot, she
rolled to the left and right, then tilted forward and back. "It, sure
is." She agreed. "I paid two dollars for it when it was new.
The film then cost twenty cents." *Click!*
-
- We followed Grammy back to the kitchen for a cup of tea
and conversation before she left. She sat with the prehistoric camera cupped
in her hands which rested in her lap. I strategically sat myself outside
striking distance from my sister then commented, "That sure is a snazzy
camera Grammy, may I see it?" My rolling eyes were met by a disapproving
glare from my sister as Grammy turned towards me to immediately hand the
antiquated camera over. I studied it.
-
- As the others talked, their conversation was punctuated
by several of my comments which suggested I coveted that old leather-clad
dinosaur. Of course I didn't, but needling my sister was a great delight.
My remarks were met by her ever increasing and ominous stares suggesting,
"Just wait 'till she leaves. I'm tellin' mom!"
-
- Leave she did. Shortly after Grammy arrived back on the
island she passed away. My mother flew to the island to attend her funeral.
Upon my mother's return she handed me an old brown camera. In a broken
voice my mother said, "Grammy placed a note inside for you some time
ago, honey. She was very plan full." "Oh." Said I.
-
- With a breaking heart I retired to my room then read:
"Dear Lea, I have left you my camera because I know you like it. I
hope when you use it, you will see the world as I have. Love, Grammy."
-
- Ah, Grammy, I do see the world as you - I write to tell
people about it every week. Love, Lea.
-
-
- Visit our Columnists section for more of Lea's wonderful
writing.
-
-
- Comment
- From John
- 2-1-4
-
- Lea,
-
- Oxygen therapy for the soul!
-
- No need to dust off that 12 guage just yet.
-
- Keep it up,
-
- John
|
