My Grandma Moss died last week, on February 4, 2011. Since I wrote you about my Great Grandma, I decided to write about what I have learned from my Grandma. She was a wonderful woman whom I loved very much. I was asked to speak at her funeral so I shared this letter as my talk.
I learned that juice is always better when mixed with other drinks -- but water is the best drink of all.
I learned that being old is liberating, because you can say whatever you want and everybody just passes it off as you being old (that's what she told me). For example, my cousin Peter, his friend Mike, my friend Rachel, and I went to California during my freshman year of college to visit Grandma for Thanksgiving. We played one of her favorite games, Therapy, which always turned out awkward. During the game, she commented that Rachel and Peter should "get to know each other better". I was definitely thinking it, but never would have said anything. It was awkward for the rest of us. It turned out well though...they got married!
I learned how to paint -- but not even close to as well as Grandma could.
I learned how to appreciate fall and fall colors. She loved the fall season. She took me and Emily on a cruise up the eastern seaboard one October when I was a teenager just so she could see all of the fall leaves.
I learned how to properly set a table. NEVER use the dessert fork as the dinner fork.
I learned what happens to a girl when she grows up. I was nine or ten years old and we were on a drive to California with her. I didn't get it.
I learned that sleeping is always the best remedy -- even if your bed is a bench at Legoland.
I learned that pie is always better if eaten before dinner, especially at Marie Callenders.
More importantly, Grandma Moss taught me that family is the most important thing in this life. She always remembered and acknowledged everything we did. She sent cards for all occasions. She taught me that our ancestors are just as important. She was always recording and doing family history. One time she took me and my sister Emily to the Family History Library. We spent the whole day trying to find an ancestor named John Hocking. She still hasn't found him. In December she told me that when she died she was going to find him and chew him out for not helping her find him. Well Grandma -- now you are going to have to help us.
I learned how to be a strong, independent woman. She as well educated (had her Master's degree) and had a good career teaching. One time Emily and I were singing the Barry Manilow song "Can't smile without you" because we liked it. She scolded us and told us that we had better NEVER let a man dictate how we feel about ourselves and our lives.
Lastly, Grandma taught me how to be a good, faithful member of the church. She had a strong testimony and way always doing service when she could. She served in the Los Angeles temple for several years. She would express her love of the church, of Heavenly Father, and Jesus Christ every time I talked to her.
I will miss Grandma a lot but know that she is so much happier now. She is with her sweetheart and rid of her sick, broken body. I am thankful for all I have been able to learn from her, and I hope that I can pass it on to you, Madeline.
Love, Mom
Grandma Moss holding you after your blessing. She was so proud of you!
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