Grandma Dalrymple

It has taken me a while to put this blog together.  I have been having trouble wrapping my head around what I want to write and how to do it.  I have so many things in my brain, and just having difficulty expressing myself.  I, along with my cousin Helen, my brother John and my cousin Carlie (via email), did a eulogy at my Grandma's funeral a few weeks ago and it was very difficult, but glad I was able to do it.  It is so hard to put a lifetime of memories into just a few words, and I think that is what I am struggling with here. 

My Grandma Dalrymple was a true woman.  Classy, elegant, graceful, traditional, and above all else, did everything she could to take care of her family and friends.  She was always perfectly dressed, in a dress, heels, a scarf and a broach.  Her hair done, her nails done and full make up.  I think i only saw my Grandma in pants once in my life that I remember, she always wore a dress.  There was a great photo in the slide show at the feneral that showed my Grandma outside her house, on a stepladder cleaning her windows, wearing heels and a silk scarf!  It was fabulous, I wish I had it to put on here! She put that extra effort into everything she did to make sure it was perfect, and she took great pride in herself, her home and her family.  She was sweet, caring, and actually had a great sense of humour that showed itself at the most surprising times. 

The first thing you would notice if you went to visit my Grandmother, was how her house was decorated.  Each season had it's own set of decorations, every holiday, and special occassion. It started at the front door, continued into the dining room table with a beautiful centerpiece and flowed through the house up into the sun porch upstairs.  The next thing you would notice walking into my Grandma's house was the AMAZING smell.  Something awesome was always cooking and it would fill the house and make your mouth water. 

My Grandma was a cook like no other.  She could take the simplest meal and make it into something fancy and beautiful.  Rice Krispie Squares were made with shaved chocolate and cut up marachino cherries on top (and we could eat as much as we wanted because "it is just cereal"), no sandwich ever had a crust on it and always came with a gherkin pickle, mashed potaoes were as fluffy as clouds and topped with melted butter a dusting of parsley and a bit of paprika for colour.  We would eat dinner meals in the dining room, and it was served on the good china, and the turkey or roast or whatever was carved by my Grandfather right at the table (so traditional).  Drinks had bendy straws, and there was always a desssert.  My Grandmother taught me how important these family meals are, how nice it is to take pride in your meal, that the presentation of it does make it taste better, and that you should use your good dishes, because every occassion is a special one.

As kids we spent lots of special time with Grandma reading books, colouring and talking.  I remember that I would spend time sitting at her kitchen table colouring or drawing while Grandma puttered around the kitchen.  She would whistle along with the radio, be cooking supper, maybe talking on the phone (she LOVED to talk on the phone), and making sure everyone had everything they needed.  I loved to watch her cooking and to just be there with her.  Every now and again I might "sneak" to the dining room to get a treat from her candy dish, and even though I am sure she knew, she never stoppped me. When not sitting with her in the kitchen, I would be cuddled up in lots of blankets, sitting in front of the fire place relaxing on the armchair pillow.  Grandma always made sure you felt warm and cozy, and took care of you.

There are so many other things, but one last "lesson" that my Grandma helped teach me, is the value of a handwritten note.  In the day and age of technology, emails and text messages, cards and letters are becoming passe.  I, however, am still a card person and a letter writer.  There is something so special about getting mail, actual mail.  Grandma used to write us letters and cards, not only on birthdays and holidays, but just "because", to let us know she was thinking about us.  Often there would be a sticky note (Grandma, loved sticky notes) on a five dollar bill, saying "for a little treat".  I have many of these cards saved from over the years because it meant so much to just get that "wee note".  That few minutes out of your day can mean so much to someone.  I send cards, and they always have a little message and I used to write letters on a regular basis to both my Grandmothers, I really will miss that time and that connection to them both. 

There are so many more memories and thoughts, but I think I will save some of those just for me.  My Grandmother was a great woman.  She raised two amazing children in my Father and Aunt Barbara, who have in turn raised fabulous children and are now Grandparents themselves, what great luck for all of our kids!  The traditions my Grandmother taught us live on through all of us "cousins".  I am so fortunate to be a part of the family my Grandmother helped create, and to be surrounded by the legacy she has left behind.  I know, in some ways my Grandmother was "ready" to go.  It is still extremely difficult to say good bye, but I know she is in a happier place with my Grandfather, and her loved ones that have passed before her. 

I love you Grandma and will miss you.  One day I hope my Grandchildren will talk about my amazing mashed potatoes (I still don't have them mastered, but am getting closer), seasonal decorations and the wee notes I send to them just to tell them I love them. 

Reading books with Grandma

 

Books and cuddles

At my cousin Helen's Wedding

Meeting "William" for the first time

(My Grandma always used everyone's full names)

 

William having some cuddles

(Please note the pretty dress and scarf through out these photos... even though she was in an assisted living facilty the last years, she took the time to get dressed up, everyday.  Very classy woman)

Making himself right at home in Great Grandma's bed for a snack

(Carson met Great Grandma on this visit, but she didn't feel up to holding him, so that is why I don't have a picture of the two of them together.)

 Some classics to end with....

Beautiful!

A happy young couple

(Grandma and Grandpa Dalrymple - maybe as they are again now)

At her wedding

Grandpa and Grandma Dalrymple

(love)