She has always played a big part in my life. There are so many great memories of her. On the 5th of december this year we celebrated Sinterklaas. This had become a tradition in the last years. With Sinterklaas you give gifts to your family or whoever you celebrate it with. She had always been ready for Sinterklaas weeks and weeks before. This time, shopping for gifts was not an option anymore. She however still managed to give everyone a small piece of paper with some personel comments on them. I’ll treasure those.
The way i remember my grandmother is someone who was exceedingly strong. She went to college in a time that that was very rare for women. She became an apothecary and ran two apothecaries together with her husband. When she lost her husband at an early age, she continued the business and raising her 5 kids.
After retiring she had all the time in the world for her social life. The grandchildren had been joking for years that we would have to give her a mobile phone because you could never reach her as she was out every day. She played bridge, she played golf, she worked in the garden and she saw a lot of people.
The fondest memories i have were of playing golf with her, which she did till the age of 93. She was fanatic in her wish to win, and positively glowed if we, playing together, got a good score and especially if we won a price. She could be come amazingly irritated if it didn’t work out as she wanted, or if she didn’t play good enough for a price. However, only irritated with herself, never with some one else. Even though at that age her distance was not good, i learned that less distance but straight shots were very effective. Her puts saved the day on many occasions.
Other great memories were of spending summer with her at the sea-side. Everyone staying in her house. Family but even friends could come over. Eating dinner with 8-12 people in the dining room. At the beach. Getting an icecream once a day from her. Seeing the life guards help my grandmother to put up the chairs and wind breakers.
She had her own mind, which no one could change. Her opinions were strong and she kept to them. Until the last she didn’t want help, and tried everything to minimalise the help she got. She was living at home right until the end as she wanted. She had been independent her whole life, and wouldn’t accept that she needed some help in the last months.
She showed so much strength always, never complained about things, and had such a positive attitude. The grandchildren all doted on her. She’ll be severely missed.
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I am sorry to hear of your loss. It sounds like you have many wonderful memories of your grandmother to cherish. Peace to you and your family during this difficult time.
Thanks Evan for your kind words.